Base Contract PWS-WQCMB- Final.docx

- Performance Work Statement-

Basic Contract Action for EP-W Technical Contract

1. INTRODUCTION

General: This Performance Work Statement (PWS) describes the ID/IQ contract that is required by the Water Quality and Contaminants Modeling Branch (EPW) located in the Environmental Laboratory (EL) of the Engineering and Research and Development Center (ERDC).

Background: The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Environmental Laboratory (EL), Water Quality and Contaminants Modeling Branch (EP-W), Numerical Models for Assessment of Watershed Contaminants and Living Resources Team and the Cognitive Ecology and Ecohydraulics Team require tasks and deliverables for the development and application of predictive mathematical models to solve complex environmental challenges through multi-disciplinary integration of science and engineering. Outcomes of this research are to elucidate the ecological process issues that reduce the contamination of waterways and ground water to protect the environment, fish and wildlife.

2. SCOPE:

The contract will provide tasks for the Research and Development (R&D) being executed by the teams of the EP-W both at Vicksburg, MS and remote field sites as is applicable; Contractor Officer Representatives (CORs) will be appointed to oversee each task order. This contract aims at satisfying the Army and DoD requirements by containing specific tasks which include a multi-disciplinary approach to basic and applied environmental research to study the effects on water contaminants for civil works, military projects, and environmental decision analysis.

3. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS:

Security Clearance: If a DoD Classified Security Clearance is required by the task order, Contractor personnel must be a U.S. citizen and capable of obtaining and maintaining appropriate security clearances. Contractor must provide their classified CAGE code. Overarching security requirements and Contractor access to classified information shall be as specified in the basic DD Form 254, which will be further identified in the DD Form 254 for each Task Order, as required. All contractor personnel with access to unclassified information systems, including e-mail, shall have at a minimum a favorable National Agency Check (NAC).

4. SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS:

General: The contractor shall perform research, development and evaluation tasks for the Army and DoD civil and military missions. The contractor shall perform research work in all areas previously referenced; be capable of readily performing tasks for related activities; e.g., fabrication and instrumentation of existing models; coordination and conduct of major field investigations; theoretical studies; laboratory experimental work and computational modeling. The contractor shall be responsible for the cost of medical monitoring and training needed to complete tasks and deliverables (i.e. fish tagging). Specific research activities, medical monitoring, and training will be outlined in each task and may include:

Field Data Collection and Mitigation Design (Biological, Chemical, Physical)

(1) Develop, implement, and conduct field data collection.

(2) Collect, preserve, record, store/transport samples and data.

(3) Analyze samples and field data and prepare reports in connection with the above.

(4) Possess demonstrable experience in developing and designing mitigation features for water quality constituents.

Laboratory Research

(1) Plan and conduct a variety of research tasks in laboratories with abiotic materials (e.g., contaminated and uncontaminated soils, sediments, fluids) and biota (e.g., microbes, aquatic invertebrates and vertebrates, plants), to address behavior, toxicology, chemical, and remediation.

(2) Operate and maintain research laboratories, maintain animal holding facilities, and analytical facilities and equipment. Personnel must be trained in animal handling procedures and protocol development.

(3) Operate, calibrate, and maintain instrumentation.

(4) Plan and conduct specific tasks for the continued development of the Eulerian-Lagrangian-Agent Methods (ELAMs) which will allow ERDC researchers to solve complex water resources development issues and improve ecosystem restoration activities.

(6) Develop, operate, and maintain aquatic sensors (e.g.,tags), hydroacustic equipment, and other sophisticated instruments.

Model Development Testing and Application

(1) Plan and conduct a variety of research modeling tasks to develop new models, incorporate existing models, link models, and build pre- and post-processors for freshwater and marine environments.

(2) Plan and conduct tasks for model testing, calibration, and verification.

(3) Preparation of presentations, posters, reports, technical notes, webinars, and draft journal manuscripts documenting items 1 and 2.

(4) Prepare literature reviews, obtain, collate, analyze, summarize, and plot data.

(5) Participate in teleconferences, meetings, briefings, and videoconferences with sponsors and stakeholders.

