STEPSS_QASP_Final_21SEP2021.docx

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILANCE PLAN (QASP)

FOR

Scientific Technical Engineering and Program Support Services (STEPSS)

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) has been developed to ensure that systematic quality assurance methods are used in the administration of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the research, development, testing and evaluation in support of Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Chemical Biological Center (CBC). The intent of this plan is to ensure that the contractor performs their work in accordance with the project tasks identified in their proposal.

This QASP describes how the Government will observe, evaluate, and document the contractor’s performance in meeting the requirements identified in the contract/task order award. Specifically, the QASP will identify the methods for monitoring performance and determining the quality level of services and products delivered under the contract/task order award.

2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES

The following Government resources shall have responsibility for the implementation of this QASP:

Contracting Officer – The Contracting Officer will monitor performance of all necessary actions for effective contracting to ensure compliance with the terms of the contract/task order award. It is the Contracting Officer who assures the contractor receives impartial, fair and equitable treatment under the contract/task order award. The Contracting Officer is ultimately responsible for the final determination of the adequacy of the contractor’s performance.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) – The COR is responsible for technical administration of the contract/task order award and assures proper Government surveillance of the contractor’s performance. 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/task order price, terms, or conditions shall be referred to the Contracting Officer for action.

Technical Monitor (TM) will provide the Contractor managers a listing of projects requiring Contractor support, job order number, with an overview of the project requirements, if necessary. The TMs and other technical experts (civilians, contractors, or soldiers) will provide on-site technical guidance, to include clarification of Test Operating Procedure (TOP)/ Internal Operating Procedure (IOP), and Standing Operating Procedure (SOP).

3.0 SURVEILLANCE

The COR and the Technical Monitor will perform surveillance based on the contractor’s: monthly reports; the final report; test plans and test results; meetings at the contractor’s work site; email exchanges; documented telephone discussions; meetings or telephone conversations by the contractor at the DEVCOM CBC and/or the Contracting Officer; and, the products delivered. Overall, the COR and the Task Manager will perform a monthly assessment of the contractor’s effort to effectively plan and manage contract/task order award requirements and the quality of support provided to meet cost, performance, and schedule requirements of the contract/task order award.

Cost, Schedule and Performance Issues. The Contracting Officer will notify the contractor on a monthly basis of any areas relating to cost, schedule or performance which must be addressed to ensure successful contract performance. The contractor shall provide a written response to the cause and the corrective action to prevent recurrence within ten (10) calendar days after receipt of the Contracting Officer’s notification.

4.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS)

4.1 Overview. This PRS summary identifies the services required by the PWS over which the Government will exercise surveillance.

4.2 Performance Evaluation. Performance of a service will be evaluated to determine whether or not it meets the performance threshold identified in the below table. Conducting a meeting with all relevant parties, at no additional cost to the Government, is the preferred method for addressing the plan to correct unacceptable performance. Should performance issues be identified, the contractor shall provide the Government a written response as to why the performance threshold was not met, how performance will be returned to acceptable levels, and how recurrence of the cause will be prevented in the future.

4.3 Performance Objectives, Standards, Thresholds, and Surveillance Methods. The services required by the contractor are summarized into performance objectives along with the minimum standards that relate directly to mission-essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success.

CDRL A003 – Scientific and Technical Reports

In Accordance with FAR 46.309: Inspection of Research and Development (Apr 1984) The Government has the right to inspect and evaluate the work performed or being performed under the task order award, and the premises where the work is being performed, at all reasonable times and in a manner that will not unduly delay the work. If the Government performs inspection or evaluation on the premises of the Contractor or a subcontractor, the Contractor shall furnish and shall require subcontractors to furnish all reasonable facilities and assistance for the safe and convenient performance of these duties.

The evaluation ratings are as follows:

Exceptional (E) – Performance meets contractual requirements and exceeds many to the Government’s benefit. The contractual performance of the element or sub-element being assessed was accomplished with few minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the contractor were highly effective.

Very Good (G) – Performance meets contractual requirements and exceeds some to the Government’s benefit. The contractual performance of the element or sub-element being assessed was accomplished with some minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the contractor was effective.

Satisfactory (S) – 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 assessed 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 (U) – 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.

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