What Is a Past Performance Reference?

Evidence of how prior work went

Past performance addresses the quality of prior performance. Experience describes what work was done. A procurement may evaluate both, but the concepts and requested evidence are not interchangeable.

Select references carefully

1. 01Read whose performance the solicitation allows and what relevance means.
2. 02Choose projects matching scope, scale, complexity, or other stated factors.
3. 03Confirm contact information and permission for disclosures.
4. 04State your company's actual role and performance period accurately.
5. 05Follow requested forms and submission procedures.

Do not borrow another firm's history

A founder's prior-employer project is not automatically the new company's past performance. A teammate's work can be considered only under the applicable evaluation instructions. Commercial work may be relevant when permitted, but must be labeled accurately.

Prepare the explanation

Describe why the reference matters and provide evidence of outcomes you are authorized to share. Avoid unsubstantiated ratings or claims that a reference guarantees evaluation credit.

Keep records current and use the authorized question channel if the instructions are unclear. The buyer's evaluation approach determines how the information is used.