Start with the evaluator’s job
Evaluation criteria are not a box-ticking exercise for the evaluator; they are the structure of their decision. If an answer makes that decision easier, it earns attention. If the evidence is buried, even strong work can become hard to score.
Before drafting, underline the verbs in every criterion. Is the buyer asking you to explain, demonstrate, manage, assure or improve? Those verbs tell you what shape the answer needs.
Give every answer a visible spine
A useful answer has a beginning, a middle and a proof point. Open with the commitment you are making. Follow with the method: who does what, when and how. Close with the evidence that makes the promise credible.
Use descriptive subheads, short paragraphs and purposeful bullets. The structure should let a reader skim the answer and still understand your approach.
Trade broad claims for useful proof
“We provide an innovative, customer-focused service” is almost impossible to evaluate. “We reduced average response time from 48 hours to 6 hours across 12 sites” gives the reader something to believe and remember.
Proof does not always mean a number. It can be a named method, a relevant example, a control, an accreditation or a clear explanation of how you learn.