Attachment_6_K-12 Digital Learning Focus_ QASP.pdf

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

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K-12 Digital Learning Focus

1. Purpose

This Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) provides a systematic method to evaluate performance for the stated contract by explaining (1) what is monitored, (2) how monitoring occurs,

(3) who monitors, and (4) how monitoring efforts and results are documented.

2. Background

Prior to 2018, DoDEA supplemented the core curriculum with a variety of online subscriptions and services that were purchased in a non-systemic manner. In 2018 DoDEA awarded a contract that replaced these local procurements with one enterprise license for grades K-6, which was expanded to serve most 7-12 students/teachers. DoDEA is now seeking a K-12 solution.

3. Objectives

DoDEA requires a web-based, vendor-hosted instructional tool to assist K-12 teachers in providing multi-modal content that includes access to various media, authoring tools, lesson plans, and means to differentiate instruction. The proposed solution will be used in DoDEA’s 159 brick-and-mortar schools and one virtual school, which serve approximately 65,000 K-12 students and will include related professional learning.

This QASP does not detail how the Contractor accomplishes the work but is based on the premise that the Contractor is responsible for management and quality control actions to meet the terms of the contract.

The Government is responsibility to be objective, fair, and consistent in evaluating performance. The QASP takes into account that unforeseen and uncontrollable situations may occur. It is a living document, which the Government may review and revise on a regular basis to ensure it remains valid, useful, and enforceable.

The Government will coordinate any changes with the Contractor. DoDEA will provide copies of the original QASP and revisions to the Contractor and Government officials implementing the surveillance activities.

4. Government Personnel Responsible to Oversee and Coordinate Surveillance

Contracting Officer (KO) - Ensures performance of all necessary actions for effective contracting, compliance with the contract terms, and safeguarding the interests of the Government in the contractual relationship. Ensures the Contractor receives impartial, fair, and equitable treatment under this contract. Is responsible for the final determination of Contractor performance.

Assigned KO: Jerri Newton DoDEA HQ - 571-372-1364 - Jerri.Newton@dodea.edu

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) - Is responsible for technical administration of the contract, ensures proper Government surveillance of Contractor performance. Keeps a quality assurance file. Provides all corresponding documentation to the KO when the contract expires. Is not empowered to make any contractual commitments or authorize any contractual changes on the Government’s behalf. The Contractor shall refer any changes that may affect contract price, terms, or conditions to the KO for action.

Assigned COR: TBD DoDEA-HQ – xxx-xxx-xxxx – Email address

5. Contractor Representatives

The following employee(s) of the Contractor serve as the Contractor’s Program Manager and Task Manager for this contract:

Program Manager: TBD Organization: xxx-xxx-xxxx – Email address

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6. Performance Standards

Performance standards define desired services. The Government performs surveillance to determine if the Contractor exceeds, meets, or does not meet contract standards. The Performance Requirements Summary Matrix below includes the performance standards. The Government will determine Contractor performance by comparing them to the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL).

Performance Objective

Performance Standard

AQL

Inspection

Method

Task 1, Access & Design and Task 4, Delivery of Digital

Resources

Tasks completed within required timeline

Delivery of digital resources three business days after receipt of delivery order

Ongoing access 24/7/365 except for scheduled downtimes

COR inspection and stakeholder feedback

Task 2, Product Training & Virtual

Professional Learning

Tasks completed within required timeline

Product Training available 24-7- 365, except scheduled downtimes

No more than one professional learning session per year shall be rescheduled due to Contractor inability to present

COR inspection and stakeholder feedback

Task 3, Meetings Tasks completed within required timeline

No more than one meeting per year shall be rescheduled due to Contractor inability to present

COR inspection

Task 5, Technical Support

Tasks completed within required timeline

95% of phone or email inquiries shall be resolved in 1-2 business day; the remaining 5% shall be resolved in five business days.

COR inspection and stakeholder feedback

7. Incentives

Exercise option and positive performance evaluation

8. Methods of QA Surveillance

Various methods exist to monitor performance. The COR will use the surveillance methods listed below. Regardless of the surveillance method, the COR will always contact the Contractor's task manager or on-site representative when a defect is identified and inform him/her of the specifics. The COR is responsible to monitor Contractor performance in meeting a specific performance standard/AQL usually by one of the following methods:

Direct Observation: Performed periodically or through 100% surveillance as needed.

