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All Similar Past Performance Scores Are Not Comparable

Client Alert | less than 1 min read | 12.21.05

In Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc., (Dec. 9, 2005, http://www.gao.gov/decisions/bidpro/2961762.pdf), GAO overturned an award because the agency evaluated only the numerical past performance scores resulting from responses to past performance questionnaires and did not consider the comparative relevance of the offerors’ past performance despite an RFP provision that such an analysis would be performed. Because the protester was the incumbent contractor with consequent highly relevant experience and the awardee’s comparable numerical scores were attributable to contracts that were significantly smaller and less complex, GAO found that protester had suffered competitive prejudice from the agency’s failure to follow the RFP.

Insights

Client Alert | 2 min read | 12.29.25

FYI – GAO Finds Key Person “Available” Despite Accepting Employment with a Different Company

GAO’s key personnel rule is well-known—and often a source of frustration— amongst government contractors.  Proposed key personnel who become “unavailable” prior to contract award—especially where they have accepted employment with a different company—may doom an offeror’s proposal by rendering it noncompliant with solicitation requirements.  But GAO’s recent decision in FYI – For Your Information, Inc., B-423774, B-423774.2 (Dec. 19, 2025) provides some potential relief from that rule. ...