When One CPARS Finding Falls Away
An analysis of Fluor Federal Solutions, LLC (ASBCA No. 61543) and its CPARS implications for federal contractors. The ASBCA distinguished Todd Construction and held that when one major factual basis for an “Unsatisfactory” rating fails, the agency must still prove the remaining record satisfies the contract’s stricter multifactor CPARS standard, leading to remand for reconsideration
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.