A smaller supplier can have the better delivery rate and still miss the shortlist. In our synthetic MeritLens fasteners case, Bridgepoint's delivery rate beats Apex's, yet Bridgepoint scores below the cutoff. Comparing formulas attributes about two-thirds of their score gap to transaction history, audit volume and revenue assumptions. An alternative using raw delivery and quality rates and actual financial health brings Bridgepoint into the preview shortlist. Apex still ranks highest, and the saved decision still holds the simulated award for human review. Before judging a supplier by its score, check how much reflects performance and how much reflects the formula's assumptions. #Procurement #SupplierEvaluation #SupplierDiversity #ProcurementGovernance