Overview
FAR 42.1501 defines past performance information as a critical tool for future source selection, encompassing both objective ratings and subjective narratives regarding a contractor's historical performance. It establishes the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) as the mandatory government-wide system for recording and monitoring this data.
Key Rules
- Scope of Information: Past performance includes ratings and narratives regarding technical workmanship, cost control, schedule adherence, and administrative proficiency.
- Behavioral Assessment: Evaluators must consider the contractor's "business-like concern" for the customer, including cooperation and commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Subcontracting Compliance: Monitoring includes adherence to small business subcontracting plans, with specific emphasis on mentor-protégé agreements involving covered territory businesses or those in Puerto Rico.
- Reporting Requirements: Performance data includes the contractor’s record of reporting into required databases and maintaining integrity and business ethics.
- Official Repository: CPARS is designated as the sole official source for past performance information across the federal government.
- Agency Accountability: Agencies are required to use CPARS metric tools to measure their own quality and timeliness in submitting performance evaluations.
Practical Implications
- Contractors should treat CPARS narratives as permanent "report cards" that directly influence their ability to win future work, as these records are visible to source selection officials across all federal agencies.
- Performance evaluation extends beyond technical delivery to include "soft skills" and administrative diligence; a contractor can be penalized for being uncooperative or failing to manage costs and schedules effectively even if the final product is acceptable.