Which members are prohibited from being voting members of source selection boards?

The rationale behind the prohibition of non-Government employees from being voting members of source selection boards is grounded in the need for integrity, impartiality, and accountability in the procurement process. Source selection boards are tasked with evaluating proposals and making decisions on contract awards, which must be carried out under strict guidelines to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that all evaluations are conducted fairly and transparently.

Non-Government employees may not be held to the same ethical standards or regulatory requirements that govern government personnel. Allowing them to participate in voting could lead to potential bias, leaks of sensitive information, or outside influence on the procurement process, undermining the government’s credibility and the fairness of the selection. It is essential that only individuals who are directly accountable to the government and bound by public service ethics are involved in these critical decisions. This ensures that the evaluation process remains objective and aligned with the government's mission.