Source Selection & Evaluation Flashcards
7 cards from real SSO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Source Selection & Evaluation flashcards as text
An SSO must select a vendor to supply Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for security personnel. Beyond price, the MOST important evaluation factor is:
Answer: Compliance with relevant occupational safety standards and performance specifications in the SSP
PPE must meet performance standards specified in the SSP and applicable occupational safety regulations to ensure personnel protection.
During supplier evaluation, the SSO discovers that a security training provider uses outdated ISPS Code materials from 2004. This should be treated as:
Answer: A critical disqualifying deficiency requiring immediate rejection or remediation
Security training must reflect current ISPS Code amendments and threat environments; outdated materials indicate non-compliance and inadequate training.
When comparing proposals from two security consulting firms for revising the Ship Security Plan, the SSO should weight which factor HIGHEST?
Answer: Demonstrated experience with IMO and flag state requirements for SSP development
SSP development requires deep knowledge of IMO and flag state regulatory requirements; this technical expertise is the primary selection criterion.
An SSO is evaluating a new communication system vendor. The vendor cannot provide references from maritime customers. The SSO should:
Answer: Weight the lack of maritime references as a significant risk factor in the evaluation
Maritime communications have unique operational requirements; lack of maritime customer references indicates unproven capability in the relevant environment.
What is the significance of an ISO 28000 certification when evaluating a supply chain security provider for maritime logistics?
Answer: It confirms the provider has implemented a supply chain security management system
ISO 28000 specifies requirements for a security management system for the supply chain, directly relevant to evaluating maritime logistics security providers.
When the SSO evaluates a security system integrator, which capability is MOST important to verify for long-term operational reliability?
Answer: Availability of post-installation support, maintenance, and spare parts
Long-term reliability of security systems depends on ongoing maintenance and support availability; initial installation cost is secondary to sustained operational capability.
A port authority requires the ship to use only pre-approved security service providers from its approved vendor list. If the SSO believes a non-listed vendor is superior, the correct action is to:
Answer: Comply with the port authority's approved vendor list requirement
Port authority approved vendor lists carry regulatory force within that jurisdiction; compliance is mandatory regardless of the SSO's personal assessment.