GovCon Acronym Decoder
Government contracting runs on shorthand. Search any acronym and get a plain-English definition, when you will run into it, whether you need one, and where it comes from.
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5 of 172 terms matching "Past Performance"
Past Performance
Evidence of how well you performed similar work before, usually evaluated on relevance, recency, and quality.
When you see it
As a scored evaluation factor in Section M of nearly every RFP.
Do you need it
New contractors can often use commercial or subcontract past performance. Neutral is not disqualifying by rule.
Where it comes from
FAR Subpart 15.305.
Past Performance
Evidence of how well you performed similar work before, usually evaluated on relevance, recency, and quality.
When you see it
As a scored evaluation factor in Section M of nearly every RFP.
Do you need it
New contractors can often use commercial or subcontract past performance. Neutral is not disqualifying by rule.
Where it comes from
FAR Subpart 15.305.
Past Performance Information Retrieval System
The retrieval side of the performance data. It was where evaluators pulled CPARS ratings; it has been retired and folded into CPARS.gov.
When you see it
In older solicitations and templates that still reference it.
Do you need it
Nothing to do. Treat references to it as references to CPARS.
Where it comes from
Retired; functions absorbed into CPARS.
Related terms
Past Performance Questionnaire
A form your reference customer fills out and returns to the government about your performance.
When you see it
As an attachment to an RFP, with a deadline that is often earlier than the proposal deadline.
Do you need it
Send them early. Late PPQs are one of the most common self-inflicted proposal wounds.
Where it comes from
Contracting office.
Related terms
Best Value Tradeoff
An evaluation method where the government can pay more for a better technical solution, past performance, or lower risk.
When you see it
In Section M, where the relative importance of factors versus price is stated.
Do you need it
Read the relative-importance language carefully. It tells you where to invest your effort.
Where it comes from
FAR Subpart 15.1.
Related terms
Request for Proposal
A solicitation asking for a full proposal, usually including a technical approach, management plan, past performance, and price. Award is typically based on best value, not just low price.
When you see it
On larger or more complex requirements posted on SAM.gov.
Do you need it
You respond to it. Read Sections L and M first: they tell you what to submit and how you will be scored.
Where it comes from
Issued by the contracting office under FAR Part 15 (negotiated procurement).
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