<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">A Long Time Ago...in a Past Performance Far, Far Away...

Have you ever written a past performance write-up as a small business proposal manager, only to be left with no one at the company to talk to with first-hand knowledge of the project because it was so long ago?

I’m sure I can’t be the only one who’s suffered this cruel fate! Here’s how you prevent that past performance peril!

1. Have project managers create ongoing internal reports on a regular basis

This may take some buy-in from upper management, but if they are not already doing something like this, they should be able to see the benefit! In these reports, make sure the PMs are collecting information on what is being done on the project, project accomplishments, when deadlines are met, when praise is given by the customer, and anything else that may help when creating past performance write-ups.

2. Hold check-in meetings with key team members to gather information

While your reports are going to give a lot of information, talking to team members who are not the project manager will give you more insight on certain aspects of the project. For example, the project manager may be well-versed in the technical aspect of the work, but the developers will be able to tell you even more about the actual work they’ve done while working for the customer.

3. Always ask relevant questions specific to the project

While a standard list of questions may be a good starting point, be sure to read the SOW, SOO, or PWS to get the technical details of the project that you’d like to more information on. Ask about milestones, deliverables, the technologies and how they’re being used, and anything else that you need more information on or don’t understand off the bat.

Keep these tips in mind next time you’re planning your proposal library’s past performance write-ups, and prevent headaches later when all the project’s staff have moved on!