Water Quality and Contaminant Algorithm Development, Statistical Analysis, and Big Data Mining

(1) Possess demonstrable expertise in the development of new water quality and contaminant algorithms.

(2) Possess demonstrable expertise in coding newly developed algorithms in current state-of-the-art object oriented programming languages.

(3) Possess demonstrable knowledge of emerging military constituents of concern (e.g. perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)).

(4) Possess demonstrable knowledge of statistical analysis and big data mining.

Minimum Requirements for Labor Categories:

Senior Scientist

· Supervises and works alongside contractor associate scientists in their daily operations and research in diverse biological areas. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.

Senior Scientist I: Requires a PhD in their field of specialty, with 0 years experience in the field or related area.

Senior Scientist II: Requires a PhD in their field of specialty, with 1-2 years experience in the field or related area.

Senior Scientist III: Requires a PhD in their field of specialty, with 2-5 years experience in the field or related area.

Senior Scientist IV: Requires a PhD in their field of specialty, with 5-7 years experience in the field or related area.

Senior Scientist V: Requires a PhD in their field of specialty, with 7-10 years experience in the field or related area.

Senior Scientist VI: Requires a PhD in their field of specialty, with 10-15 years experience in the field or related area.

Senior Scientist VII: Requires a PhD in their field of specialty, with 15-20 years experience in the field or related area.

Senior Scientist VIII: Requires a PhD in their field of specialty, with more than 20 years experience in the field or related area.

Scientist

• Performs a variety of laboratory and field procedures using established synthetic methods and techniques. Conducts experiments, some moderately complex, and collects field samples. Conducts and interprets routine data. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Collects a variety of samples. Develops testing procedures or direct activities of other contractors in laboratory and maintains files. The Scientist records test data and prepares reports, summaries, and charts that interpret test results and relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.

Scientist I Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in their field of specialty, with 1-2 years experience in the field or related area.

Scientist II Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in their field of specialty, with 2-5 years experience in the field or related area.

Scientist III Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in their field of specialty, with 5-10 years experience in the field or related area.

Scientist IV Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in their field of specialty, with 10-15 years experience in the field or related area.

Scientist V Requires a Bachelor’s Degree o r Master’s Degree in their field of specialty with 1-2 years experience in the field or related area, or a combination of education and experience.

Scientist VI Requires a Bachelor’s Degree o r Master’s Degree in their field of specialty, with 2-5 years experience in the field or related area, or a combination of education and experience.

Scientist VII Requires a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in their field of specialty, with 5-10 years experience in the field or related area, or a combination of education and experience.

Scientist VIII Requires a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in their field of specialty, with 10-15 years experience in the field or related area, or a combination of education and experience.

Scientist IX Requires a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in their field of specialty, with 15-20 years experience in the field or related area, or a combination of education and experience.

Scientist X Requires Master’s Degree in their field of specialty, with more than 20 years experience in the field or related area, or a combination of education and experience.

Research Assistant

· Oversees experiment scheduling, collection of data, performs data analysis and data reporting. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Conducts research including the collection of information and samples. Analyzes experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings. Keeps detailed logs of all work-related activities. Uses computers, computer-interfaced equipment, and robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties. Cleans, maintains and prepares supplies and work areas. Sets up, adjusts, calibrates, cleans, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory and field equipment. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.

Research Assistant I Requires a high school diploma or an Associates’ Degree, with 1-2 years experience in the field or related area.

Research Assistant II Requires an Associates’ Degree, with 2-5 years experience in the field or related area.

Research Assistant III Requires an Associates’ Degree, with 5-10 years experience in the field or related area.

Research Assistant IV Requires an Associates’ Degree, with 10-15 years experience in the field or related area.

Research Assistant V Requires a B a c h e l o r ’ s Degree, with 1-2 years experience in the field or related area, or a combination of education and experience.

Research Assistant VI Requires a Bachelor’s Degree, with 2-5 years experience in the field or related area, or a combination of education and experience.

Research Assistant VII Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in their field of specialty, with 5-10 years experience in the field or related area, or a combination of education and experience.

Research Assistant VIII Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in their field of specialty, with 10-15 years experience in the field or related area, or a combination of education and experience.

