Contractor Report Cards Go Online

Private-sector contractors doing business with the Defense Department can now access their past performance report cards through the department's Past Performance Automated Information System, the Defense Logistics Agency announced Jan. 11.

The Web-based system, at http://dodppais.navy.mil, was opened to contractors Dec. 1. Government agencies have been using it since July 2000. The system contains more than 9,000 contractor past performance report cards covering over $310 billion in contracts across the Defense Department.

In recent years, government agencies have placed increasing importance on contractors' previous performance when awarding new jobs. The system gives defense agencies and contractors a central mechanism to research the contractors' performance.

Contractors can access their report cards with a password. They cannot access competitors' evaluations unless the competitor provides its password. A proposal to open the database to federal agencies outside the Defense Department is under consideration, spokesman Jack Hooper said.