Attachment 2 - FY2021_KMRD_Shelter_Cove_PCT_Contract_QASP.docx

USDA Forest Service Region 10 Alaska

Pre-Commercial Thinning Services Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

June 2018

U.S. Forest Service QASP

1. Purpose

This Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) is a Government developed document used to ensure that systematic quality assurance methods are used in the administration of the Performance-based Acquisition (PBA) standards included in this Performance Work Statement (PWS). The intent is to ensure that the Contractor performs in accordance with the performance standards/acceptable quality levels contained in the PWS; that the Government receives the quality of services called for in the contract; and, that the Government only pays for the acceptable level of services received.

2. Scope

It is important to understand the responsibilities of the parties and distinguish between the quality control plan and the QASP. The contractor is responsible for managing and developing a quality control plan to meet the quality standards established in the PWS. The QASP is put in place to provide Government surveillance and oversight of the contractor’s efforts in meeting the performance standards required by the contract. The QASP is not part of the contract nor is it intended to duplicate the Contractor’s quality control plan. The Government may provide the Contractor with an informational copy of the QASP to support the Contractor’s efforts in developing a quality control plan that will interrelate with the QASP.

3. Government Resources

The following personnel will implement all surveillance activities:

Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer ensures performance of all necessary actions for effective contracting, ensures compliance with the terms of the contract and safeguards the interests of the United States in the contractual relationship. It is the Contracting Officer that assures the Contractor receives impartial, fair and equitable treatment under the contract. The Contracting Officer is ultimately responsible for the final determination of the adequacy of the Contractor’s performance.

The Contracting Officer may designate other Forest Service personnel, such as a Government Technical Monitor (GTM) to assist the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in performing surveillance in accordance with this QASP. Any such designation shall be in writing, with a copy provided to the COR and the Contractor.

Contracting Officer: Laurie Moore Telephone Number and Email: 907-586-7902; lauriemoore@usda.gov

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The COR is responsible for technical administration of the contract and assures proper Government surveillance of the Contractor’s performance. The COR is not empowered to make any contractual commitments or to authorize any contractual changes on the Government’s behalf. Any changes that the Contractor deems may affect contract price, terms, or conditions shall be referred to the Contracting Officer for action.

Contracting Officer’s Representative: Charles Ressler Telephone Number and Email: office - 907-772-5980 or cell – 907-518-1116; cressler@usda.gov

4. Methods of QA Surveillance

The surveillance methods listed below shall be used in the administration of this QASP. The specific surveillance method for each performance standard and acceptable quality level is listed in the “Method of Surveillance” column of the performance requirement summary (PRS).

COR Review – Indicates that the COR will be responsible for monitoring the Contractor’s performance in meeting specific performance standards/acceptable quality levels. The COR may rely upon other designated Forest Service personnel, such as a Government Technical Monitor (GTM) for assistance.

· In the case of a written deliverable, CO and/or COR Review will consist of up to 100% inspection of the specific deliverable and supporting documentation.

· In the case of day-to-day support activities, COR and/or CO designee Review will consist of periodic inspection or random monitoring.

The results of all monitoring activity shall be documented on the Various Inspection Reports included in the contract as Exhibits. The COR shall submit copies of the appropriate Inspection Report(s) to the Contracting Officer on a quarterly basis, at the conclusion of contract performance, and whenever contractor performance fails to meet acceptable quality levels.

5. Documentation

The COR and/or CO Designee will, in addition to providing documentation to the Contracting Officer, maintain a complete quality assurance file. The file will contain copies of all reports, evaluations, recommendations, surveillance checklists, and any actions related to the Government’s performance of the quality assurance surveillance function. All such records will be retained for the life of the contract and forwarded to the Contracting Officer upon completion.

6. Incentives and Disincentives

On a monthly basis, the COR will assess the contractor’s performance using the performance requirements specified in the PWS and the Performance Requirements Summary included below. The COR will alert the CO whenever a disincentive should be included in the invoice.

Incentives: <<To be proposed by the Contractor, in alignment with the PWS>>

Disincentive: <<To be proposed by the Contractor, in alignment with the PWS>>

ATTACHMENT I

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS)

Required Service

Performance Standards

Of Surveillance Frequency of Inspection

Incentives and Disincentive

Pre- Commercial Thinning

Thin to the specified spacing of “crop” trees across entire treatment area, allowing for spacing variance as indicated.

Maintain proper species preference as indicated, and refrain from cutting any identified “no-cut” tree species.

Completely sever all non-crop “cut” trees from stump, with stump height not to exceed 6” and with no live limbs remaining.

Completely girdle all non-crop “girdle” trees, making two continuous and parallel cuts around tree bole.

