PSA-16-R-0012_-_Quality_Assurance_Surveillance_Plan_QASP_-_Attachment_IV.pdf

PSA-16-R-0012

ATTACHMENT IV

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

Note: the following Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) is PSA’s codification of its method of implementing FAR 37.601, which requires that performance-based contracts or task orders to:

a) Describe the requirements in terms of results required rather than the methods of performance of the work;

b) Use measurable performance standards (i.e., in terms of quality, timeliness, quantity, etc.) and quality assurance surveillance plans;

c) Specify procedures for reductions of fee or for reductions to the price of a fixed-price contract when services are not performed or do not meet contract requirements; and

d) Include performance incentives where appropriate.

Offeror's must complete the QASP as part of their proposal. A description of the columns and information to be entered follows below.

We will use the information provided as part of our evaluation of your offer.

(1) Deliverable: One of the deliverables described in the “Deliverables” section above.

(2) Performance Standard: The level of performance which the Government considers acceptable. A good performance standard in general should:

Measure important things;

Be simple, but not too simple;

Be auditable and capable of validation (quantifiable measures preferred, as they are less subjective);

Attainable and worth the cost;

Have a level of detail that corresponds to the intent of the stated measure and expectation;

Be consistently combined with other measures to reflect corporate priorities; and

Be controlled by the contractor.

(3) Acceptable Quality Level: The range of deviation—if any—in which the Government will consider performance to be acceptable. Each Offeror must propose an Acceptable Quality

Level (AQL) for each performance standard for each deliverable. If the selected Offeror fails to achieve stated AQLs, PSA will reduce the offeror’s payment for the services rendered in accordance with the disincentive formula. You must enter the AQLs for each deliverable in the

Performance Requirements Summary Template for each deliverable that has a performance standard.

(4) Monitoring Method

(a) This is the method PSA will use to monitor performance and determine the extent to which performance has met the standard. Offeror's are encouraged to propose a sound process for verifying the accuracy of performance data on a continuing or recurring basis. Regardless of the method or degree of monitoring, we reserve the right to audit all performance data to independently verify its accuracy.

(b) In general, we prefer monitoring methods that automatically capture measurements as part of the process and do not place a burden on either the Offeror or PSA to collect and analyze data.

(5) Incentive / Price Reduction

(a) For each AQL, your proposal must specify a maximum price reduction that will take effect if you fail to meet the AQL. The proposal must also specify the formulas and decision criteria that we will use to calculate the actual amount of the price reduction for the related

CLIN.

(b) PSA is willing to consider proposals that include additional incentives for performance that exceed the AQL. These incentives may be either monetary or non-monetary.

Non-monetary incentives are preferred.

(i) For monetary incentives, your price proposal must specify a formula or set of decision criteria that we can use to calculate additional incentive payments to you.

These incentive payments will only take place if you perform above the AQL. You must specify a maximum incentive payment that we will not be required to exceed, regardless of your performance.

(ii) Some examples of non-monetary incentives that we would consider include, but are not necessarily limited to:

Revised schedule

Reduced oversight

Positive performance evaluation

Automatic extension of contract term or option exercise (FAR Part 17)

Lengthened contract term or purchase of additional items (as applicable, depending and based on the requirements of the Government)

Publish article(s) in agency newsletter or speak at Agency seminars

Letters of appreciation to individual contractor employees, which may result in potential bonuses

Use trade space for licensing, access to agency officials, etc.

Use those FAR clauses that can be negotiated to contractor’s advantage

(c) Your selection of AQLs, incentive formula and price reduction formula will be important to the Government’s evaluation. Your response must specify the proposed method for measuring your performance against each performance standard, which we will compare to relevant industry benchmarks.

Performance Requirement Summary Template

Deliverable Performance

Standard

Acceptable

Quality

Level (AQL)

Monitoring

Method

Performance

Incentive/Reduction