Monitor past performance evaluations

In most cases, your performance as a contractor will be evaluated for any contract you hold above $150,000. The performance evaluation assesses:

• Quality of the product or service
• Cost control (in cost contracts)
• Timeliness
• Management
• Small business subcontracting (if applicable)

A negative past performance rating, which could be due to the evaluator’s mistake or omission, might affect your ability to get future awards.

Some steps you can take to prevent or challenge poor performance evaluations include:

• Before the initial performance evaluation is submitted, ask the evaluators about any potential issues or concerns.
• If you receive a rating you believe is unjustified, identify any inaccurate or incomplete items and engage the evaluator to determine whether the initial evaluation can be revised; if not, submit a substantive rebuttal during the 60-day comment period.
• While the rebuttal is being reviewed, ask agencies reviewing your other proposals to hold off on relying on the initial evaluation or to take the rebuttal into consideration.
• If the reviewing official rejects your rebuttal, you can appeal to the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals or the Court of Federal Claims.