C.05.1, C.05.2

C.05.3

C.05.4, C.05.5

C.05.6

90%

Review contractor’s self-inspection reports and conduct independent plot sampling.

Within 10 days of receiving contractor’s inspection request.

Full pay for 90% or better thinning quality. If less than 90% thinning quality but can be improved, rework is required. If less than 90% thinning quality but cannot be improved, reduced payment or a negative CPARS rating may be determined by CO.

Basic Thinning Slash Treatment and Roads

Treat slash in accordance with specified standards, pulling away from streams and roads identified on contract maps.

C.05.7, C.05.8

100%

Conduct visual inspection of treatment area while performing plot sampling. Final determination is based on the COR assessment at any given site.

Within 10 days of receiving contractor’s inspection request.

Rework if slash has not been properly treated as specified in contract. Rework must occur prior to submission of any subsequent inspection request.

Pre- Commercial Thinning Self- Inspection

Maintain self-inspection documentation, to be submitted with inspection request by contractor to the COR.

E.03

Require submission of contractor’s thinning self-inspection documentation with inspection request.

At time of contractor’s inspection request.

Failure to provide contractor self-inspection reports will result in a delay of government inspection, and will result in issuance of Notice of Non-Compliance, and may lead to a negative CPARS rating.

Communication of Work Progress

Maintain effective, timely, and responsive communication with the CO and COR regarding work schedule and progress reports.

F.03.2, F.03.3

Request periodic updates of work progress from contractor.

At regular intervals throughout the performance of this contract.

Failure to respond to requests for progress updates from the CO and COR will result in issuance of Notice of Non- Compliance and may lead to a negative CPARS rating.

Contractor Administrative Requirements

Verify eligibility of workers in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify system.

Obtain and maintain Farm Labor Contractor Certificate from U.S. Department of Labor.

Disclose in writing the full terms of employment for each worker at time of recruitment or hire.

F.04, H.011

F.04, H.012, H.013

F.04, H.012

Require contractor to certify compliance prior to award.

At time of pre-work and at invoice submission.

Failure to provide updates as required by F.3.1 will result in a 10% withholding of payment from invoices submitted for any given month. Such payment will be withheld until updates are provided. In the event that updates are not received prior to submission of subsequent invoices, there will be a non- recoverable payment reduction of 10% of the withheld amount per invoice. The application of this incentive/disincentive will be applicable to each subsequent invoice as submitted and may lead to a negative CPARS rating.

Display MSPA and Wage Determination Posters prominently at work location.

Display valid U.S. Forest Service camp permit for each work location, if applicable.

H.012

H.014

COR will conduct visual inspection of work location and worker common areas in camp.

During initial site inspection, and during subsequent site visits.

Failure to display posters and permits will result in issuance of Notice of Non-Compliance and may lead to a negative CPARS rating.

Worker Safety

Provide worker safety plan and provide workers with adequate training pertaining to safety protocols and procedures.

Provide each worker with the required Personal Protective Equipment as described.

C.03.1, F.03.2

F.03.2, H.013

Review contractor’s worker safety plan and documentation of training.

Conduct visual inspection of work location and worker common areas in camp.

Prior to pre-work meeting

During initial site inspection, and during subsequent site visits.

Failure to provide an acceptable worker safety plan and documentation of training will result in delay of issuance of Notice to Proceed.

Failure to provide PPE will result in issuance of Notice of Non-Compliance and may lead to negative CPARS rating.

Violations may result in termination for cause.

C.03.2, F.03.2

Review contractor’s communications plan and conduct visual inspection of each work location.

Require contractor to certify compliance with invoice submission.

Conduct visual inspection of work location and food storage and food preparation areas in camp.

Failure to comply with the overall safety plan as required by F.3.2 will result in a 10% withholding of payment from invoices submitted for any given month. Such payment will be withheld until updates are provided. In the event of repeated non-compliance, at the time of submission of subsequent invoices, there will be a non-recoverable payment reduction of the entire withheld amount per invoice.

The application of this incentive/disincentive will be applicable to each subsequent invoice as submitted and may lead to a negative CPARS rating.

Establish a communications plan and maintain reliable communications system at each work location.

F.03.2, H.012

At time of pre-work and during site visits.

Verify that motor vehicles used in contract performance are safe, registered, and insured.

At time of pre-work and at invoice submission.

100%

At time of pre-work and at invoice submission.

Provide workers with safe and convenient potable water source at each work location.

Section J, Camp Permit Exhibit 6

During initial site inspection, and at invoice submission.

Provide workers with adequate and secure food storage and food preparation facilities at each work location.

During initial site inspection, and during subsequent site visits.

Section J, Camp Permit Exhibit 6 image1.jpeg