What role does past performance play in source selection?

• A. It is the sole determinant of award.
• B. It is ignored if price is low.
• C. It informs the probability of successful contract performance and risk, and is used as a key non-price evaluation factor.
• D. It is only used for debriefing.

Answer: (C)

Past performance informs the probability of successful contract performance and is used as a key non-price evaluation factor in source selection. In a best-value decision under FAR Part 15, the government weighs price alongside non-price factors, and past performance is a major part of the non-price assessment. The evaluation assigns a confidence or risk rating based on how well the offeror has performed on similar work, using sources like CPARS and customer feedback. A strong past performance record lowers perceived risk and can justify selecting a higher-priced proposal if it offers greater overall value, whereas weaker performance histories increase risk and can shift the balance toward lower-priced options if the risk is unacceptable. This information is used during the tradeoff process, not ignored when price is low, and it isn’t limited to debriefings.