How does the contracting officer evaluate past performance for a new small business?

The contracting officer evaluates past performance for a new small business by considering all relevant experience, including experience as a subcontractor, and may consider the past performance of key personnel. FAR 15.305(a)(2)(iii) states that past performance should be evaluated to include contracts performed by the offeror, its proposed subcontractors, and any joint venture partners. This means your firm's subcontractor experience is relevant and should be detailed in your proposal.

To overcome a lack of prime past performance, highlight your subcontractor experience clearly, demonstrating your firm's direct contributions and responsibilities. Focus on projects that align with the scope of work in the solicitation. You can also emphasize the experience of your key personnel, especially if they have led similar projects as primes in previous roles. Another strategy is to seek out opportunities where the buyer explicitly states they will consider subcontractor experience or key personnel experience, which is often found in the solicitation's Section M.