Which element should be included in a Source Selection Plan (SSP)?

A Source Selection Plan (SSP) serves as a crucial document in the procurement process by detailing how proposals will be evaluated and selected for awarding a contract. Including a brief description of the requirement is essential because it provides the necessary context for evaluators to understand what is being procured. This description helps ensure that all stakeholders are aligned regarding the objectives of the acquisition and that the evaluation criteria can be tailored to assess how well the proposals meet those specific needs.

In contrast, while budget estimates and how to handle protests are important in the contracting process, they do not form the foundational basis of what the SSP aims to convey. A budget estimate is typically part of a different planning document that outlines the financial aspect, while handling protests pertains to post-selection procedures rather than the selection itself. An extensive history of past purchases, while informative, would not be included in this plan; it could distract from the specific evaluation criteria and requirements that need to be front and center in the source selection process.