The supplier evaluation process is often conducted using different tools, including the financial performance, expertise, and operational health of the supplier. After such an evaluation, a purchaser may choose to select a supplier based on the initial evaluation. I can’t entirely agree that suppliers must meet the continuous performance requirements of the purchaser if they are selected using this type of assessment. This is because the purchaser’s expectation that the supplier would meet set standards is implied and not enforceable during the initial evaluation process. Furthermore, the assessment could be subject to further examination. The process may force a purchaser to terminate the relationship, subject to the findings of this process.
Another reason why there should be no performance expectation on the supplier is that the purchaser unilaterally conducts the selection process (usually without the express knowledge of the supplier). Therefore, there is no written understanding between the two parties regarding the expectations of the contractual agreement during the initial evaluation. Consequently, unless the two parties have negotiated the contract terms, it would be unfair for the purchaser to expect the supplier to meet their continuous performance measures. Such expectations should only be enforceable when both parties agree to fulfill specific requirements stipulated in a contractual agreement.