Research Assistant IX Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in their field of specialty, with 15-20 years experience in the field or related area, or a combination of education and experience.

Research Assistant X Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in their field of specialty, with more than 20 years experience in the field or related area, or a combination of education and experience.

Technician

· Conducts analysis of soil, groundwater, or atmospheric samples.. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Performs a variety of tasks. Conducts routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples. Calibrates, validates, or maintains laboratory equipment. Compiles laboratory or field test data, field collections and observations, and other information in order to perform appropriate analyses. Completes documentation needed for testing procedures including data capture forms, equipment logbooks, or inventory forms. Primary tasks do not typically require exercising independent judgment.

Technician I Requires a high school diploma with 1-5 years experience in the field or related area.

Technician II Requires a high school diploma with 5-7 years experience in the field or related area.

Technician III Requires an Associates’ Degree and a combination of education and experience.

Travel Requirements: Travel may be required within the Continental United States. This will be identified on an as needed base at the Task Order level. The contractor will be reimbursed for travel in accordance with FAR 31.205-46.

Place of Performance: Place of performance will be specified at the task order level.

Period of Performance: The period of performance shall begin as specified in each task and will end as specified by each task unless options are exercised by the government.

Deliverables: Specific deliverables will be outlined in each task order issued. A typical deliverable may include, but not be limited to, progress reports, technical report/papers, and statistical results, etc. Deliverables will typically be specified in individual task orders.

Performance: The contractor shall perform work as specified by the task orders. Each task order will include, as a minimum, a PWS for the work to be performed and any travel, misc. costs and deliverables as appropriate. Performance will be monitored as stated in the QASP.

5. Contractor Employee Conduct

Contractor personnel shall observe and comply with all applicable departmental and agency regulations, policies, and procedures (e.g., fire, safety, sanitation, environmental protection, security, etc.). The contractor shall ensure that all contractor personnel represent a professional appearance at all times and that their conduct does not reflect discredit on the United States Government.

When contractor personnel are working on Government facilities or participating at Government meetings, they shall wear identification badges distinguishing themselves as such. The badges at a minimum must have the employee name and word “contractor” displayed. Ideally, the company name will appear on the badge. Additionally, not withstanding any other provisions in the PWS, the contractor shall identify themselves as a contractor in meetings, telephone conversations, all written communications and work situations so that their actions cannot be construed as acts of a Government official. The contractor shall take no actions that bind the government to a final decision or results in the exercise of governmental discretion.

6. Removal of Contractor Employees for Misconduct or Security Reasons

The Government may, at its sole discretion, direct the contractor to remove any contractor employee from Government facilities for misconduct or security reasons. Such removal does not relieve the contractor of the responsibility to provide sufficient qualified personnel for adequate and timely service. The Contracting Officer will provide the contractor with an immediate rationale for removal of contractor employee.

7. Conflict of Interest

Neither the contractor nor its on-site employees shall utilize their knowledge of or access to information, sensitive or otherwise, for individual or company gain. Each on-site contractor employee shall be required to sign a Non- Disclosure Statement.

8. Phase-In and Phase-Out of Contract and Continuity of Services

The Contractor must recognize that services under this contract must continue without interruption and that upon contract receipt and expiration, the preceding contractor/successor, the Government, or another Contractor may continue services. The Contractor agrees to exercise its best effort and cooperate effectively in an orderly and efficient transition from any preceding contractor and to any successor contractor. If a successor contract is awarded prior to the final expiration date of this contract, the Government may issue task orders to the successor Contractor prior to this contract’s expiration date. The Contractor shall provide coordination of phase-in and phase-out services at no additional cost to the Government, as long as there is an active task order.

9. Personnel Administration

The Contractor shall provide the following management and completed tasks and deliverables as required. The contractor shall establish clear organizational lines of authority and responsibility to ensure effective management of the resources assigned to the requirement. Contractors are not expected to work during designated Government non-work days or other periods where Government offices are closed due to weather or security conditions. The Contractor shall maintain the currency of their employees by providing initial and refresher training to meet the PWS requirements. The Contractor shall make necessary travel arrangements for employees. The Contractor shall provide administrative services to employees in a timely fashion (time keeping, leave processing, pay, emergency needs). The contractor shall provide necessary infrastructure for contract tasks.

