DOD’s tips on past performance

Despite its spotty record on collecting past-performance information, the Defense Department gives its acquisition workforce some important insights in that area.

Despite its spotty record on collecting past-performance information, the Defense Department gives its acquisition workforce some important insights in that area.



  • Interim reports on a contractor’s performance are valuable in improving performance, although they aren’t required.


  • Officials should discuss expectations for performance in the post-award meeting.


  • The narrative sections in the performance rating documents are essential to establish that the ratings are credible and justifiable.


  • The entire project team is responsible for performance reviews.


  • Officials should perform thorough assessments during the entire course of the contract and not wait until it ends.


  • Officials reviewing past-performance information should consider the source in deciding how much weight to give particular information.

Source: Defense Department

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