When federal contracting authorities evaluate your bid, they're not just looking at what you promise to deliver—they're checking whether you've delivered before. Past performance evaluation allows departments to score bidders based on their track record with government clients, and it can make or break your technical score even if your proposal looks perfect on paper.
How It Works
Supply Manual Section 4.10.25 establishes the ground rules. Contracting officers may consider information about your past performance on previous contracts with Canada or other clients, but only if two conditions are met: the solicitation must clearly describe how past performance will be assessed and weighted, and you must be given an opportunity to address or explain any negative information. This isn't optional language—it's a mandatory framework that protects both the government's interests and yours.
In practice, departments typically evaluate past performance through reference checks, questionnaires sent to your previous clients, or reviews of deliverables from completed contracts. PSPC and larger departments like DND often include past performance as a weighted criterion worth 10-20% of the total technical score. The evaluation must use only the criteria and weightings published in the solicitation itself. Supply Manual Section 4.10 is explicit about this—no surprises, no hidden scorecards.
The information gathered has to be objective and documented. Evaluators can't rely on rumour or general reputation. They need concrete evidence: Was the work delivered on time? Did it meet quality standards? How responsive were you to issues? If adverse information surfaces—say, a previous client reports late deliveries—you must be notified and given a chance to explain. Maybe those delays were caused by government-furnished equipment arriving late. Context matters.
Key Considerations
- Disclosure is mandatory. If past performance will be scored, the solicitation must spell out exactly how. Weight, methodology, who will be contacted—all of it. The Government Contracts Regulations require that contracts be awarded based on best value using only the criteria specified in the bid solicitation. If it's not in the RFP, it can't be used to evaluate you.
- You can explain yourself. Got a past contract that went sideways? You'll have an opportunity to provide context before it tanks your score. Document everything during contract performance—change orders, client-caused delays, scope creep—because you may need that evidence later.
- Non-discrimination applies. The Directive on the Management of Procurement requires that evaluation criteria be relevant, non-discriminatory, and directly related to the subject matter. Past performance criteria can't be structured to unfairly favour incumbents or exclude new entrants without justification.
- Debriefings reveal your scores. Under Supply Manual Section 3.135, you can request a debriefing that includes information on how your past performance was evaluated. If you lost points, find out why. That information is gold for your next bid.
Related Terms
Technical Evaluation, Rated Criteria, Supplier Debriefing, Best Value Evaluation
Sources
- Supply Manual – Section 4.10.25 Past Performance
- Supply Manual – Section 4.10 Evaluation and Selection
- Treasury Board Directive on the Management of Procurement
Your track record follows you through federal procurement. Maintain strong client relationships, document performance issues as they happen, and always read the evaluation criteria carefully—your past can be your strongest asset or your biggest liability.