QASP_CSOJT_PAI.pdf

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) Date: 23 July 2022

For: Atmospheric Reporting and Publicly Available Information

Analysis Contract Number: H9227722X00XX

Contract Description: Atmospheric Reporting and Publicly Available Information Analysis

Contractor’s Name: XXX

1. Vision:

The contractor shall provide full-service cultural knowledge, linguistic services, political, journalistic, editorial, media, and information technology subject matter expertise. The contractor shall support the following tasks in support of this contract:

1.1.1 Task 1 – Provide Project Management

1.1.2 Task 2 – Provide Transition-In and Transition-Out Support

1.1.3 Task 3 – Provide Atmospheric Reporting, Research Analysis, and

Knowledge Management Data Base

2 Mission:

CSOJTF-L is looking to develop and maintain understanding the Operational Environment (OE) in their Area of Responsibility (AOR) to gain synergies and efficiencies to increase the effectiveness of Information Operations (IO) and counter violent extremist organization (C-VEO) efforts. Primary to this effort is to gain access to Atmospheric Reporting and PAI Analysis in Iraq, Syria, and any future command structures as dictated to CSOJTF-L by Special Operations Command- Central (SOCCENT).

3 Purpose:

This Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan is a government-developed document used to determine if the contractor’s performance meets the performance standards contained in the contract. The QASP establishes procedures on how this assessment/inspection process will be conducted. It provides the detailed process for a continuous oversight process:

What will be monitored How monitoring will take place

Who will conduct the monitoring How monitoring efforts and results will be documented

The contractor is responsible for implementing and delivering performance that meets contract standards using its Quality Control Plan. The QASP provides the structure for the government’s surveillance of the contractor’s performance and their Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) actions to assure they meet contract standards. It is the government’s responsibility to be objective, fair and consistent in evaluating contractor performance.

The QASP is not part of the contract nor is it intended to duplicate the contractor’s quality control plan. This QASP is a living document. Flexibility in the QASP is required to allow for an increase or decrease in the level of surveillance necessary based on contractor performance.

The government may provide a copy of the QASP to the contractor to facilitate open communication. In addition, the QASP should recognize that unforeseen or uncontrollable circumstances might occur that are outside the control of the contractor.

Bottom line, the QASP should ensure early identification and resolution of performance issues to minimize impact on mission performance.

4 Authority

Authority for issuance of this QASP is provided under Part 46 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, Inspection of Services clauses, 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 contracting officer or a duly authorized representative.

5 Roles and Responsibilities

The following personnel shall oversee and coordinate surveillance activities.

Program/Project Manager (PM) or Functional Services Manager (FSM) – The PM/FSM provides primary program oversight, nominates the COR, ensures the COR is trained before performing any COR duties and supports the COR’s performance assessment activities. While the PM/FSM may serve as a direct conduit to provide Government guidance and feedback to the Contractor on technical matters, they are not empowered to make any contractual commitments or any contract changes on the government’s behalf.

Assigned PM/FSM: MAJ Thomas Beddow

Organization or Agency: SOJTF-L Telephone: (700) 866-6696 Email: thomas.m.beddow.gbr@socom.mil

Contracting Officer (KO) – The KO shall ensure performance of all necessary actions for effective contracting, ensure compliance with the contract terms, and shall safeguard the interests of the United States in the contractual relationship.

The KO shall also ensure that the contractor receives impartial, fair, and equitable treatment under this contract. Determine the final assessment of the contractor’s performance.

Assigned KO: MSgt Jan Riemenschneider Organization or Agency: C/JFSOCC J4 FWD - Contracting Telephone: 318-486-1303 Email: jan.m.riemenschneider.mil@socom.mil

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) The COR is responsible for providing continuous technical oversight of the contractor’s performance. The COR uses the QASP to conduct the oversight/surveillance process. The COR shall keep a Quality Assurance file that accurately documents the contractor’s actual performance. The purpose is to ensure that the contractor meets the performance standards contained in the contract. The COR is responsible for reporting early identification of performance problems to the KO. The COR is required to provide an annual performance assessment to the KO which will be used in documenting past performance. The QASP is the primary tool for surveillance of the contractor’s quality program and help the COR to document contractor performance. The COR is not empowered to make any contractual commitments or to authorize any contractual change on the Government’s behalf.

