What is a key characteristic of the lowest bidder principle in Ontario bid acceptance?

A key characteristic of the lowest bidder principle in Ontario bid acceptance is that the evaluation and acceptance criteria must be clearly stated. This ensures transparency in the bidding process and allows all bidders to understand how their proposals will be assessed. Clear criteria help maintain fairness and accountability, as bidders can see both the benchmarks for evaluating their bids and the rationale behind the selection process.

Furthermore, having explicitly defined criteria helps mitigate potential disputes or confusion regarding why one bid was accepted over another. This characteristic underscores the importance of a structured process in procurement activities, fostering trust among bidders and stakeholders while promoting a competitive marketplace.

While other options suggest various aspects of bid acceptance, only the requirement for clear evaluation criteria directly aligns with the principles of transparency and fairness inherent in the lowest bidder approach.