Which of the following are criteria used to evaluate supplier bids in Medical Stores procurement?

• A. Attendance of supplier staff at training.
• B. Color of branding on supplier logo.
• C. Price, quality/specifications, delivery lead time, past performance, after-sales service.
• D. Number of offices the supplier has.

Answer: (C)

Evaluating supplier bids in Medical Stores procurement centers on value for money and reliability. The best answer highlights price, quality or specifications, delivery lead time, past performance, and after-sales service. Price considers the total cost of obtaining and using the products, not just the sticker price. Quality and specifications ensure the items meet required medical standards and technical requirements, which is essential for patient safety and regulatory compliance. Delivery lead time matters to keep stock levels aligned with demand and to avoid stockouts in health facilities. Past performance provides evidence that the supplier has previously delivered reliably, met quality expectations, and followed terms, reducing risk. After-sales service covers warranties, spare parts availability, maintenance, and responsive support, which sustain usable stock and ongoing operation.

The other options aren’t aligned with how bids are meaningfully judged: training attendance reflects potential capability but not proven performance on a contract; branding color has no impact on product quality or delivery; and the number of offices doesn’t reliably indicate a supplier’s ability to meet supply demands.