Past Performance Volume

The past performance volume is the section of a government contract proposal that presents the offeror's relevant prior contract history, including contract descriptions, performance ratings, references, and relevance narratives, to demonstrate a track record of successful performance on work similar in scope, complexity, and dollar value to the current requirement.

What is the Past Performance Volume?

The past performance volume responds to the evaluation factor that assesses the offeror's probability of successfully performing based on prior work. FAR 15.305(a)(2) requires evaluation of past performance on all competitive negotiated contracts. Solicitations typically specify: the number of references to provide (usually three to five), the time window for relevant contracts (typically the past three to five years), the relevance criteria (similar scope, scale, technical complexity, and customer type), and the format for presenting references.

Each reference typically includes: the contract number, contracting agency, period of performance, contract value, brief description of work, key personnel involved, and performance ratings. Some solicitations require contractor-prepared past performance questionnaires to be sent to references for government-to-government feedback; others allow offerors to present CPARS ratings directly. The relevance narrative explains how each reference demonstrates capability for the current requirement.

The evaluation of past performance uses a recency and relevancy standard: contracts that are older than five years are generally given less weight, and contracts in unrelated technical domains are considered less relevant than those directly matching the current scope. Teaming partners' past performance can be presented to supplement the prime's own record, particularly when the prime is pursuing work in a new technical domain or at a new agency.

Why the Past Performance Volume Matters for Government Contractors

Past performance is often weighted heavily in Section M, 20% to 35% of total evaluation weight on complex service contracts is common. A firm with Exceptional CPARS ratings on directly relevant contracts is at a structural advantage over equally capable competitors with fewer or lower-rated references. Building and protecting past performance is therefore not only a contract administration priority but a direct investment in future competitiveness. See how to build past performance as a new contractor for entry strategies.

Example

A firm submits four past performance references in response to a $14M DHS IT services solicitation: three prime contracts at civilian agencies with Exceptional or Very Good CPARS ratings and one subcontract reference from a teaming partner's DoD program. The relevance narratives for each reference explicitly connect the prior contract's technical scope to specific requirements in the current solicitation's PWS, citing section numbers. The past performance volume earns a "Very Good" confidence rating from the evaluation panel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can subcontractors' past performance be used in the past performance volume?

Yes. When a prime contractor proposes a teaming arrangement, the past performance of significant subcontractors can be cited and will be evaluated. FAR 15.305(a)(2)(i) allows evaluation of past performance information on predecessor companies and key subcontractors performing major or critical aspects of the work. The prime should clearly identify which references belong to the prime versus the teaming partner and explain the scope of the proposed subcontract that makes the sub's performance relevant.

What if the offeror has no relevant past performance?

Lack of past performance is not automatically disqualifying. FAR 15.305(a)(2)(iv) requires that a firm with no past performance record be rated neither favorably nor unfavorably, it receives an "Unknown" or "Neutral" confidence rating. This is typically better than a negative rating but worse than positive ratings. New entrants can mitigate the lack of past performance by proposing experienced key personnel with relevant individual track records, teaming with partners who have strong past performance, and targeting solicitations that explicitly accommodate new entrant competition.

How many years back can past performance references go?

Most solicitations specify a look-back window of three to five years, measured from the proposal due date. Contracts that were completed more than five years ago are generally given little or no weight. Active contracts that are currently performing are typically given the highest weight as evidence of current capability. Firms should identify which of their active and recently completed contracts fall within the solicitation's window and rank them by relevance and rating before selecting references to cite.

Should the past performance volume include any narrative beyond the reference format?

Yes. A brief introductory narrative contextualizing the firm's overall performance record, noting consistent ratings trends (e.g., "Our seven contracts at federal health agencies over the past four years have earned six Very Good or Exceptional CPARS ratings") and explicitly connecting the record to the current evaluation criteria, sets a positive frame for evaluators before they review individual references. The narrative adds persuasive value beyond the compliance function of the reference form itself.