This decision was based upon a careful scientific evaluation and the guidelines that we would use to keep our citizens safe here in the United States, or anywhere in the world.

WHITEHOUSE: Standing with Japan

The guidelines make the evaluation process almost a purely subjective exercise that allows the rating agency to make pretty much any call they wish.

FORBES: S&P's Inconvenient Truth About Municipal Bonds

These guidelines describe the responsibilities and steps in the follow-up to evaluation report recommendations.

UNESCO: Evaluation Guidelines | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Under the guidelines, outside input would make up a maximum 15% of an evaluation.

WSJ: Conn. Joining Teacher Trend