Bid/No-Bid Evaluator
A structured decision-making framework for evaluating Proof-of-Concept (PoC) and Pilot project opportunities, designed to provide consistent, evidence-based GO/NO-GO recommendations.
What This Tool Does
- Scores opportunities across 12 criteria in 4 categories
- Calculates weighted final score (0-5 scale)
- Provides clear recommendation: GO / CONDITIONAL / NO-GO
- Supports reviewer sign-off workflow
- Documents rationale for audit trail
AI-Powered Features
BYOKAccelerate your evaluations with AI assistance while maintaining full control. All AI features use your own API keys (Bring Your Own Key) - your data never passes through our servers.
Document Auto-Assessment
Upload RFPs, proposals, or project documents (PDF, Word, Text). AI analyzes content and pre-fills all 12 scoring criteria with suggested scores and rationale.
Score Suggestions
Click the AI button on any criterion to get a suggested score based on your notes and project context. Each suggestion includes detailed rationale.
Report Generation
Generate executive summaries, risk analysis narratives, and GO/NO-GO recommendation rationale for stakeholder communication.
How BYOK Works
Configure your API keys in Settings. Keys are encrypted in your browser using AES-256 - we never see or store them. When you use AI features, requests go directly to your chosen provider (OpenAI, Gemini, or Azure).
When to Use This Tool
Use This Tool When:
- • Evaluating a new PoC or Pilot opportunity
- • Client is asking for a paid proof-of-concept
- • Need to decide whether to bid on a project
- • Want to document the decision rationale
- • Multiple stakeholders need to align on GO/NO-GO
- • Comparing multiple opportunities for prioritization
Not Suitable For:
- • Full project evaluation (different criteria needed)
- • Partner/vendor assessment (use Partner tool instead)
- • Internal project prioritization
- • Post-project reviews or retrospectives
- • Resource allocation decisions
What You'll Get
Methodology
This tool combines established frameworks from management consulting, project management, and sales qualification to create a balanced evaluation approach.
1. Weighted Scoring Model (PMI)
Based on the Project Management Institute's project selection methodology, each criterion is assigned a weight reflecting its importance to the decision. The final score is the sum of (score × weight) across all criteria.
2. MECE Framework (McKinsey)
Categories are designed to be Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive, ensuring no overlap and complete coverage of decision factors. The four categories (Win Probability, Business Value, Technical Feasibility, Risk) cover all aspects of a PoC decision.
3. Bid/No-Bid Decision Matrix (Shipley)
Inspired by Shipley Associates' capture management methodology, this tool uses threshold-based decisions. Scores above certain thresholds lead to GO, while scores below thresholds or triggered vetoes lead to NO-GO.
4. BANT Qualification (IBM)
The PoC Readiness Checklist incorporates BANT principles (Budget, Authority, Need, Timeline) to verify prerequisites are in place before proceeding.
5. Veto Authority (Risk Management)
Critical criteria (Technical Complexity, Partner Dependency, Quality Risk) can trigger automatic NO-GO regardless of aggregate score. This prevents high commercial scores from overriding fundamental delivery risks.
Scoring System
Categories & Weights
| Category | Weight | Lead | Veto Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Win Probability | 35% | Business Reviewer | - |
| B. Business Value | 25% | Business Reviewer | - |
| C. Technical Feasibility | 25% | Technical Reviewer | Yes (C1) |
| D. Risk Assessment | 15% | Technical Reviewer | Yes (D1, D2) |
Score Scale (1-5)
All Criteria
Decision Rules
| Final Score | Conditions | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Any | VETO triggered (C1=1, D1=1, or D2=1) | NO-GO |
| Any | 3+ checklist items NO without mitigation | NO-GO |
| ≥ 4.0 | All P items addressed | GO |
| 3.5 - 3.9 | All P items addressed | GO WITH MONITORING |
| 3.0 - 3.4 | All P items addressed | CONDITIONAL |
| < 3.0 | Any | NO-GO or ESCALATE |
GO
Proceed with full confidence. Submit proposal and allocate resources.
GO WITH MONITORING
Proceed with enhanced oversight. Schedule weekly risk reviews.
CONDITIONAL
Proceed only if documented conditions are met before final commitment.
NO-GO
Do not pursue. Communicate decline or escalate to leadership if strategic.
Sources & References
Project Management Institute (PMI)
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), 7th Edition. Chapter on Project Selection Methods and Weighted Scoring Models.
pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standardsMcKinsey & Company
MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) framework for structured problem solving. Rasiel, E. (1999). The McKinsey Way. McGraw-Hill.
Shipley Associates
Bid/No-Bid Decision Making and Capture Management methodology.Shipley Capture Guide, 3rd Edition.
shipleywins.comBANT Framework (IBM)
Budget, Authority, Need, Timeline - Sales qualification methodology developed by IBM in the 1960s. Widely adopted for opportunity qualification.
Gartner
IT Vendor Risk Management frameworks and scoring methodologies. Risk assessment principles adapted for partner dependency evaluation.
gartner.comProbability of Win (Pwin) Analysis
Government contracting and defense industry standard for quantifying win probability. Adapted for commercial PoC evaluation. Lohfeld, B. (2012). Proposal Guide for Business Development.
Workflow
Preparer Creates Evaluation
Bid Manager or Pre-Sales creates new evaluation and fills project information.
Score All Criteria
Preparer gathers information and scores each criterion with rationale.
Complete Checklist
Verify all PoC readiness items, add mitigations for any NO items.
Business Review
Business Reviewer validates Category A & B, commercial assumptions, adds comments.
Technical Review
Technical Reviewer validates Category C & D, technical assessment, may exercise VETO.
Final Decision
Both reviewers approve, system generates recommendation, proceed accordingly.
Ready to Start?
Create a new PoC evaluation or view existing evaluations.