Sabre

Whether through a third party contract management team or first party management, each government contracted company is evaluated for its performance.  Of course, to show high marks, the best thing is to do everything right and get finished before time, but that’s not always possible.  In any case, you need to know what government agencies look at.

Government Contractor Ratings
Even the government gives you a grade, and there are three types of ratings: Excellent, Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory.  Below are the meanings of each:

• Excellent – You exceeded the requirements of the contract.  Along with this, the evaluator will also need to explain how the requirements were exceeded.
• Satisfactory – You met the requirements.  If there was difficulty in meeting the requirements of the government contract, the evaluator will explain why.
• Unsatisfactory – You didn’t meet all the requirements.  In this case, the evaluator will explain where you went wrong, and whether you were at fault for the problems that occurred.

Evaluation Questions for Government Contracts
As mentioned in the beginning, you’ll have a better chance of reaching the high ranking that all government contractors strive for.  Below are some of the things government evaluators look at:

• Cost control

Sticking to the budget agreement

• Schedule control

Sticking to the date stated on the contract
Requesting an extension
Finish ahead of time

• Contract administration – Contract administration covers several areas:

Responding to government inquires on time
Submitting invoices correctly
Correct and prompt contract modifications
Submitting progress reports on time

• Responsiveness to Government

Responded promptly to phone calls
Resolved controversial issues with a good attitude

• Key personnel

Everyone involved knew what they were supposed to do and how to do it
Were changes in personnel made often

At the end of it all, it’s ultimately the government contract evaluator that makes the difference.  They can recommend that a company be used again, or be blacklisted from government contracts.  Learning, and applying, the things government evaluators look for can make all the difference in how will you do as a government contractor.