Past Performance
Past Performance
Procurement ConceptsDefinition
Past performance is a key evaluation factor in government contract proposals, referring to a vendor's track record of delivering on previous contracts. Federal agencies use past performance assessments to predict how well a contractor will perform on a new contract.
Past performance is typically one of the highest-weighted evaluation factors in RFPs, often equal to or more important than price. Agencies look at relevance (similar scope and complexity), quality of work, schedule adherence, cost control, and management effectiveness.
Past performance is recorded in CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) for federal contracts. Agencies can access your CPARS ratings when evaluating your proposals. A history of "Exceptional" or "Very Good" ratings is a significant competitive advantage.
New contractors with no past performance aren't automatically disqualified — FAR requires agencies to treat a lack of past performance as a neutral factor, not a negative one. However, relevant past performance from a prime or subcontractor almost always strengthens a proposal.
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