Why it matters in supplier selection
Qualification should normally operate as a gate. A supplier that fails a non-negotiable condition should not compensate through a strong weighted score unless the approved process permits clarification or conditional qualification.
Practical example
A supplier may offer the best price but lack required certification. The decision record should show the failure and the permitted treatment rather than hiding it in an average score.
Fictional example: the figures or scenario are illustrative and do not describe a real supplier or client outcome.
How to use the term in a decision record
State the definition, source data, owner and decision treatment clearly. Do not use the term as shorthand for an undocumented assumption. Where the concept affects a score, cost or risk result, preserve the formula or evidence reference and the version date.