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Past Performance Template Generator
Generate a structured past performance reference template in seconds. Aligned to CPARS evaluation criteria and FAR 15.305.
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Past performance in federal contracting — key facts
- FAR 15.305(a)(2) requires agencies to evaluate past performance for all negotiated competitive acquisitions above the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000).
- CPARS ratings are: Exceptional, Very Good, Satisfactory, Marginal, and Unsatisfactory. Most agencies target Very Good or above for award.
- A contractor with no past performance record receives a neutral rating — neither favorable nor unfavorable — and is typically treated the same as Satisfactory.
- Agencies may reach back 3–5 years for past performance references, though more recent work is weighted higher.
- Past performance typically accounts for 20–30% of the evaluation weight in best value trade-off source selections.
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Frequently asked questions about past performance
Under FAR 15.305(a)(2), agencies evaluate past performance on quality of product or service, schedule/timeliness, cost control, business relations, and management of key personnel. The specific factors and their weights are defined in each solicitation's evaluation criteria section.
Most solicitations request 3–5 references for the prime contractor, plus 1–2 for key subcontractors. The RFP will specify the exact number. Using more than requested can cause your submission to be non-compliant.
Relevancy is determined by similarity in scope, complexity, and dollar value. A highly relevant reference closely matches the technical requirements, scale, and period of performance of the current solicitation. Agencies rate references as Very Relevant, Relevant, Somewhat Relevant, or Not Relevant.
Yes. Under FAR 15.305, past performance as a subcontractor is acceptable, though some agencies weight prime contractor experience more heavily. Always disclose your role (prime vs. sub) and your percentage of the total work performed.
Provide current contact information and note in your submission that the contact may no longer be in the same role. Agencies may access CPARS/PPIRS directly, so your narrative supplements — but does not replace — the official CPARS record.
CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) is the federal government's official repository for contractor performance data. Agencies submit CPARS ratings for contracts over the simplified acquisition threshold. When evaluating proposals, agencies typically access CPARS directly in addition to reviewing your narrative references.