The Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) is a contractor’s report card, taken as seriously as any high school senior competing to get into their top-ranked college. The CPARS ratings generated by USAID have improved over the years. Contractors can expect a fair, well-documented assessment that will be used for three years to assess their past performance in competitive solicitations. They are an important element of a firm’s competitiveness.
The FEDSubK piece is a useful reminder of lessons you may have already learned the hard way.
- No surprises. Self-assessments and regular engagement with the CO and COR should keep all parties informed of the good, and the bad, and what you’re doing to correct the bad.
- Keep it in perspective. CPARS ratings are not made on a curve. “Satisfactory” means you’ve met the contract requirements. “Exceptional” is rare, as it should be.
- No whining. If you disagree with a rating, back it up with facts, documentation, and a timeline. Don’t complain about the COR. It’s not personal.
- Always take the CPARS report seriously. Respond respectfully to the negative and acknowledge that the positive reflects the type of work they can expect from your firm.
- This is marketing material for the technical evaluation panels on future solicitations.
If your firm doesn’t already train on how to manage and respond to CPARS reports, then at least arrange for a broader discussion to share your own lessons.
Read the article here.
