Cardinal Point Specification

A Cardinal Point Specification (CPS) is used in procurement specifications to highlight those items that are more important than others. There are usually three categories:
E - Essential
HD - Highly Desirable
D - Desirable
Potential contractors who bid who are found not to have met all the 'E' items are rejected as technically non-compliant. The remaining potential contractors can then be assessed on price and how many of the 'HD' and 'D' items are offered.