Past Performance at a Crossroads—An Update to Our “Negative-Only CPARS” Analysis
Congress continues to consider “negative-only” CPARS for DoD, while the FAR Overhaul broadens past-performance use beyond source selections starting April 1, 2026. Here’s what this tension means for award fees, options, and proposal strategy—and why contractors must build a portfolio of verified performance evidence now.
Congress Moves to Replace CPARS Ratings with Objective “Negative-Only” Scores
Congress is moving to replace subjective DoD CPARS narratives with an objective, “negative-only” scoring system that documents material performance failures, normalizes scores by contract volume, and requires rapid contractor rebuttals. Supporters see clarity and reduced workload; critics warn of due-process risks if disputes are still pending.