FAR 36.604—Performance evaluation.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 36.604 is a short cross-reference provision that directs readers to FAR 42.1502(f) for the rules on preparing past performance evaluations for architect-engineer (A-E) contracts. In practical terms, this section does not itself create a separate evaluation process; instead, it tells contracting personnel and contractors that A-E performance evaluations are governed by the governmentwide past performance framework in Part 42, with special attention to the A-E-specific requirements in paragraph (f). Its purpose is to keep performance evaluation requirements consistent and centralized, while making clear that A-E contracts are not evaluated under a standalone rule in Part 36. For contracting officers, this means the key compliance task is to use the Part 42 procedures and timing when documenting contractor performance on A-E work. For contractors, it means A-E contract performance will be captured in the government’s past performance system and may affect future source selections, even though this section itself contains no substantive evaluation criteria.
Key Rules
Use Part 42 rules
Performance evaluations for architect-engineer contracts are not established in this section; the controlling requirements are in FAR 42.1502(f). Users must follow that provision for how and when to prepare the evaluation.
A-E contracts are covered
The cross-reference specifically applies to architect-engineer contracts, so agencies must treat A-E past performance as a required evaluation activity under the broader past performance regime.
No separate Part 36 procedure
This section does not add its own rating method, forms, approval chain, or timing rules. Any such details must be taken from FAR 42.1502(f) and related past performance guidance.
Past performance record matters
The practical effect is that performance on A-E contracts becomes part of the contractor’s official past performance history and can be used in future source selection decisions.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Ensure architect-engineer contract performance evaluations are prepared in accordance with FAR 42.1502(f) and the agency’s past performance procedures, rather than relying on FAR 36.604 for substantive instructions.
Agency
Maintain the systems, policies, and oversight needed to collect, document, and retain past performance evaluations for architect-engineer contracts as required by FAR Part 42.
Contractor
Perform architect-engineer work with awareness that contract performance may be evaluated and recorded for future source selections; review and respond to evaluations through the procedures provided in the applicable past performance rules.
Practical Implications
This section is mainly a roadmap, not a standalone rule set, so the biggest mistake is stopping here instead of going to FAR 42.1502(f).
Contracting officers should make sure A-E evaluations are entered on time and in the correct system, because missing or late evaluations can affect future source selections and agency compliance.
Contractors should monitor A-E contract performance closely, since negative evaluations can influence competitiveness on later procurements.
Because the section is only a cross-reference, it does not answer questions about format, timing, or review rights; those issues must be resolved under Part 42 and agency procedures.
For practitioners, the key takeaway is that architect-engineer performance evaluation is mandatory and tied to the government’s broader past performance process, even though Part 36 itself is brief on the subject.
Official Regulatory Text
See 42.1502 (f) for the requirements for preparing past performance evaluations for architect-engineer contracts.