QCBS (Quality and Cost Based Selection) is an evaluation methodology where the final score is a weighted combination of technical quality and price. The winner is not necessarily the cheapest bidder — it is the bidder with the best combined quality-plus-price score.
QCBS was introduced into government procurement to shift evaluation away from pure price competition (L1), which historically led to underbidding, poor delivery, and failed projects. For complex services, turnkey works and consultancy, QCBS is now the preferred evaluation method at GIL, many central ministries, and most service-intensive state departments.
The most common QCBS split is 70:30 — 70% weight on technical quality, 30% on price. Some tenders use 60:40 (quality-heavy for complex projects) or 80:20 (rare, used for highly specialised services). The split is always specified in the RFP.
Technical evaluation (the 70% portion) is scored across 4–6 criteria that vary by tender, but typically include: firm experience and turnover (15–25 marks), relevant project references (20–30 marks), team qualifications (15–20 marks), technical approach and methodology (20–25 marks), infrastructure and tools (5–10 marks). Each criterion has a maximum mark and a minimum threshold (usually 60–70% of max) to qualify.
Price evaluation (the 30% portion) is scored relative to the lowest price. The formula is: Price Score = (Lowest Price / Your Price) × 100 × 0.3. If you are the cheapest, you get full price marks. If you are 20% higher, your price score is proportionally lower.
To win under QCBS, you need to clear the technical cutoff first — typically 70 or 75 out of 100 marks. Only technically qualified firms have their financial bids opened. The firm with the highest combined quality + price score wins, not the cheapest.
BidShakti reads the evaluation matrix in the RFP and maps the scoring criteria to your company profile and document vault. It produces a marks-for-us estimate — showing how many technical marks you are likely to score under each criterion, where you fall short, and whether you cross the qualification threshold. This lets you decide whether to bid before investing time in the proposal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between QCBS and L1?
L1 is pure lowest-price selection — the cheapest qualified bidder wins. QCBS weights quality (technical proposal) alongside price. Under QCBS, a bidder with slightly higher price but significantly better technical score can win. QCBS is used for services & consultancy; L1 is more common for commodity supply.
What documents improve my QCBS technical score?
The most impactful documents are: government client work-order/completion certificates for similar projects, ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certificates, CVs of proposed team members showing relevant experience, and a clear methodology / project plan. BidShakti's "Check my documents" scan shows which of these you have in your vault.
Can I win QCBS tenders if I am not the cheapest?
Yes, and this is exactly why QCBS exists. If your technical score is significantly higher than competitors, you can afford to price above the lowest bidder and still win on combined score. BidShakti's QCBS estimate helps you model this before submitting.
Is 70:30 or 80:20 better for me as a smaller firm?
80:20 (or quality-heavy splits) favour firms with strong technical credentials regardless of price. 70:30 balances both. As a smaller firm with fewer large references, 60:40 (more price weight) tenders may be more winnable, but price competition becomes intense. BidShakti's go/no-go verdict factors in which split you face.
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