Periodic Inspection: Done as required.

Validated User/Customer Complaints: Based on complaints from stakeholders.

100% Inspection

Surveillance results may be used as the basis for actions (including payment deductions) against the Contractor. In such cases, the contract’s Inspection of Services clause is the basis for the KO’s actions.

9. Ratings

Metrics and methods are designed to determine if performance exceeds, meets, or does not meet a given standard and acceptable quality level. Unless otherwise specified, the following rating scale will be used:

Exceptional: Performance significantly exceeds requirements to the Government’s benefit.

Satisfactory: Performance meets contractual requirements.

Unsatisfactory: Performance does not meet contractual requirements.

10. Documenting Performance

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Acceptable Performance: DoDEA will document acceptable performance. Any report may become a part of the supporting documentation history. A report template is attached.

Unacceptable Performance: When unacceptable performance occurs, the COR will inform the Contractor. Notification will normally be in writing unless circumstances necessitate verbal communication. In any case, the COR will document the discussion and place it in the COR file.

When the COR determines formal written communication is required, s/he will prepare a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR) and present it to the Contractor's task manager or on-site representative.

A CDR template is attached.

The Contractor shall acknowledge receipt of the CDR in writing. The CDR will specify if the Contractor is required to prepare a corrective action plan, i.e., the Contractor’s plan to correct the unacceptable performance and avoid a recurrence. The CDR will also state how long the Contractor has to present this corrective action plan to the COR. The Government will review the Contractor's corrective action plan to determine acceptability. A CDR may become a part of the supporting documentation for contract payment deductions or other actions deemed necessary by the KO.

11. Measurement

Frequency of Measurement: During contract/order performance, the COR will take periodic measurements, as specified in the AQL column of the Performance Requirements Summary Matrix and analyze whether the negotiated frequency of measurement is appropriate for the work being performed.

Frequency of Performance Assessment Meetings: The COR will meet with the Contractor at a minimum of once per year to assess performance and obtain a written assessment.

12. COR’s Quality Surveillance File

The COR’s quality surveillance file shall contain the following documentation:

1) COR appointment letter, any changes to that letter, and any termination letters

2) COR training certificates

3) Contract and all contract modifications

4) Applicable quality assurance surveillance plan (QASP)

5) Names, titles, and contact information of all key personnel assigned to this contract, both Government and Contractor

6) Surveillance schedules / checklists, if applicable

7) All correspondence (1) by authorized Contractor and Government personnel regarding performance of the contract and (2) customer feedback

8) Memoranda for record of minutes of any meeting, telephone conversations and discussions with the contractor or others pertaining to the contract or contract performance

9) Documentation pertaining to acceptance of services, reports or data

Contracting Officer’s Representative

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Performance Report

< This template will be used to formally document surveillance. >

1. Contract number:

2. Prepared by:

3. Date and time of observation:

4. Observation:

<Examples of items to include in a report are:

Method of surveillance.

How frequently you conducted surveillance.

Surveillance results.

Number of observations.

Prepared by:

Contracting Officer’s Representative Date

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Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR)

< This template will be used to formally document discrepancies. >

1. Contract Number:

2. To: (Contractor Task Manager or on-site representative)

3. From: TBD

4. Date and time observed discrepancy:

5. Discrepancy or problem:

<Describe in detail. Identify any attachments.>

6. Corrective action plan:

A written corrective action plan < is / is not > required.

< If a written corrective action plan is required include the following. > The written Corrective Action Plan will be provided to the undersigned not later than < # days after receipt of this CDR. >

Prepared by:

Contracting Officer’s Representative Date

Received by:

Contractor Task Manager or On-Site Representative Date

The COR may initiate a CDR at any time, including when (1) the number of monthly recorded defects for a performance standard exceeds the allowable number of defects, (2) unacceptable performance is determined critical in nature and requires formal corrective action, and (3) an unfavorable trend in Contractor performance is detected.