Selection
criteria are standards for judging achievement of required
operational effectiveness/suitability characteristics, or
resolution of technical or operational issues. The criteria may
include quantitative goals (desired value of the attribute), where
possible, and thresholds beyond which the characteristic is
unsatisfactory (specification limits).
Good selection criteria must:
a. Differentiate meaningfully between alternatives without bias
b. Relate directly to purpose of the feasibility
analysis, including established requirements and
high-interest concerns
c. Be stated as broadly as possible
d. Be able to be measured or estimated at reasonable cost
e. Be independent of each other at all levels
f. Be universally understood by evaluators
Selection criteria may be drawn from systems engineering
documentation based on program requirements, standards,
design-for, and specialty requirements. These sources vary in
importance based on the stage of program development and design
maturity.
Typical sources for selection criteria provide performance,
schedule and cost ranges/ thresholds, and background/ decision
information. Regardless of the sources used and the advice
obtained, final selection must be made by the decision maker.
