360's VFM algorithm (see How does the VFM (value for money) algorithm work in 360?) combines the best and least risky solution with a price to determine the best offer.

A cost-associated request allows the price to be a factor in determining the best offer.  A lump sum price can be used to compare offers.

To ask the providers to set a lump sum price, see - How to configure a request for fixed-price tenders and quotes in the 360 internal portal

Step-by-step guide

To configure a cost-associated request:

  1. Sign-in to https://360users.apetsoftware.com.au/ as a Boss or Request Manager
  2. From the main menu, click Requests
  3. If using the new look:
    1. Click Drafts
    2. Click Configure against the desired request
    3. Click Old Look's Request Info
  4. If using the old look: 
    1. Select the request from the list
  5. Click Edit

  6. Select Is Cost Associated? to 

  7. If available, specify an option for Ask Providers for Price? to No - Evaluators will set the price
  8. Click Update

Follow the steps in How to release (publish) a request to the 360 public portal to release this request. Wait for the request to be closed and then:

  1. Sign-in to https://360users.apetsoftware.com.au/ as an Evaluator
  2. If using the new look:
    1. From the main menu, click Requests
    2. Click Closed / Awaiting Finalisation
    3. Click Evaluate
  3. If using the old look: 
    1. Click Evaluation from the main-menu
    2. Click on the Request Name
  4. Click One Provider at a time 
  5. Please select the desired provider by clicking on its name
  6. Click I Have No Conflict of Interest 
  7. Enter your account Password and click Confirm
  8. Click on the Price from the menu at the top of the screen
  9. Click Edit Price 
  10. Enter:
    1. Cost
    2. Audit Reason (if available)
  11. Click Update


The provider's price can be overridden during the evaluation process when Evaluators can Set/Adjust Price' is selected in the System Settings → Evaluation tab.

The benefit of not asking the providers to enter a price and allowing evaluators to do it is that evaluators can be relied on to apply a comparison algorithm to the tendered prices fairly.  For example, accepting the baseline features only for comparison purposes or determining a total cost of ownership over 5 years for comparison purposes.

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