10. Business Relations The government’s technical point of contact (POC) will contact the vendor at any time during the duration of the contracting period to provide information required to carry out contracted services. The service contractor shall successfully integrate and coordinate all activity needed to execute the service contract agreement. The contractor shall manage the timeliness, completeness, and quality of problem identification. The contractor shall seek to ensure customer satisfaction and professional and ethical behavior of all contractor personnel.

11. Subcontract Management

The Contractor shall be responsible for any subcontract management necessary to integrate work performed on this requirement and shall be responsible and accountable for subcontractor performance on this requirement. The prime contractor shall manage work distribution to ensure there are no Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) concerns. Contractors may add subcontractors to their team after notification to the Contracting Officer (KO) or Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

12. Security and Safety

Antiterrorism (AT) Level I Training:

All contractor employees, to include subcontractor employees, requiring access to Army installations, facilities, controlled access areas, or require network access, shall complete AT Level I awareness training within 30 calendar days after contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable. Upon request, the contractor shall submit certificates of completion for each affected contractor employee and subcontractor employee, to the COR or to the contracting officer (if a COR is not assigned), within 5 calendar days after completion of training by all employees and subcontractor personnel. AT Level I awareness training is available at the following website: http://jko.jten.mil/courses/atl1/launch.html; or it can be provided by the RA ATO in presentation form which will be documented via memorandum.

Access and General Protection/Security Policy and Procedures:

All contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative). The contractor shall also provide all information required for background checks to meet installation/facility access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements (FAR clause 52.204-9, Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel) as directed by DOD, HQDA and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any installation or facility change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes.

For contractors requiring Common Access Card (CAC):

The contractor and all sub-contractors employees will be issued a CAC only if duties involve one of the following: (1) Both physical access to a DoD facility and access, via logon, to DoD networks on-site or remotely; (2) Remote access, via logon, to a DoD network using DoD-approved remote access procedures; or (3) Physical access to multiple DoD facilities or multiple non-DoD federally controlled facilities on behalf of the DoD on a recurring basis for a period of 6 months or more. At the discretion of the sponsoring activity, an interim CAC may be issued based on a favorable review of the FBI fingerprint check and a successfully scheduled NACI at the Office of Personnel Management.”

For contractors who do not require CAC, but require access to a DoD facility or installation:

Contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees shall comply with adjudication standards and procedures using the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC-III) and Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) (Army Directive 2014-05 / AR 190-13), applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative, as NCIC and TSDB are available), or, at OCONUS locations, in accordance with status of forces agreements and other theater regulations.

Suspicious Activity Reporting Training (e.g., iWATCH, CorpsWatch, or See Something, Say Something): The contractor and all associated sub-contractors shall receive a brief/training (provided by the RA) on the local suspicious activity reporting program. This locally developed training will be used to inform employees of the types of behavior to watch for and instruct employees to report suspicious activity to the project manager, security representative or law enforcement entity. This training shall be completed within 30 calendar days of contract award and within 30 calendar days of new employees commencing performance with the results reported to the COR NLT 5 calendar days after the completion of the training."

Contactors Requiring Access to Government Information Systems:

All contractor employees with access to a government info system must be registered in the Army Training Certification Tracking System (ATCTS) at commencement of services, and must successfully complete the DOD Information Assurance Awareness prior to access to the information systems and then annually thereafter in accordance with personnel security standards listed in AR 25-2 (Information Assurance), an appropriate background investigation will be conducted prior to accessing the government information systems.

For Contracts that Require OPSEC Training:

All new contractor employees will complete Level I OPSEC Training within 30 calendar days of their reporting for duty. Additionally, all contractor employees must complete annual OPSEC awareness training. The contractor shall submit certificates of completion for each affected contractor and subcontractor employee, to the COR or to the contracting officer (if a COR is not assigned), within 5 calendar days after completion of training. OPSEC awareness training is available at the following websites: https://www.iad.gov/ioss/ or http://www.cdse.edu/catalog/operations-security.html; or it can be provided by the RA OPSEC Officer in presentation form which will be documented via memorandum.

