03 - QASP_29 Jul 2026.pdf

Attachment J.03 Solicitation No: N0017827R3103

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

1. PURPOSE

This Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) is a Government-developed and applied document used to make sure the systematic quality assurance methods are used in the administration of this contract. The intent is to ensure that the contractor performs in accordance with the performance objectives and the Government receives the quality of services called for in the contract. In addition, this QASP provides the specific criteria and process to be followed in consideration of the exercise of any options.

The purpose of the QASP is to describe the systematic methods used to monitor performance and to identify the required documentation and the resources to be employed. The QASP provides a means for evaluating whether the Contractor is meeting the performance standards/quality levels identified in the Statement of Work (SOW) and the Contractor’s quality control plan (QCP), and to ensure that the Government pays only for the level of services required/received.

This QASP defines the roles and responsibilities of Government personnel involved in the evaluation of the quality of contractor performance, identifies the performance objectives, and defines the methodologies used to monitor and evaluate the Contractor’s performance. The QASP also describes quality assurance documentation requirements and describes the analysis of quality assurance monitoring results.

2. AUTHORITY

Authority for issuance of this QASP is provided under Part 46 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, Inspection of Services clauses and Section E – Inspection and Acceptance which provides for inspection, acceptance and documentation of the service called for in the contract or order. This acceptance is to be executed by the Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) or a duly authorized representative.

3. SCOPE

The SOW structures the acquisition around "what" services or quality level is required, as opposed to "how" the Contractor should perform the work (i.e., results, noncompliance). This QASP will define the performance management approach taken to monitor and manage the Contractor’s performance to ensure the expected outcomes or performance objectives communicated in the SOW are achieved. Performance management rests on developing a capability to review and analyze information generated through performance assessment. The ability to make decisions based on the analysis of performance data is the cornerstone of performance management, this analysis yields information that indicates whether expected outcomes for the project are being achieved by the Contractor.

The Contractor is responsible for the quality of all work performed. The Contractor measures that quality through the Contractor’s own QCP. Quality control is work output, not workers, and therefore includes all work performed under this Task Order regardless of whether the work is performed by Contractor employees or by Sub-Contractors.

The Contractor’s QCP will set forth the staffing and procedures for self-inspecting the quality, timeliness, responsiveness, customer satisfaction, and other performance requirements in the SOW. The Contractor will develop and implement a performance management system with processes to assess and report its performance to the designated Government representative. This QASP enables the Government to take advantage of the Contractor’s QCP.

A preliminary QASP evaluation/rating will be performed according to the schedule as noted below. The purpose of this review is to determine whether the Contractor is performing at least at a "Satisfactory" level for each major element assessed using Table 1. This methodology will be utilized as an important factor in determining whether to exercise any of the Options under the Contract or Task Order.

The Government will assess performance of the overall contract using the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) at the end of each Period of Performance (PoP). The Contractor Performance Assessment Report (CPAR) assesses a Contractor’s performance, both positive and negative, and provides a record

DRAFT

on a given Task Order during a specified period of time. More information pertaining to CPARS can be found at:

https://www.cpars.gov.

4. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) – An individual duly appointed with the authority to enter into contracts and make related determination and findings on behalf of the Government. PCOs are designated via a written warrant, which sets forth limitations of their respective authority. The PCO ensures performance of all necessary actions for effective contract administration ensures compliance with the terms of the contract and safeguards the interests of the United States in the contractual relationship. It is the PCO that ensures the Contractor receives impartial, fair and equitable treatment under the contract. The PCO is ultimately responsible for the final determination of the acceptability of the Contractor’s performance. The PCO for this Task Order is identified in Section G.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) – An individual appointed in writing by the PCO to act as their authorized representative to assist in technical administration. The limitations of authority are contained in a written letter of appointment which is a formal attachment to the contract. The COR is responsible for technical administration of the task order and assures proper Government surveillance of the Contractor’s technical performance. The COR provides QASP reports to the PCO. The COR is not empowered to make any contractual commitments or to authorize any changes on the Government’s behalf. Any changes that the Contractor deems may affect contract price, terms, or conditions shall be referred to the PCO for action.

