0004_-_Quality_Assurance_Surveillance_Plan_(QASP)_Sgn_docx.pdf

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

TARGETS MANAGEMENT OFFICE (TMO)

TARGET SYSTEMS HARDWARE AND SUPPORT (TSHS)

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

X Eric Hoffman Project Director

Typed name: Eric Hoffman

Title: Technical Monitor Organization: TMO

X

Typed name: Eddie M. Whitfield

Title: Contracting Officer Organization: Army Contracting Command-Redstone (ACC-R)

1. INTRODUCTION

(FOUO) This plan is for the Target Systems Hardware and Support (TSHS) Services Contract.

The effort is described in the “Statement of Work” (SOW) for Target Systems Hardware Support(TSHS).

2. PURPOSE

This QASP is a Government developed and applied document used to ensure systematic quality assurance methods are used in the administration of the contract and any subsequent technical direction orders issued there under. The intent is to ensure that the contractor performs in accordance with the SOW, that the Government receives the quality of services called for in the contract and that the Government only pays for an acceptable level of service.

3. AUTHORITY

Authority for issuance of this QASP is provided under FAR 46.4 and Section E- Inspection and Acceptance of the contract, which provides for the inspections and acceptance of the articles, services and documentation to be called for by the Contracting Officer or his duly authorized representative.

4. SCOPE

To fully understand the roles and responsibilities of the parties, it is important to first define the distinction in terminology between the Quality Control Plan (QCP) and the QASP. The contractor, not the Government, is responsible for the management and quality control actions necessary to meet the quality standards set forth by the contract and follow on actions. The contractor develops and submits the QCP IAW FAR 52.246-4 for Government determination that his inspection system is acceptable. The contractor then uses the QCP to guide and to rigorously document the implementation of the required management and quality control actions to achieve the specified results. The QASP is put in place to provide Government surveillance oversight of the contractor's quality control efforts to assure that they are timely, effective and are delivering the results specified in the contract. The QASP is not part of the contract nor is it intended to duplicate the contractor's QCP. The Government may provide the contractor an information copy of the QASP as an attachment to the solicitation to support the contractor's efforts in developing a QCP that will interrelate with the Government's QASP.

5. GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

The following definitions for Government resources are applicable to this plan:

Contracting Officer (CO) -A person duly appointed with the authority to enter into, administer, or terminate contracts that make related determination and findings on behalf of the Government.

Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) - An individual designated in writing by the Contracting Office to act as his authorized representative to assist in administering the contract.

The source and authority for COR is the CO. COR limitations are contained in the written letter of appointment. The COR shall have completed the COR classes prior to appointment.

Technical Monitor - Under this contract action the technical monitor shall be the COR.

6. RESPONSIBILITIES

CO - The CO ensures performance of all necessary actions for effective contracting, ensures compliance with the terms of the contract and safeguards the interest of the US in the contractual relationship. It is the CO that assures the contractor receives impartial, fair and equitable treatment under the contract. The CO is ultimately responsible for the final determination of the adequacy of the contractor's performance.

COR-The COR is responsible for technical administration of the contract and assures proper Government surveillance of the contractor's performance. The COR is not empowered to make any contractual commitments or to authorize any contractual changes on the Government's behalf. Any changes that the contractor or COR deems may affect contract price, terms, or conditions shall be referred to the CO for action.

7. METHODS OF QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE

A. Description of Surveillance Methods

i. Review monthly cost and performance reports to ensure that the contract is making adequate progress towards meeting contract objectives/ making required deliverables on time within estimated costs.

ii. Evaluate and assess all contract deliverables for adherence to the statement of work requirements, technical specifications, delivery schedule, and overall quality of the product or services. All deliverable data items shall be inspected for compliance DD Form 1423 requirements.

iii. Review for reasonableness contractor invoices submitted for payment pursuant to section G of the contract.

iv. Prompt reporting to the CO any failure, delays or significant deviation to performance, quality or cost requirements.

B. Implementation of Surveillance Methods

i. COR will perform the surveillance duties in a manner that will in no way result in contractor employees being managed as though they were Government employees. A formal, arms length relationship shall be maintained with the contractor at all times in order to avoid even the appearance that the contract is for personal services. Communication with the contractor's employees on contract matters shall only be through the contractor's designated supervisors.

ii. All personnel engaged in contracting and related activities shall conduct business dealing with industry in a manner above reproach in every aspect and shall protect the US Government interest, as well as maintain its reputation for fair and equal dealings with all contractors. DOD 5500.7-R sets forth standards of conduct for all personnel directly and indirectly involved in contracting.

iii. COR shall not give any directions to the contractor that is not authorized by the statement of work. The COR is not empowered to award, agree to sign any contract or contract modification or in any way to obligate the payment of money by the Government. The COR may not take any action which may affect contract schedule, funds or scope of effort. All contractual agreements, commitments or modifications which involve price, quantity, quality, delivery schedules or other terms and conditions of the contract shall be made only by the CO.

iv. The COR shall maintain written records of their interface with the contractor, recording the date and brief description of all documents or other items furnished to the contractor. Any other data that is considered pertinent shall be recorded. Records shall be made available to the CO upon reasonable notice.

8. ISSUE RESOLUTION

The issue resolution process shall occur through a Government contractual chain of command from the COR, to the CO and, if necessary, through ACC-R channels up to the Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA). Issues shall be addressed and resolved at the lowest possible, however, all issues having contractual implications or which are beyond a COR's authority, shall be brought to the immediate attention of the CO. The COR will also notify and seek the advice of the applicable Government Attorney/ Advisor on all significant issues that involve potential legal ramifications. Every possible effort shall be made to resolve all issues at the CO level or lower. However, issues may arise that require attention from higher level investigative organizations (e.g., IG, AAA, CJD, etc). All appointed officials on this contract shall provide full and complete cooperation with any such investigative bodies.

9. CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE REPORT

CO will collect past performance information on all contractor contracts as required by AFARS 5142.2502-90 (i)(3). However, if the information required by the Performance Assessment Report (P AR)/Contractor Performance Assessment Report System (CPARS) is classified it shall not be reported in the Automated Information System (AIS). Surveillance of contractor performance will be provided status reports detailing: Integrated Schedule with respect to Army Target Systems; results of significant development and test activities; financial performance; and staffing levels and organization. Formal reviews shall also be used to assess Contractor performance and provide feedback. Contractor performance shall be deemed satisfactory by the CO unless formal notification of unsatisfactory performance is made by the COR to the CO.

10. DOCUMENTATION

The COR will, in addition to providing documentation to the CO, maintain a complete Quality Assurance file. The file will contain copies of all reports, evaluations, recommendations, and any actions related to the Government's performance of the quality assurance function, including the original of all Surveillance Activities Checklists (if used). All such records will be retained for the life of the contract. The COR shall forward these records to the CO at termination or completion of the contract.