Which method involves evaluating proposals based on criteria beyond just price?

The method that evaluates proposals based on criteria beyond just price is the approach termed competitive sealed proposals. This method allows organizations to assess a wide range of factors in addition to cost, including technical capability, experience, project methodology, and quality of proposed solutions.

In competitive sealed proposals, after receiving the proposals, the evaluator can engage in discussions or negotiations with the bidders, ensuring that the best value is achieved not only through the lowest cost but also through superior quality or innovation. This process is particularly beneficial for complex projects where the lowest bid may not necessarily reflect the best overall value.

In contrast, other methods such as requests for quotation and competitive sealed bids primarily emphasize price as the determining factor, making them less suited for scenarios where qualitative assessments are required. Sole source procurement, meanwhile, typically involves selecting a vendor without competition, which does not facilitate the evaluation of multiple proposals based on varied criteria. Thus, the competitive sealed proposals methodology distinctly prioritizes a multi-faceted approach to evaluation, making it a comprehensive solution for procurement decisions.