Information assurance (IA)/information technology (IT) certification:

All contractor employees supporting IA/IT functions shall be appropriately certified upon contract IAW DoD 8570.01-M, DFARS 252.239-7001 and AR 25-2. The baseline certification as stipulated in DoD 8570.01-M must be completed upon contract award.

Will be escorted in areas where they may be exposed to classified and/or sensitive materials and/or sensitive or restricted areas:

All contractor employees, including subcontractor employees who are not in possession of the appropriate security clearance, will be escorted in areas where they may be exposed to classified and/or sensitive materials and/or sensitive or restricted areas.

Pre-screen candidates using E-Verify Program:

The Contractor must pre-screen Candidates using the E-verify Program (http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify) website to meet the established employment eligibility requirements. The Vendor must ensure that the Candidate has two valid forms of Government issued identification prior to enrollment to ensure the correct information is entered into the E-verify system. An initial list of verified/eligible Candidates must be provided to the COR no later than 3 business days after the initial contract award." *When contracts are with individuals, the individuals will be required to complete a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, with the designated Government representative. This Form will be provided to the Contracting Officer and shall become part of the official contract file.

13. Government Furnished Property and Services

Government furnished property and services will be specified in each Task Order. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular task order, the Government will provide all facilities, utilities, equipment and materials necessary to accomplish the work for “on-site” contractor employees:

Desk Chair Access to copy machine Access to facsimile machine Telephone, including long distance and voice mail Desktop computer (PC) with access to printer Cell Phone as determined necessary by the COR

Analytical balances Autoclave Bath and probe sonicators Centrifuges Electronic Multi-well pipettors Environmental Chambers ERDC Supercomputers Fish Flumes High Performance Computing Facility High Performance Liquid Chromatographs with UV and Mass Spectrometer detectors Meters, probes, pH testers, analytical balances Microscopes (compound and dissecting) Multi-PCU Computer Clusters for Bioinformatics Analysis Scintillation counter Spectrophotometer Vortexes

Government furnished computers may be hand-receipted to the Contractor. The liability for the repair of damaged Government property shall be subject to the terms of the “Government Property” clause set forth in Section I of this solicitation. When Government property is furnished to the Contractor, a Government property control receipt will be completed and signed by the Contractor. The property control receipt will indicate the assigned location for use of the property by the Contractor. A copy of the property control receipt will be furnished to the Contractor. Upon the return of the Government property to the Government, the Government property control receipt will be completed indicating the return of the property by the Contractor. A copy of the returned property control receipt will be furnished to the Contractor. All Government property furnished to the Contractor shall be accomplished in accordance with this procedure. The Contractor shall be responsible and accountable for all Government property furnished to the Contractor. The Contractor shall establish a property control system for the use, control, protection, and preservation of Government property assigned to the contractor.

Unless otherwise specified in a particular task order, the contractor(s) with a valid National Agency Check (NAC) will be provided access to the host base’s unclassified computer network. The NAC must be verified through the Automated Security Clearance Approval System (ASCAS) roster of validation from the contractors security manager will be provided access to the host base’s unclassified computer network and its inherent capabilities including, but not limited to: Internet access, electronic mail, file and print services, and dial-in network access. The contractor shall be aware of and abide with all government regulations concerning the authorized use of the government’s computer network, including the restriction against using the network to recruit government personnel or advertise job openings.

