A blocker needs attention
At least one check failed. Resolve the reported blocker before treating the review as clear, even if every required capability term matches.
Template / Bid qualification
A bid/no-bid matrix
you can explain.
A capability match can look promising while a delivery constraint makes the pursuit unworkable. Keep those findings separate with this free decision matrix for small IT consultancies.
Seven checks. No hidden weights.
Use the current notice and your firm's own records. Mark a check confirmed only when you have the evidence to support your judgment. The matrix follows the same seven categories as the free checklist.
| Check | Evidence to record | Tool behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Source reference | Canonical SAM.gov notice link; the amendment or revision you read. | A supported link passes the presence check. A blank link stays unknown. The tool does not open or verify the notice. |
| Eligibility | Your review of every applicable notice requirement and a reference to the supporting record. | Your confirmed eligible answer passes; a reported mismatch is a blocker; unknown remains unresolved. |
| Response timing | Current deadline with its time zone, plus your minimum preparation time. | A passed deadline or less time than your threshold is a blocker. A missing deadline stays unknown. |
| Scope fit | Required outcomes and work boundaries compared with the services your firm can deliver. | Your yes answer passes; no is a blocker; unknown remains unresolved. |
| Delivery capacity | Proposal staffing, delivery availability and other commitments that affect this pursuit. | Your yes answer passes; no is a blocker; unknown remains unresolved. |
| Capability checklist | Explicit required terms alongside accurately stated company capability terms. | All required terms matched passes this check. Partial or missing coverage needs review. It does not automatically create a blocker. |
| Source evidence | Notice section references, amendment dates and the notes supporting your answers. | Entered notes pass the presence check. Blank notes stay unknown. The tool does not validate their substance. |
Keep the result separate from your decision.
More review needed
No check failed, but at least one item is unknown. Assign the open questions instead of treating missing evidence as a pass.
Ready for your consideration
All seven checks pass based on your entries. You still decide whether to bid; this is not a verified eligibility determination or an award prediction.
The tool calculates the result independently of your recorded decision. You can record Review, Shortlist, Bid or No-bid. A Bid or No-bid decision requires your rationale; changing that decision does not erase a blocker.
Use the spreadsheet in a review meeting.
- Prepare a copy for one opportunity. Put the notice title, URL, revision and evaluation time in the metadata rows.
- Record a status and evidence for each check. The CSV starts at Unknown. It contains no formulas and does not calculate a result.
- Assign each open question. Add a responsible reviewer and a revisit date in your local copy. Keep confidential personnel details out of shared copies.
- Write a decision, reason and trigger for reconsideration. For example: “Remain in review until the delivery lead confirms staffing against the start date.”
- Recheck after amendments. Preserve the old review and create a revised copy when material facts change.
Capability coverage is not a weighted fit score. Two matching terms out of three required terms round to 67%. Terms are normalized for case and Unicode, then matched exactly. Synonyms, experience quality and eligibility are not inferred.
What belongs beside the matrix?
Use the IT RFP evidence worksheet to capture the requirement-level details behind your answers. Then compare the three worked examples to see why full capability coverage can still produce a blocker.
The matrix is a decision aid. The notice, your supporting records and your own review remain the basis for action.
Put the evidence to work.
Use the free checklist to organize your own source facts, identify blockers and keep a local decision brief.
Review an opportunity