Contract Specialist – An individual assigned by the PCO to provide daily administration of the contract. The Contract Specialist provides input to the PCO and the COR as to the quality of performance for areas addressed in this QASP.

Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Individuals who may be assigned by the COR to perform limited technical oversight of specific projects, work areas, or Technical Instructions issued under the contract. A SME provides input to the COR as to the quality of technical performance for their respective area(s) of expertise. A SME cannot, in any manner, alter the scope of the contract, make commitments or authorize any changes on the Government’s behalf.

5. SCHEDULE

The initial QASP evaluation will be finalized no later than the end of month ten (10) of the base period. Subsequent evaluations will be finalized no later than the end of month ten (10) of option periods (unless otherwise identified in the schedule). The evaluation will encompass all work performed by the Contractor during the assessment period, but will not include cumulative information from prior assessments unless the information applies to corrective actions required as a result of the prior assessment. In order to accomplish this, the following schedule applies:

Contractor Self-Assessment is due to the PCO and COR no later than the end of month seven (7) of the Period of Performance based on the first six (6) months of support for the base period and each twelve (12) month period thereafter. Failure of the Contractor to make a timely delivery will be viewed as the Contractor’s overall inability to comply with Contract schedules. (CDRL A00F)

COR Written Assessment is due to the PCO no later than the end of week two (2) of month eight (8) of the Period of Performance.

QASP Evaluation - The PCO will review the COR Written Assessment, determine an overall performance rating for the period, and provide a copy to the Contractor no later than week four (4) of month eight (8) of the Period of Performance.

Interim Evaluations – The COR can provide feedback to the PCO at any time during the Period of Performance. If the feedback indicates that the Contractor is not meeting the acceptable performance standards as defined herein, the PCO will provide this feedback to the Contractor immediately.

https://www.cpars.gov/

6. IDENTIFICATION OF REQUIRED PERFORMANCE STANDARDS/QUALITY LEVELS

The overall performance ratings and standards are included in Table 1, “Task Performance Evaluation Criteria and Standards”. If the Contractor fails to meet the required performance level based on the preliminary review conducted in accordance with the QASP, the Government may not exercise the next Option period under the contract or Task Order. To meet the required performance level, the Contractor must receive at least a "Satisfactory" rating overall for the performance requirements identified in Table 2, “QASP & Self-Assessment Matrix”, for the performance period being evaluated.

7. METHODOLOGIES TO MONITOR PERFORMANCE

Surveillance Techniques - The below surveillance methods shall be used by the Government to evaluate Contractor performance when appropriate. The COR will use the following methods of surveillance:

• 100% Inspection: When used, each item of interest shall be reviewed.

• Periodic Inspection, Judgmental Inspection, or Planned Sampling: This method, sometimes called "planned sampling,” consists of the evaluation of tasks selected on other than a 100% or random basis.

• Customer Feedback: Customer feedback may also be obtained either from the results of formal customer satisfaction surveys or from random customer complaints.

Pursuant to FAR 52.246-5(c), the Government reserves the right to perform performance inspections at both Prime and Sub-contractor sites.

The Contractor is expected to establish and maintain professional communication between its employees and customers. The primary objective of this communication is customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction is the most significant external indicator of the success and effectiveness of all services provided and can be measured through customer complaints.

Customer complaints, to be considered valid, must set forth clearly and in writing the detailed nature of the complaint, must be signed, and must be forwarded to the COR. The COR will accept those customer complaints, investigate and work with the PCO and Contractor to resolve the issue.

8. QUALITY ASSURANCE DOCUMENTATION

The Performance Management Feedback Loop - The performance management feedback loop begins with the communication of expected outcomes. Performance standards are expressed in Table 1. Table 2 provides the “QASP and Self-Assessment Matrix”. Table 3 provides the “Performance Requirements Surveillance Matrix”. This matrix details the method of surveillance the COR will use to validate and inspect these performance elements.

