XL EaglePast performance
Past performance. Past performance is the government's term for your track record on earlier contracts. Agencies evaluate how relevant your prior work is (similar size, scope and complexity) and how well you performed (quality, schedule, cost control and customer satisfaction).
Evaluators look at references you provide, federal records in CPARS, and sometimes their own knowledge. A firm with no relevant record cannot be rated favorably or unfavorably on past performance under FAR rules, which is often called a neutral rating.
Why it matters to a small contractor
Start collecting past performance now. Keep contract numbers, dollar values, dates, and customer contacts for every good job, including commercial work. Subcontract work on a federal job is valuable too.
Example
A grounds company wants to bid on its first federal mowing contract. It lists three commercial office parks it has maintained for years, with contact names, as its past performance references.
Past performance: common questions
What if I have no past performance?
You generally get a neutral rating, but competitors with strong records may still beat you. Subcontracting under a prime is a common way to build a federal record.
Does subcontract work count?
Often yes, if it is relevant. Some solicitations specifically allow it, and primes can provide references.
Want the contract without the paperwork? Send XL Eagle your price on an open government job. We write and submit the bid under our registrations, free to you. Find open jobs →