Centering Equipment

That is, relative merits of several acceptable machines, centering around “ultimate cost”, basically a financial appraisal.
3.4 Qualitative Considerations
3.4.1 Although capital equipment purchases do not normally require a continuing effort by the supplier, diluting the evaluation of the supplier as in purchase of other items, these are meaningful because the purchaser may require installation assistance, replacement parts, and possibly a warranty adjustment.
3.4.2 Qualitative considerations implies the definite need for an assessment of the vendor's technical and production capabilities. The buyer can use several approaches in making such an assessment, including plant visits and technical discussions etc.