Satisfactory Past Performance refers to a contractor’s proven history of delivering products or services in a manner that meets or exceeds the expectations of federal buyers. In the context of the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program, it is a critical evaluation factor—particularly for contractors seeking to participate in the Streamlined Acquisition Process or pursuing contract extensions and modifications.
To be considered “satisfactory,” past performance must demonstrate that the contractor has fulfilled previous government (or equivalent commercial) obligations on time, within budget, and in compliance with contract requirements, without significant quality or service issues.
Role of Past Performance in GSA Contracting
Federal agencies, including GSA, evaluate past performance to assess risk, reliability, and contractor readiness. It helps acquisition professionals answer the fundamental question:
“Can this company be trusted to deliver on future government work?”
Past performance is:
- Heavily weighted during initial MAS offer evaluations
- Required for certain streamlined processes (e.g., replacing expiring contracts)
- Monitored continuously through post-award reviews and CPARS evaluations
- Used to inform option extensions, BPA decisions, and task order awards
A history of satisfactory performance builds trust with both GSA and federal customers, while poor performance may lead to rejection, additional scrutiny, or lost opportunities.
Satisfactory Past Performance and the Streamlined Acquisition Process
When contractors pursue a new GSA MAS contract through the Streamlined Acquisition Process—typically to replace an expiring contract—they must demonstrate satisfactory past performance on their existing GSA contract.
GSA typically looks for:
- Consistent sales activity meeting or exceeding the $100,000 threshold during the base period
- No significant compliance issues, such as failed Contractor Assessment Visits (CAVs), audit findings, or open Inspector General cases
- Up-to-date GSA Advantage! catalog with accurate pricing and approved items
- Timely and accurate sales reporting via the FAS Sales Reporting Portal
- On-time payment of the Industrial Funding Fee (IFF)
- Positive CPARS reviews or equivalent agency feedback (where applicable)
Failure to demonstrate satisfactory past performance may disqualify the contractor from streamlined processing, requiring a full proposal submission or delaying contract renewal.
How GSA Evaluates Past Performance
GSA uses multiple sources to assess whether a contractor’s past performance is satisfactory:
1. CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System)
- Official federal database for past performance reviews
- Includes agency-assigned scores and narratives across criteria such as quality, timeliness, cost control, and responsiveness
- Ratings of “Satisfactory,” “Very Good,” or “Excellent” are preferred
- Low scores or negative narratives can raise concerns—even if overall ratings meet minimum thresholds
2. Contractor Assessment Visit (CAV) Results
- Conducted by GSA’s Industrial Operations Analysts (IOAs)
- Evaluates contract administration, compliance, pricing, reporting, and customer service
- A “satisfactory” or better outcome supports streamlined eligibility
3. Sales and Reporting History
- Evidence of regular, reportable GSA sales
- On-time IFF payments and absence of reporting discrepancies
- Demonstrates operational reliability and active contract usage
4. Past Modifications and Catalog Accuracy
- Timely submission and approval of modifications
- Consistency between contract terms, pricelist, and GSA Advantage! catalog
- Minimal rejections or back-and-forth over compliance errors
5. Agency Feedback (Formal or Informal)
- Letters of reference or performance appraisals from agency customers
- Feedback received through GSA contracting personnel or market intelligence tools
- Past teaming experience or subcontracting performance
Best Practices for Demonstrating Satisfactory Past Performance
To ensure a strong past performance record, contractors should:
- Consistently meet delivery and quality expectations
- Maintain regular and accurate communication with government customers
- Track and document key performance metrics internally
- Respond proactively to GSA audit requests or clarifications
- Maintain complete and audit-ready records (invoices, deliverables, reports)
- Resolve issues early to avoid escalation or contract performance flags
- Ensure compliance across all platforms, including SAM.gov, GSA Advantage!, and eLibrary
Contractors seeking streamlined renewals or option extensions should prepare a performance summary highlighting key accomplishments, contract activity, and compliance record.
Common Issues That Undermine Past Performance
- Missed or late sales reporting in the FAS SRP
- Noncompliant or outdated catalog listings
- Failed or flagged CAV results
- CPARS ratings of “Marginal” or “Unsatisfactory”
- Low or no sales during the base period
- Repeated modification rejections or delays
- Outstanding IFF balances or payment errors
Even one unresolved compliance issue can call past performance into question, particularly during pre-award evaluations.
Conclusion
Satisfactory Past Performance is one of the most important credibility indicators for GSA Schedule contractors. It reflects a contractor’s ability to fulfill government requirements with consistency, quality, and integrity. For companies seeking streamlined acquisition, contract extensions, or continued growth in the federal space, maintaining a strong performance record is not optional—it is essential. Through diligent compliance, operational excellence, and responsive customer service, contractors can build a performance profile that supports long-term success on the GSA MAS program.
