---
title: Best Practices for Using Historical Award Data in Federal Compass
description: Discover how to use historical award data on Federal Compass for strategic insights and successful federal contracting.
---

[Skip to content](https://knowledge.federalcompass.com/best-practices-for-using-historical-award-data-in-federal-compass#main-content)

English

Show submenu for translations

![federal-compass-white-icon-1.png\]](https://knowledge.federalcompass.com/hs-fs/hubfs/federal-compass-white-icon-1.png?height=40&name=federal-compass-white-icon-1.png)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- English
  
  Show submenu for translations
- federalcompass.com

 federalcompass.com

 Hello. How can we help you?

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

1. [Federal Compass Help Center](https://knowledge.federalcompass.com/?hsLang=en)
2. [Research](https://knowledge.federalcompass.com/research?hsLang=en)

# Best Practices for Using Historical Award Data in Federal Compass

## Discover how to use historical award data on Federal Compass for strategic insights and successful federal contracting.

### **Step-by-Step Guide to Utilizing Federal Compass Features**

1. **Search and Filter for Relevant Awards:** 
     1. **Keyword Search:** Use specific terms related to your products or services.
     2. **NAICS/PSC Codes:** Refine searches with relevant codes to align with core capabilities.
     3. **Agency Filters:** Focus on agencies likely to procure your offerings to understand their buying habits.
     4. **Contract Vehicle:** Identify procurement methods like GSA Schedules or BPAs.
     5. **Awardee Filters:** Investigate competitors by filtering by awardee name to examine past performance.
2. **Analyze Award Details:**
   
     1. **Contract Value and Length:** Understand the scale and typical lifecycle of contracts.
     2. **Incumbent Identification:** Recognize past contract holders for insights into recompetes.
     3. **Set-Aside Information:** Identify opportunities with competitive advantages (e.g., small business).
     4. **Place of Performance:** Consider logistical planning and regional opportunities.
     5. **Modifications and Extensions:** Note changes and extensions as indicators of satisfaction or scope changes.
3. **Identify Trends and Patterns:**
   
     1. **Spending Trends Over Time:** Analyze whether spending is increasing, decreasing, or stable.
     2. **Agency Preferences:** Detect patterns in agency awards and contractor preferences.
     3. **Competitive Landscape:** Identify dominant players or market fragmentation.
     4. **Recompete Opportunities:** Track contract end dates for early engagement.
4. **Leverage Reporting and Analytics:**
   
     1. **Visualization Tools:** Use charts and graphs for trends, market share, and analysis.
     2. **Export Data:** Consider external tools for detailed statistical modeling.

### **Tips and Best Practices**

- Define Your Research Objectives: Clarify whether you're seeking new opportunities or analyzing competitors.
- Combine Filters Effectively: Use a combination of keywords, codes, and filters for relevant data.
- Look Beyond the Numbers: Explore the Statement of Work (SOW) for context.
- Track Incumbents Proactively: Assess incumbent performance for recompete strategies.
- Identify Teaming Partners: Find potential partners from similar contract awards.
- Stay Up-to-Date: Regularly review data to stay informed about changes.

### **Common Mistakes or Misunderstandings**

- Over-reliance on Broad Searches: Use specific terms and filters to avoid irrelevant data.
- Ignoring the "Why" Behind the Award: Investigate the context and conditions of awards.
- Failing to Account for Data Limitations: Supplement Federal Compass data with other intelligence.

### **Need Additional Help?**

If you have any questions, please reach out to the CSM team for further assistance, [support@federalcompass.com](mailto:support@federalcompass.com).

- [Opportunities](https://knowledge.federalcompass.com/opportunities?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Opportunity Search](https://knowledge.federalcompass.com/opportunities?hsLang=en#opportunity-search)
- [Pipeline](https://knowledge.federalcompass.com/pipeline?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Lead List](https://knowledge.federalcompass.com/pipeline?hsLang=en#lead-list)
    - [Task](https://knowledge.federalcompass.com/pipeline?hsLang=en#task)
- [Research](https://knowledge.federalcompass.com/research?hsLang=en)
- [Strategy](https://knowledge.federalcompass.com/strategy?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Market Explorer](https://knowledge.federalcompass.com/strategy?hsLang=en#market-explorer)
- [Settings](https://knowledge.federalcompass.com/settings?hsLang=en)
- [Onboarding](https://knowledge.federalcompass.com/onboarding?hsLang=en)
- [Payments/Billing](https://knowledge.federalcompass.com/payments-billing?hsLang=en)
- [Dashboard](https://knowledge.federalcompass.com/dashboard?hsLang=en)
- [Partner Management](https://knowledge.federalcompass.com/partner-management?hsLang=en)

[![Chill listening crop-3](https://knowledge.federalcompass.com/hs-fs/hubfs/federal-compass-black.png?width=115&height=24&name=federal-compass-black.png "Chill listening crop-3")](http://federalcompass.com)

Knowledge Base

Copyright © 2026, Federal Compass