Which document records the rationale for the award decision including tradeoffs and ranking?

• A. Source Selection Decision Document (SSDD).
• B. Price quotation.
• C. Performance work statement.
• D. Purchase order.

Answer: (A)

In negotiated acquisitions, the rationale for the award decision, including how tradeoffs were made and how proposals were ranked, is captured in the Source Selection Decision Document. This document lays out the evaluation results, explains why the chosen offeror provides the best overall value, and justifies the decision to instrument the award. It ensures accountability and supports transparency if questions or protests arise. The other options don’t fit because a price quotation is only the bid price, a performance work statement describes the required work, and a purchase order is the contract document issued to perform the work.