Past performance usage within the Department of Army

Abstract

In the ongoing attempt to deliver quality goods and services in less time and cost to the Government, the concept of "Best Value " contracting has been explored. One element of best value contracting is to consider factors along with price in the source selection process to achieve a perceived best value to the Government. Past performance measurement and its use in best value procurements has been developed since the early 1990s. This thesis explores the past performance guidance within DoD in its use as a source selection factor. Automated tools for tracking past performance will be examined as well as their effectiveness and problems associated with data collection and use. Several steps must occur prior to past performance playing the role that it was envisioned with its inclusion as a factor along with price in the source selection process. So that past performance data can be used more effectively, this thesis recommends that contracting personnel and contractors establish a process that standardizes the method of measurement, automates its collection, and allows for viewing across the spectrum of past performance data. Furthermore, past performance data should be used within a risk management framework that assesses a contractor's capability risk to perform on the current procurement.