Inspection of each element will be documented in the COR file.

9. MONITORING SYSTEM

The Government’s QA surveillance, accomplished by the COR, in conjunction with the PCO, will be reported using the methodology described herein. QASP evaluations will be done as input to Option Exercise determinations.

The Government shall use the monitoring methods cited to determine whether the performance standards/service performance thresholds have been met. If the Contractor has not met the minimum requirements, it may be asked to develop a corrective action plan to show how and by what date it intends to bring performance up to the required levels. If the COR determines that there are nonconforming services, the Contractor may be required to perform the service again in accordance with the applicable inspection clause. Failure to meet the Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs) will trigger the non-conforming performance protocols in Section 10, resulting in delayed, withheld, or permanently reduced fee payments.

10. NON-CONFORMING PERFORMANCE

The COR will notify the Contractor, in person, each time an unacceptable observation has been recorded and ask the Contractor to correct the problem or re-accomplish the service. The COR will record the contract requirement, the specific deficiency to the requirement, and the date and time it was discovered to be included in monthly COR status report. The Contractor will be given a timeline after notification to correct the deficiency in accordance with requirements of the Task Order. Deficiencies that cannot be corrected within the identified timeline will be reported to the Contracting Officer.

Fee Reduction and Deduction Authority (FAR 46.407/FAR 52.246-5) In the event of non-conforming performance, the Government reserves the right to exercise its deduction and fee-reduction authorities. If the Contractor fails to meet the AQLs established in the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) (Table 3), the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will require the Contractor to perform the services again in conformity with contract requirements, at no increase in fixed fee.

If the non-conforming performance cannot be corrected by re-performance, the Contractor fails to promptly perform the services again, or the Contractor fails to perform at a Satisfactory level as defined in Table 2, the Government holds the authority to:

1. Reduce the Contractor's fixed fee by an amount that reflects the reduced value of the services performed.

2. Withhold payment of the fixed fee on the monthly voucher until performance deficiencies are fully remediated.

3. Perform the services (by contract or otherwise) and reduce any fixed fee payable by an amount that is equitable under the circumstances.

Fee-Deduction and Rate Decrement Authority

If the Contractor fails to meet the AQLs established in the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) (Table 3) or fails to deliver a compliant product (such as Technical Reports, Test Plans, Test Procedures or Financial Reports) within the approved schedule:

• Rate Decrement: The Government will not reimburse labor costs or fee for non-conforming work. The Contractor shall reperform services, and the Government will reimburse labor and fee only for the portion of labor costs incurred for conforming work.

• Flat-Rate Deliverable Deduction: For late or non-conforming major deliverables (e.g., CDRL A009 Technical Report, CDRL A00D Test Procedure, CDRL A00E Test Plan, CDRL A001 Contracting Officers Management Report), the Government shall deduct $500.00 per business day from the monthly invoice until a fully compliant deliverable is submitted and accepted by the COR.

Table 1 – Task Performance Evaluation Criteria and Standards

In evaluating the quality of Contractor’s performance, the following performance ratings may be used.

Performance Rating

Criteria

Excellent /

Outstanding

Performance meets contractual requirements and exceeds many to the Government’s benefits. The contractual performance of the element or sub-element being assessed was accomplished with few minor or no problems and Contractor actions were highly effective.

Very Good

Performance meets contractual requirements and exceeds some to the Government benefits. The contractual performance was accomplished with few minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the Contractor were effective.

Satisfactory

Performance meets contractual requirements. The contractual performance contains some minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the Contractor were satisfactory.

Marginal

Performance does not meet some contractual requirements. The contractual performance reflects a serious problem for which the Contractor has not yet identified corrective actions. The Contractor’s proposed actions appear marginally effective or were not fully implemented.

Unsatisfactory

Performance does not meet most contractual requirements and recovery is not likely in a timely manner. The contractual performance contains serious problem(s) for which the Contractor’s corrective actions appear or were ineffective.

