What Is CPARS?
CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) is the government's system for contractor report cards, used to judge past performance.
CPARS in plain English
Agencies must rate most contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold ($350,000). Construction, architect-engineer work and many Defense contracts use different thresholds.
You get a chance to comment on your rating. About two weeks after you're notified, the evaluation is available to source selection officials across the government, with or without your comments.
Good ratings are worth protecting. GSA, for example, accepts CPARS reports as past performance for a Schedule offer.
Related terms
- Past performance: Past performance is your record on previous contracts. Agencies use it to judge how likely you are to do a new job well.
- Simplified acquisition threshold (SAT): The simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) is $350,000. Federal purchases at or below it can use simpler, faster buying procedures.
- Contracting officer: A contracting officer is the government official with authority to enter into, manage and end contracts. Only a contracting officer can bind the agency.
Put it to work
Looking for another term? Browse the full glossary or the government contracting glossary guide.