systems , apparatuses , and methods for providing feedback in an electronic sourcing system . a system is configured to receive a first optimization model whose solution represents an allocation or award of items being bid upon . the first optimization model comprises a plurality of bids and one or more allocation rules representing one or more constraints on the allocation . subsequent to determining the optimization model is not feasible , the system is configured to compare the one or more allocation rules to a reference allocation . subsequent to determining an allocation rule of the one or more allocation rules is in conflict with the reference allocation , system is configured to relax the allocation rule in the first optimization model to create a second optimization model , and solve the second optimization model to generate an allocation compatible with the second optimization model .