Table 2 – QASP & Self-Assessment Matrix

Element Unsatisfactory Marginal Satisfactory Very Good Exceptional

1. Task Performance

SOW Tasking

Work product fails to meet the Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL) defined in Performance Requirements Surveillance Matrix, Table 3.

Work product does not meet some of the Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL) defined in Performance Requirements Surveillance Matrix, Table 3.

Work product routinely meets the Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL) defined in Performance Requirements Surveillance Matrix, Table 3.

Work product exceeds some of the Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL) defined in Performance Requirements Surveillance Matrix, Table 3.

Work product frequently exceeds the Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL) defined in Performance Requirements Surveillance Matrix, Table 3.

Timeliness

Contractor frequently misses deadlines, or is slow to respond or non-responsive to Government requests.

Contractor occasionally misses deadlines, schedules or is slow to respond or occasionally nonresponsive to Government requests.

Contractor routinely meets deadlines, schedules, and quickly responds to Government requests.

Contractor routinely meets deadlines and schedules and occasionally delivers early and responds immediately to Government requests.

Contractor routinely delivers ahead of deadlines, schedules, and responds immediately to Government requests.

Quality

Deliverables are typically not well researched and contain many technical inaccuracies.

Rework is frequently required.

Deliverables are occasionally not well researched and contain some technical inaccuracies.

Rework is occasionally required.

Deliverables received are well researched, complete and technically accurate. No more than two (2) revisions are typically needed to accept the item.

Deliverables received are well researched, complete and technically accurate.

Other deliverables meet all Task Order requirements.

Deliverables received are always well researched, complete and technically accurate. They frequently exceed technical expectations.

Other deliverables meet all Task Order requirements.

Rework is not required. Other deliverables typically exceed all Task Order requirements.

2. Staffing

Staffing

Contractor provides marginally qualified or unqualified personnel.

Lapses in coverage occur regularly.

Staffing vacancies regularly takes longer than 90 business days to be staffed from date of notification of need by the Government.

Contractor provides marginally qualified personnel.

Staffing vacancies regularly takes longer than 75 business days to be staffed from date of notification of need by the Government.

Contractor provides qualified personnel.

Staffing vacancies regularly takes less than 60 business days to be staffed from date of notification of need by the Government

Contractor provides a mix of qualified and highly qualified personnel.

Staffing vacancies regularly takes less than 45 business days to be staffed from date of notification of need by the Government.

Contractor provides highly qualified personnel.

Staffing vacancies regularly takes no longer than 30 business days to be staffed from date of notification of need by the Government.

3. Customer Satisfaction

Customer Satisfaction

Contractor routinely fails to meet customer expectations.

Contractor occasionally fails to meet customer expectations.

Contractor routinely meets customer expectations.

Routinely meets or occasionally exceeds customer expectations.

Contractor routinely exceeds customer expectations.

4. Management Performance

Problem Resolution

Problems are unresolved, repetitive, or take excessive Government effort to resolve.

Problems are generally resolved but take unusual Government effort to resolve or take an excessive amount of time to resolve.

Problems are resolved quickly with minimal Government involvement.

Problems occur infrequently and are generally resolved quickly with minimal Government involvement.

Problems are non-existent or the Contractor takes corrective action without Government involvement.

Timeliness

Frequently misses deadlines, or is slow or non-responsive to respond to Government requests.

Occasionally misses deadlines, schedules or is slow or occasionally non-responsive to respond to Government requests.

Routinely meets deadlines and schedules, quickly responds to Government requests.

Routinely meets deadlines and schedules and occasionally delivers early and responds immediately to Government requests.

Routinely delivers ahead of deadlines, schedules, and responds immediately to Government requests.

Responsiveness

Contractor’s management is unresponsive to Government requests and concerns.

Contractor’s Management is occasionally unresponsive to Government requests and concerns.

Contractor’s Management is responsive to Government requests and concerns.

Contractor’s Management is responsive to requests and concerns and occasionally proactive in

Contractor’s Management takes proactive approach in dealing with Government representatives anticipating concerns.

and anticipates concerns.