Assigned COR: CPT Rozier Cody Organization or Agency: PSYOP J39, CSOJTF-L Telephone: (700) 866-6696 Email: rozier.cody@socom.mil

Contractor Representatives

The following employees of the contractor serve as the contractor’s Program Manager and Task Manager for this contract. (Complete this section after the contract award)

Contractor Program Manager - <upon award, enter name> Telephone: <enter number> Email: <enter address>

Other Key Contractor Personnel - <upon award, enter name or delete these lines if not applicable> Title: <enter title> Telephone: <enter number> Email: <enter address>

6 Performance Requirements and Method of Surveillance

6.1 Contract Surveillance

The goal of the QASP is to ensure that contractor performance is effectively monitored and documented. The COR’s contribution is their professional, non-adversarial relationships with the KO, PM and the contractor, which enables positive, open and timely communications. The foundation of this relationship is built upon objective, fair, and consistent COR evaluations of contractor performance against contract requirements. The COR uses the methods contained in this QASP to ensure the contractor is in compliance with contract requirements. The COR function is responsible for a wide range of surveillance requirements that effectively measure and evaluate the contractor’s performance.

Additionally, this QASP is based on the premise that the contractor, not the government, is responsible for management and QC/QA actions to successfully meet the terms of the contract.

6.2 Surveillance Matrix

The Surveillance Matrix (see Performance Work Statement) is the list of performance objectives and standards that must be performed by the contractor.

This matrix details the method of surveillance and frequency the COR will use to validate and inspect these performance elements. Inspection of each element will be documented in the COR file.

DFARS 222.17 mandates including surveillance for ensuring compliance with Combatting Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) in the QASP. Use the CTIP sample checklist from PGI 222.17. See the http://ctip.defense.gov/ .

Performance objectives define the desired outcomes. Performance Standards define the level of service required under the contract to successfully meet the performance objective. The inspection methodology defines how, when, and what will be assessed in measuring performance. The Government performs surveillance, using this QASP, to determine the quality of the contractor’s performance as it relates to the performance element standards. The Performance Requirement Summary (PRS) should be used to form the foundation of the COR’s inspection checklist.

6.3 Performance Rating Definitions

The performance ratings below reflect definitions at FAR 42.1503 Table 42-1.

The COR will use these rating to evaluate the quality of contractor’s performance. [If your organization requires that you use a different rating mechanism, insert it here.]

Performance Rating

Definition

Exceptional Performance meets contractual requirements and exceeds many to the government’s benefit. The 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.

Very Good Performance meets contractual requirements and exceeds some to the Government’s benefit. The 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.

Satisfactory Performance meets contractual requirements. The contractual performance of the element or sub-element contains some minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the contractor appear or were satisfactory.

Marginal Performance does not meet some contractual requirements.

The contractual performance of 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.

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

Note 1: Plus or minus signs may be used to indicate an improving (+) or worsening (-) trend insufficient to change the evaluation status.

Note 2: N/A (not applicable) should be used if the ratings are not going to be applied to a particular area for evaluation.

6.4 Methods of Surveillance include but are not limited to:

* 100% Inspection - This is an inspection method whereby all outputs are monitored. This method provides the best indication of contractor performance and the most documented basis for determining contract payment actions. However, it requires extensive COR resources, and therefore, is not practical for most service requirements. 100 percent inspection is preferred when the PWS requirement is so critical that nonperformance would pose a direct risk to the safety of personnel or property, or when the work occurs infrequently and the output population is small.

