Who is responsible for making the final best value decision in the source selection process?

The correct choice is the Source Selection Authority (SSA), as this individual or body is specifically assigned the responsibility of making the final best value decision within the source selection process. The SSA evaluates the proposals submitted by contractors against the evaluation criteria established in the solicitation, determining which offer provides the best value to the government based on a comprehensive analysis of factors such as cost, technical merit, past performance, and other considerations pertinent to the procurement.

The role of the SSA is crucial as they ensure that the selection aligns with program objectives and applicable regulations. This decision-making authority is distinct from other roles involved in the process, such as the Contracting Officer, who manages the contracting aspects; the Proposal Evaluation Team, which assesses proposals but does not have final decision-making authority; and the Program Manager, who may provide input regarding programmatic needs but does not directly decide on contract awards. Each of these roles contributes to the overall source selection, but the SSA holds the final authority in determining which proposal offers the best value.