Communication

Contractor fails to communicate with Government in an effective and timely manner.

Contractor occasionally fails to communicate with Government in an effective and timely manner.

Contractor routinely communicates with Government in an effective and timely manner.

Contractor routinely communicates with Government in an effective and timely manner and is frequently proactive in managing communications.

Contractor takes proactive approach such that communications are almost always clear, effective and timely.

5. Cost Management & Efficiency

Cost Management & Reporting

Contractor experienced a cost overrun greater than 25% of the awarded price, without sufficient justification as determined by the COR and PCO.

<70% of the time, cost reports are timely, accurate, complete and clearly written.

<70% of the time Invoicing is not accurate or submitted in a timely manner and supporting detail is missing or incomplete.

Contractor experienced a cost overrun greater than 15% of the awarded price, without sufficient justification as determined by the COR and PCO.

<80% of the time, cost reports are timely, accurate, complete and clearly written.

<80% of the time Invoices are occasionally late or contain errors supporting detail is missing or contains occasional errors.

Contractor experienced a cost overrun of no more than 10% of the awarded price, without sufficient justification as determined by the COR and PCO.

>90% of the time, cost reports are timely, accurate, complete and clearly written.

>90% of the time invoices are timely and accurate. All supporting detail is provided.

Contractor delivered the level of effort within 5% of estimated costs as determined by the

COR.

>95% of the time, cost reports are timely, accurate, complete and clearly written.

>95% of the time Invoices are timely and accurate. All supporting detail is provided.

Contractor delivered the level of effort at lower than estimated costs.

100% of the time, cost reports are timely, accurate, complete and clearly written.

100% of the time Invoices are timely and accurate. All supporting detail is provided.

Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

Contractor complies with Task Order requirements for ODC authorization <70% of time.

<70% of time, burdened ODC costs higher than authorized.

Contractor complies with Task Order requirements for

ODC

authorization <80% of time.

<80% of time, burdened ODC costs are higher than authorized.

Contractor complies with Task Order requirements for ODC authorization >90% of time.

>90% of time, burdened ODC costs are higher than authorized.

Contractor complies with Task Order requirements for

ODC

authorization >95% of time.

>95% of time, burdened ODC costs are lower than authorized.

Contractor complies with Task Order requirements for

ODC

authorization 100% of time.

100% of time, burdened ODC costs are lower than authorized.

6. Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory Compliance

Does not meet most contractual requirements and recovery is not likely in a timely

Does not meet some contractual requirements. The contractual performance of

Meets contractual requirements. The contractual performance of the element or sub-

Meets contractual requirements and exceeds some to the Government’s benefit. The

Meets contractual requirements and exceeds many to the Government’s benefit. The manner. The contractual performance of the element or sub-element contains a serious problem for which the Contractor’s corrective actions appear or were ineffective.

the element or sub-element being evaluated reflects a serious problem for which the Contractor has not yet identified corrective actions.

The Contractor’s proposed actions appear only marginally effective, or were not fully implemented.

element contains some minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the Contractor appear, or were, satisfactory.

contractual performance of the element or sub-element being evaluated was accomplished with some minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the Contractor were effective.

contractual performance of the element or sub-element being evaluated was accomplished with few minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the Contractor were highly effective.

FAR 52.222-50

Combatting Trafficking in Persons

The Contractor has not informed the Contracting Officer and the agency Inspector General of any credible information it has received that alleges a Contractor employee, Sub- Contractor, Sub- Contractor employee, or their agent has engaged in conduct that violates the policy.

The Contractor has informed the Contracting Officer and the agency Inspector General 100% of the time of any credible information it has received that alleges a Contractor employee, Sub- Contractor, Sub- Contractor employee, or their agent has engaged in conduct that violates the policy.

Controlled Unclassified Information

(CUI)

The Contractor regularly fails to properly mark, transmit, or secure CUI and Covered Defense Information (CDI).

The Contractor routinely properly marks, transmits, and secures CUI and Covered Defense Information (CDI).

