Most of the time the low bidder will win a government contract. But not always. Sometimes a federal agency will make an award on a best-value trade-off basis. This process can be used “when it may be in the best interest of the Government to consider award to other than the lowest price offeror. . . .” 48 CFR §15.101-1(a). The rationale for accepting the higher priced proposal must be clearly documented.