PB Award Fee CACS.docx

PERFORMANCE BASED AWARD FEE EVALUATION PLAN

Performance Criteria and Suggested Evaluation Points

A. Technical Performance

B. Technical Management

C. Business Management

GRAND TOTAL

A. Technical Performance 30 points

(1) Proficiency Analytical Testing Program (20 points)

The Contractor will participate in all American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) proficiency testing that corresponds to samples required for analysis in this contract. Maintenance of proficient rating will involve careful and accurate analysis of reference samples supplied by the AIHA programs. NIOSH will analyze the results obtained from the analyses. Evaluation of performance will be based on these results. In addition, maintenance of a proficient rating in all additional proficiency testing programs, both external and internal, will be expected. NIOSH will analyze the results obtained from these analyses quarterly. Audit samples may also be supplied by the DART QA Manager.

A report of the results will be issued by the DART QA Manager to the Project Officer who will forward a copy to the Contractor. When a set is ruled out of control, it is expected that the Contractor and NIOSH will work together to establish the cause of the problem. Unless the problem can be identified as beyond the Contractor's responsibility, for evaluation purposes, the sample set will be considered out of control.

Table A1 gives the suggested evaluation points on proficiency testing sample sets analyzed during the evaluation period.

If the source of a problem cannot be identified or clearly attributed to the Contractors, for purposes of evaluation, the board may defer consideration of that set until the next period.

(2) Internal Quality Control (10 points)

Internal quality control (QC) is implemented according to the Contractor's initiative and concern for the analytical results. This area includes proper instrument maintenance and performance checks, proper application of calibration solutions, replicate analyses of a representative number of field samples, submission of QC reports, plus analytical reports, maintenance of a proper sample logging system, maintenance of proper sample logging in the DART Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), submittal and completion of corrective action reports, and general good QC practices. Record keeping is important to this aspect of the Contractor's performance. Examination of these records will provide the prime indicator of making a determination of performance in this area.

B. Technical Management 55 points

(1) Management Commitment (15 points)

Technical commitment is evaluated as a summary of all activities conducted during the evaluation period without regard to specific milestones. This section of the evaluation will cover the qualities of management, initiative, cooperation, communication, and timeliness in overall technical management. While all aspects of technical contract management will be reviewed, particular emphasis will be placed on implementation of new methods (developed by NIOSH), as well as special measurement/method development projects.

(2) Method Development Projects (15 points)

Contractor will be assigned method development projects requiring varying degrees of technical expertise during the contract period. The contractor will be graded on criteria such as responsiveness to request, cooperation with individual NIOSH project officers, and the progress and results of the final method development product.

(3) Average Sample Turnaround Time/Routine Analyses (10 points)

The average sample turnaround time refers to the Contractor's responsiveness to submitted samples for analysis and the preparation and distribution of analytical reports. The turnaround time begins one day after a complete sample set is received in the laboratory, continues through each calendar day including weekends and holidays, and ends on the day the analytical results are reported out of the laboratory. Table B-1 lists the suggested evaluation points.

(4) Analytical Reports Quality and Completeness/NMAM Submissions (15 points)

The quality and completeness of analytical reports and any method development projects submitted for review and inclusion in the NMAM will be evaluated for clarity of methodology, accuracy and precision of results, QC, discussion of problems encountered, and promptness of reporting. The frequency of amended reports will be evaluated.

C. Business Management 15 points Business management is evaluated as a summary of all activities conducted during the period. The evaluation rating for each business management criterion is awarded for the Contractor's performance, based upon the following standards. Three categories of Business Management will be evaluated: (1) Business Operations, (2) Cost Management, and (3) Organizational Commitment.

(1) Business Operations (5 points)

Business Operations will be evaluated for Procurement, Personnel, and Overall Business Management and Contract Compliance. Procurement will be evaluated by the effectiveness and compliance of purchasing policies and procedures, and emphasis will be placed on awards to small and disadvantaged business. The Personnel evaluation will consider compliance with personnel policies and procedures, labor relations, and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) compliance. The Overall Business Management and Contract Compliance will consider timely, accurate, and complete business and cost reports; effectiveness of the contract's business management; comprehension of the contract’s business requirement at all management levels; property control and administration; overall management response to the needs of the Government; compliance with the terms and conditions of the Contract; and completeness and speed of response to Contract Officer’s inquiries.

(2) Cost Management (5 points)

The Contractor will be evaluated in the area of cost including use of resources and variance between negotiated amounts and rates, versus actual amounts and rates. Particular attention will be placed on reduction of labor and other direct charges during slack periods. All areas of cost will be evaluated, including labor, overhead, G & A material, travel, and equipment. The Contractor should provide reasons for variances between actual and negotiated costs. Information should be provided on measures the organization has taken to reduce G&A and overhead cost, and on measures the Contractor has taken to reduce overall cost to the Government.

(3) Organizational Commitment (5 points)

Middle and upper level management will place emphasis on meeting the needs of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NIOSH. Commitment can be demonstrated by acquiring and maintaining stateoftheart equipment, crosstraining of personnel, ability to hire and retain qualified personnel, and ability to perform difficult tasks in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Definition of Ratings

Table A-1, Proficiency Testing Evaluation Points (20 points maximum)

Table B-1, Average Sample Turnaround Time Evaluation Points (10 points maximum)