Counterfeit Materiel Oversight and Assurance

The Contractor fails to implement counterfeit material processes as outlined in the SOW or fails to report all instances of counterfeit and suspect counterfeit materiel.

The Contractor effectively implements counterfeit material processes as outlined in the SOW and reports all instances of counterfeit and suspect counterfeit materiel.

Table 3 – Performance Requirements Surveillance Matrix

Performance Element: Quality of Product or Service

SOW

Paragraph

Desired Outcomes

Required Service

Standard

Acceptable Quality Level

(AQL)

Monitoring Method

General Requirements C.3.1 to C.3.10

Execution of General Support tasks adhering to industry best practices and DoD, DON, and

NSWCDD

standards.

Meet General Requirements in an increasingly efficient, effective, and affordable manner while ensuring the achievement of required outcome performance levels.

Support has the desired skill level and provides support, technical inputs, and deliverables as required.

Performance meets contractual requirements and exceeds some to the Government benefits.

The contractual performance was accomplished with few minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the Contractor were effective.

Performance meets contractual requirements.

The contractual performance contains some minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the Contractor were satisfactory.

Customer feedback;

Periodic Inspection

Contractor Workforce Management C.3.1 to C.3.10

Continual delivery of all required expertise, support, and contract deliverables at the required performance standards regardless of departing or on-boarding personnel, personnel on short-term or long-term leave, or vacant positions.

Technically qualified and technically accredited and approved support Contractor employees with favorably adjudicated personnel security investigations to perform the work described in the broad performance areas of the SOW.

Support has the desired skill level and provides support, technical inputs, and deliverables as required.

Performance meets contractual requirements and exceeds some to the Government benefits.

The contractual performance was accomplished with few minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the Contractor were effective.

Staffing vacancies regularly takes less than 60 business days to be staffed from date of notification of need by the Government.

Performance meets contractual requirements.

The contractual performance contains some minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the Contractor were satisfactory.

Staffing vacancies regularly takes less than 60 business days to be staffed from date of notification of need by the Government.

Customer feedback;

Periodic Inspection DRAFT

(AQL)

Paragraph C.4 to C.6

Effective Contractor management and supervision

Supervision and management of Contractor personnel

Compliance monitor staffing, technical progress, financial status, and all personnel travel.

Additionally, track personnel approved to charge on contract, provide copies of all invoices, and ensure all invoiced costs represent services that have been performed including deliverable items

PM and operational capability of all positions and personnel must work with the COR to stay staffed at 95%

Customer feedback;

Periodic Inspection

Information Technology C.3.3

A stable, secure, performance, and well-managed IT environment that supports NSWCDD's mission and business objectives.

Administering, operating, managing, optimizing, and maintaining Electromagnetic and Sensor Systems Department network systems.

Support has the desired skill level and provides support, technical inputs, and deliverables as required.

Performance meets contractual requirements and exceeds some to the Government benefits.

The contractual performance was accomplished with few minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the Contractor were effective.

Performance meets contractual requirements.

The contractual performance contains some minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the Contractor were satisfactory.

Customer feedback;

Periodic Inspection

Facility Operations and Property Management Support C.3.9

Support for the operation of facilities and designated support equipment.

Facilities Management support has the desired skill level and provides support, technical inputs, and deliverables as required.

Performance meets contractual requirements and exceeds some to the Government benefits.

The contractual performance was accomplished with few minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the Contractor were effective.

Performance meets contractual requirements.

The contractual performance contains some minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the Contractor were satisfactory.

Customer feedback;

Periodic Inspection

(AQL)

CDRL A001-

A00G

Submission is in accordance with DID cited in

CDRL.

Submission is in accordance with DID cited in

CDRL.

Submission is in accordance with DID cited in

CDRL.

90% of required deliverables provided on time and with no more than one report per Program supported per Technical Instruction may be inaccurate or require a re-write.

100% Inspection by COR and/or Technical Points of Contact as indicated on

CDRL.