A supplier shortlist is the smaller group invited to the next stage after candidates have been screened against stated criteria. Shortlisting may precede an RFQ, RFP, audit, sample or negotiation.
How Supplier Shortlist works in a sourcing process
Use a recorded decision rule and show why excluded suppliers failed or ranked lower. The threshold should be set before commercial offers influence the result.
Supplier Shortlist: what the sourcing record should show
| Area | What to record |
|---|---|
| Decision | Use a recorded decision rule and show why excluded suppliers failed or ranked lower. The threshold should be set before commercial offers influence the result. |
| Evidence | Keep qualification results, evaluation notes, conflicts, approvals and the invitation scope for each shortlisted supplier. |
| Watch point | Shortlisting saves evaluation time, but an overly narrow list can weaken competition and hide market alternatives. |
What should buyers verify about Supplier Shortlist?
Keep qualification results, evaluation notes, conflicts, approvals and the invitation scope for each shortlisted supplier.
Shortlisting saves evaluation time, but an overly narrow list can weaken competition and hide market alternatives.
