How should CTIP be reflected in bid evaluation criteria?

• A. Evaluate suppliers' CTIP plans, past performance on TIP compliance, training programs, and ability to monitor and remediate.
• B. Evaluate only on price and delivery times.
• C. Evaluate CTIP through a post-award survey only.
• D. Ignore CTIP considerations in evaluations.

Answer: (A)

In bid evaluation, you want to integrate protections against trafficking in persons into the decision-making process, not treat them as an afterthought. Evaluating a supplier’s CTIP plans, past performance on TIP compliance, training programs, and their ability to monitor and remediate is the most robust approach. This shows not only what the vendor says they will do, but what they have done and can sustain over a contract. It demonstrates concrete commitment (a documented CTIP plan), proven behavior (past TIP compliance track record), capability (training that reaches workers and managers), and accountability (monitoring systems and remediation processes to address issues when they arise). Together, these elements reduce risk across the supply chain and align procurement with legal and ethical obligations.

Relying solely on price and delivery times ignores the significant risk of TIP in the supply chain and does not verify a supplier’s capability to uphold CTIP standards. A post-award survey captures information only after a contract is in place and may be too late to address problems or prevent them from occurring. Ignoring CTIP entirely misses legal requirements and the opportunity to drive responsible sourcing.