Government’s Dirty Little Secret about
Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASPs):
The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) is an important tool for monitoring and evaluating contractor performance in government contracts. It helps government personnel assess how well the contractor is performing.
Typically, a QASP is required when the requirements document is performance-based, such as a Performance Work Statement (PWS) or Statement of Objectives (SOO). However, it can also be useful when the requirements are described in a Statement of Work (SOW).
Many acquisition professionals include a QASP in their contract files. So, here's the "dirty little secret": once created and filed away, QASPs are often rarely referenced unless there are delivery issues. The true purpose of a QASP is to ensure the quality, quantity, and timeliness of the outcomes delivered by the contractor. It should focus on the desired results rather than the specific steps or procedures.
A well-designed QASP outlines reasonable surveillance methods that the Government can perform throughout the contract's duration. It should contain no more than 5 to 10 items to ensure the Government's resources are focused on the most critical aspects.
According to FAR 37.604, the Government can either develop the QASP or request offerors to submit a proposed QASP for consideration. It's advisable for the Government to seek industry feedback on a draft QASP included in RFI or draft RFP/RFQs. This way, the Government can leverage the quality assurance methods of industry partners who have established quality management systems related to ISO and CMMI certifications.
Stay tuned for our next blog on QASPs, where we will discuss how to refresh your QASP with clear performance objectives, creative metrics, and effective surveillance techniques. We will also share a case study from an agency we supported in creating and actively using a new QASP.