Who is responsible for making the best value decision in selecting a contractor?

The responsibility for making the best value decision in selecting a contractor lies with the Source Selection Authority (SSA). The SSA is tasked with evaluating proposals based on multiple criteria to ensure that the selected contractor offers the most advantageous combination of price and performance. This decision-making role is crucial as it involves a thorough assessment of technical capabilities, past performance, and cost considerations, thereby determining the best value for the government or organization involved.

In the context of the selection process, other roles, such as the Proposal Assessment Officer or Contracting Officer, support the SSA by providing analysis and recommendations based on the proposals received. While the Contracting Officer has the authority to enter into contracts and administer them, the actual decision regarding which contractor to select based on best value ultimately resides with the SSA. The Business Process Owner typically focuses on the overall management and effectiveness of business processes rather than directly engaging in the contractor selection decision.

By identifying the SSA as the key decision-maker, you recognize the specialized responsibility this role has in balancing various evaluation factors to arrive at a well-informed, strategic decision in contractor selection.