# What is a past performance questionnaire (PPQ)?

URL: https://us.falkview.com/glossary/past-performance-questionnaire/
Updated: 2026-11-04

> **What is a past performance questionnaire (PPQ)?**
>
> A past performance questionnaire is a form, attached to some solicitations, that the bidder sends to its references, usually earlier customers, to rate its work on similar contracts. The references return it straight to the contracting officer. Agencies also check official past performance records, such as CPARS evaluations of earlier federal contracts.

## Key facts

- Sent by the bidder, returned by the reference directly to the government.
- Commercial and state or local contracts can count as past performance if the solicitation allows.
- Federal contract performance is rated in CPARS under FAR subpart 42.15.

## Why it matters for facility-services bids

References are slow. Send questionnaires the day the solicitation drops, and follow up, so they arrive before the deadline.

## Sources

- [FAR 42.1503, past performance evaluation procedures](https://www.acquisition.gov/far/42.1503)
- [FAR 15.304, evaluation factors](https://www.acquisition.gov/far/15.304)

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