* Random Sampling - When a service is performed relatively frequently and a statistically valid sample can be selected for audit. The most appropriate method for frequently recurring tasks. Random Sampling is a means of evaluation by observing or inspecting some part (a sample), but not all, of a population or lot of the contract requirements to assist the government with determining whether standards set forth in the contract have been met. This tool is not the Contracting Officer’s only option nor is the tool usage mandatory. When performing random sampling, use a current version of Military Standard 105E Tables/ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 to determine the sample size and the acceptance and rejection numbers.

* Periodic Sampling - This method, sometimes called "planned inspection," consists of the evaluation of tasks selected on other than a 100 percent or random basis. It may be appropriate for tasks that occur infrequently, and where 100 percent inspection is neither required nor practical. A predetermined plan for inspecting part of the work is established using subjective judgment and analysis of agency resources to decide what work to inspect and how frequently to inspect it.

* Customer Feedback – Not necessarily a valid method of surveillance, but a good indicator for areas surveillance should be conducted or intensified. The COR may design a customer survey questionnaire to be used as an essential part of a well-publicized customer complaint program. In time of resource constraints, the use of customer surveys provides an effective and efficient means of monitoring contractor performance. Customer surveys should only supplement other surveillance efforts and be analyzed by surveillance personnel trained in validating customer complaints. Customers should be made aware of minimal contractor performance requirements to be sure that customer responses to surveys are valid indicators of actual contractor performance. The COR must investigate each customer complaint and validate the accuracy before any action is taken.

7 Performance Reporting

7.1 Corrective Action Report (CAR)

Describes how discrepancies are reported and resolved (see sample CAR below)

7.2 Performance Assessment Report (PAR) (See sample

customer PAR below)

Appendix 1 - Surveillance Matrix (in line with PWS Deliverables Crosswalk)

Statements Standards/AQLs Inspections Ratings 1.4.4.1

Spot Report (on request)

Provide four (4) spot reports per month

What: Media/Event focused analytical research How: Analyzing local sentiment in relation to Media/Event identified by either CSOJTF-L J39 or if specific patterns are noticed by contracted company deemed necessary to report.

Standard:

1.4.4.1

RFIs (on request)

Deliverables:

Reports and focused searches on specific topics 10 per month

Provide ten (10) RFIs per month

What: Request for contracted analyst to look in-depth into a specific subject within the region How: a member of the CSOJTF-L J39 staff will ask questions focused on a specific topic within the region Who: CSOJTF-L J39 staff asks specific questions to members of the contracted staff Standard(s ): in depth case study proving on-the-ground analysis from local populace sentiment surveys

Verbal Brief (on request)

Deliverable:

Verbal and visual presentation to the CSOJTF-L Staff on specified topic

Provide three (3) verbal brief per month

What: Verbal and visual presentation to the CSOJTF-L J39 Staff on specified topics How: a member of the contracted company will compile information to provide the CSOJTF-L staff a presentation on an agreed upon subject Who: member of the contracted company Standard(s): An in depth presentation focused on a subject (person/event) in time. Must include a portion describing the “so what” and suggestions on what the next course of action is

Verbal atmospheric brief to CSOJTF-L HQ

Deliverables:

Verbal and visual presentation to the CSOJTF-L Staff on specified topic

Provide one (1) a verbal atmospheric brief per month

What: Verbal presentation focused on atmospheric data to the CSOJTF-L J39 Staff on specified topics How: a member of the contracted company will compile information to provide the CSOJTF-L staff a presentation on an agreed upon subject pertaining to atmospheric analysis Who: member of the contracted company Standard(s): An in depth presentation focused on an atmospheric subject (sentiment/climate within an area).

Must include a portion describing the “so what” and suggestions on what the next course of action is

Report which details adversary and friendly components (1) Adversary Messaging both MSA & VEO which includes overview of content, prominent sources and reach and Friendly Messaging which includes overview of content, prominent sources and reach.

