A structure and scoring method for judging alternatives

A method is described for organizing, evaluating, and classifying contestants in a competition. The technique facilitates the task of decision making by introducing orderliness of approach, quantification technique, and mathematical processing to the subjective problem of judging alternatives. The system is essentially two-phased: 1) an organizational structure that is simply adjusted to encompass the particular subject under consideration; and 2) a rank ordering evaluation and accumulation scheme leading to a numerical assessment for each competitor, which is insensitive to overriding superiority in specific capabilities and demands balanced excellence. The usual vagaries of assigning weights to particular categories are avoided and the lack of defined specifications normally arising in cost-reimbursable competition is handled efficiently. Several useful steps based upon significant experience are stipulated for insuring good proposal response to an advertised request; considerable insight is supplied by specific examples. The method has proved to be an extremely effective tool, and has been applied on varied topics in different circumstances to the satisfaction of its many users.