In a formal opportunity evaluation or bid/no-bid decision process, a weighted scoring model is a standard methodology. This model uses a set of criteria aligned with the organization's strategic goals. To ensure objectivity and consistency, the relative importance of each criterion is assigned a "weight." These weights must be determined and agreed upon before the evaluation begins, making them "pre-established." The opportunity is then scored against each criterion (raw score), and this score is multiplied by the pre-established weight to calculate the weighted score.

B. post-established weight value: Establishing weights after scoring would compromise the integrity of the process, allowing for subjective manipulation to achieve a desired outcome.

C. pre-established matrix value: While a scoring matrix is often used to organize the evaluation, "matrix value" is an imprecise term. The specific multiplier is correctly identified as a "weight."

D. post-established margin value: Margin is typically a criterion to be scored, not the multiplier itself. "Post-established" is incorrect because it introduces bias into the evaluation.

1. National Contract Management Association (NCMA). (2019). Contract Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK) (6th ed.). Section 1.3.2, "Qualifying the Opportunity." This section details the use of formal, repeatable processes for opportunity qualification, which includes using weighted scoring models where criteria weights are determined in advance to align with corporate strategy and ensure objective decision-making.

2. Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling (12th ed.). Wiley. Chapter 5, "Strategic Planning and Project Selection," describes various project selection models, including weighted scoring models (p. 168-170), emphasizing that weights for criteria are established beforehand as part of the strategic planning process.

3. Defense Acquisition University (DAU). (2020). Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) Handbook. Section 2.4, "Source Selection Process." While focused on government evaluation of proposals, the handbook describes the principles of using pre-established evaluation factors and weights to ensure a fair and impartial selection process, a principle that mirrors the internal opportunity evaluation process.