Deliverables:

Verbal and visual presentation to the CSOJTF-L Staff on specified topic

Provide one (1) report per month

What: In-depth report detailing adversary and friendly components adversary messaging; including an overview of content, prominent sources and reach;

including an overview of content, prominent sources and reach How: members of the contracted company conduct research and analysis on specified subject or conduct research and analysis on subjects they believe to be of importance to the CSOJTF-L J39 staff Who: members of the contracted company Standards: Detailed presentations/reports

Inspection Metrologies:

M1: Inspection of Reports. All reports shall be reviewed upon receipt. The reviewer will report any flaws in the document and categorize the flaws (Editorial, Format, and/or Substance).

1.4.4.2

Provide Support for Population Surveys

Deliverables:

On the ground sentiment analysis updates through verbal and visual presentations

Provide one (1) survey per month

What: In-depth on the ground sentiment analysis updates How: Information gathered through these on the ground sentiment surveys must be presented both verbally and visually to the CSOJTF-L J39 staff Who: selected members of the contracted company Standards: all information gathered must be briefed both verbally and visually in a presentation to members of the CSOJTF-L staff

1.4.4.3

Target Audience Research and Consultation

Deliverables:

Written analysis on potential target audiences within Area of Interest

Provide two (2) per quarter

What: Written analysis of Target Audience Research and Consultation How: Provide the CSOJTF-L J39 Staff with written analysis on potential target audiences in support of CSOJTF-L mission standards Who: members of the contracted company Standards: Written potential target audience analysis;

information gathered and researched by the contracted company may be presented either verbally or visually

CORRECTIVE ACTION REPORT (CAR)

(If more space is needed, use reverse and identify by number)

1. CONTRACTOR

2. CONTRACT NUMBER

3. TYPE OF SERVICES

4. FUNCTIONAL AREA

5. SUSPENSE DATE

6. CONTROL NUMBER

7. DEFICIENCY MAJOR MINOR

FINDING:

FINDING IMPACT:

Please respond with a written corrective action plan that details the corrective action of the cited deficiency, the cause of the deficiency, and actions taken to prevent recurrence by Suspense Date in Block 5. If date was not entered in Block 5, the contractor is not required to provide a response.

8. QUALITY ASSURANCE PERSONNEL (COR)

TYPED NAME AND GRADE

SIGNATURE AND DATE

9. ISSUING AUTHORITY

TYPED NAME AND GRADE

SIGNATURE AND DATE

10. COR RESPONSE TO CONTRACTOR CORRECTIVE ACTION AND ACTION TAKEN TO PREVENT RECURRENCE

11. COR DETERMINATION

ACCEPTED REJECTED

12. CLOSE DATE

PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORT (PAR)

(If more space is needed, use reverse and identify by number)

1. CONTRACT/TASK ORDER NUMBER 2. CONTRACTOR 3. TYPE OF SERVICES

4. QUALITY ASSURANCE PERSONNEL (COR) SIGNATURE AND DATE

5. COR PHONE 6. SUSPENSE DATE

I. PERFORMANCE

7. DEFICIENCY (CHECK ALL BOXES THAT APPLY)

NEW

REPEAT

NO DEFICIENCY NOTED

8. SERVICES SUMMARY or PWS PARAGRAPH ITEM REVIEWED

9. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DEFICIENCY (IF DEFICIENCY BOX WAS

CHECKED)

10. DETAILED PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT

II. CONTRACTOR VALIDATION

11. CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE CONCUR NON-CONCUR

12. CORRECTIVE ACTION ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE

13. CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE CORRECTIVE ACTION AND PREVENTION OF RECURRENCE OR REASON FOR NON-

CONCURRENCE OF COR CITED DEFICIENCY

III. ACTION CORRECTED

14. CONCUR NON-CONCUR COR SIGNATURE AND DATE

15. COR REMARKS (REQUIRED)

6. CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE REMARKS