14. Contractor Manpower Reporting

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower & Reserve Affairs) operates and maintains a secure Army data collection site where the contractor will report ALL contractor manpower (including subcontractor manpower) required for performance of this contract. The contractor is required to completely fill in all the information in the format using the following web address: https://contractormanpower.army.pentagon.mil. The required information includes: (1) Contracting Office, Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative; (2) Contract number, including task and delivery order number; (3) Beginning and ending dates covered by reporting period; (4) Contractor name, address, phone number, e-mail address, identity of contractor employee entering data; (5) Estimated direct labor hours (including sub-contractors); (6) Estimated direct labor dollars paid this reporting period (including sub-contractors); (7) Total payments (including sub-contractors); (8) Predominant Federal Service Code (FSC) reflecting services provided by contractor (and separate predominant FSC for each sub-contractor if different); (9) Estimated data collection cost; (10) Organizational title associated with the Unit Identification Code (UIC) for the Army Requiring Activity (the Army Requiring Activity is responsible for providing the contractor with its UIC for the purposes of reporting this information); (11) Locations where contractor and sub-contractors perform the work (specified by zip code in the United States and nearest city, country, when in an overseas location, using standardized nomenclature provided on website); (12) Presence of deployment or contingency contract language: and (13) Number of contractor and sub-contractor employees deployed in theater this reporting period (by country). As part of its submission, the contractor will also provide the estimated total cost (if any) incurred to comply with this reporting requirement. Reporting period will be the period of performance not to exceed 12 months ending 30 September of each government fiscal year and must be reported by 31 October of each calendar year. Contractors may use a direct XML data transfer to the database server or fill in the fields on the website. The XML direct transfer is a format for transferring files from a contractor’s systems to the secure web site without the need for separate data entries for each required data element at the web site. The specific formats for the XML direct transfer may be downloaded from the web site.

15. Performance Metrics

This is a performance-based acquisition; therefore performance metrics will be used. Contractor performance will be measured based on quality of customer satisfaction, timeliness of submission of deliverables, and timeliness of submission of proper invoices. The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) provides a systematic method to evaluate performance for the stated contract. The QASP explains the following:

· What will be monitored

· How monitoring will take place

· Who will conduct the monitoring

· How monitoring efforts and results will be documented

The QASP does not detail how the contractor accomplishes the work. Rather, the QASP is created with the premise that the contractor is responsible for management and quality control actions to meet the terms of the contract. It is the Government’s responsibility to be objective, fair, and consistent in evaluating performance. In addition, the QASP should recognize that unforeseen and uncontrollable situations may occur.

The QASP is a living document and, as such, may be changed as needed. However, the Contracting Officer must approve changes. The COR will submit recommended changes to the Contracting Officer for approval.

The QASP shall comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Subpart 37.6, Performance Based Acquisition and 46.4, Government Contract Quality Assurance. In addition, FAR, Subpart 46.103, Contracting Officer Responsibilities, states that agencies shall develop quality assurance surveillance plans when acquiring services.

The Contractor shall provide their own Quality Management Plan clearly stating the assurance of work quality according to their policies.

16. QUALITY CONTROL

The Contractor shall develop a Task/Delivery Order QCP and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with the IDIQ contract and this PWS. The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The Contractors QCP is the means by which he assures himself that his work complies with the requirement of the contract.

The finalized QCP will be accepted by the Government at the time of the award of the Task/Delivery Order. The Contracting Officer may notify the Contractor of required modifications to the plan during the period of performance. The Contractor then shall coordinate suggested modifications and obtain acceptance of the plan by the Contracting Officer. Any modifications to the program during the period of performance shall be provided to the Contracting Officer for review no later than 10 working days prior to effective date of the change. The QCP shall be subject to the Governments review and approval. The Government may find the QCP "unacceptable" whenever the Contractors procedures do not accomplish quality control objective(s). The Contractor shall revise the QCP within 10 working days from receipt of notice that QCP is found "unacceptable."

17. Non-Personal Services The Government will neither supervise contractor employees nor control the method by which the contractor performs the required tasks. Under no circumstances shall the Government assign tasks to, or prepare work schedules for, individual contractor employees. It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to manage its employees and to guard against any actions that are of the nature of personal services, or give the perception of personal services. If the contractor believes that any actions constitute, or are perceived to constitute personal services, it shall be the contractor's responsibility to notify the Contracting Officer immediately.

18. Business Relations The technical point of contact (Tech POC) will contact the vendor at any time during the duration of the contracting period to provide information required to carry out contracted services. The service contractor shall successfully integrate and coordinate all activity needed to execute the service contract agreement. The contractor shall manage the timeliness, completeness, and quality of problem identification. The contractor shall seek to ensure customer satisfaction and professional and ethical behavior of all contractor personnel.