37.604
Quality assurance surveillance plans
A quality assurance surveillance plan is required for performance-based acquisitions, and the Government may either prepare it or require offerors to propose one.
Overview
FAR 37.604 addresses the requirements for quality assurance surveillance plans (QASPs) in performance-based acquisitions. It references Subpart 46.4 for detailed requirements and clarifies that the Government is responsible for ensuring a QASP is in place. The Government may either develop the QASP itself or require offerors to submit a proposed QASP as part of their proposal, which the Government may use to inform its own plan. This ensures that contract performance is monitored and meets specified standards.
Key Rules
- Reference to Subpart 46.4
- All requirements for quality assurance and QASPs are detailed in FAR Subpart 46.4.
- Preparation of QASP
- The Government may prepare the QASP or require offerors to submit a proposed QASP for consideration.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure a QASP is developed and implemented for performance-based contracts, either by preparing it or evaluating offeror submissions.
- Contractors: May be required to submit a proposed QASP as part of their proposal.
- Agencies: Must oversee the QASP process and ensure compliance with FAR Subpart 46.4.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures that contract performance is systematically monitored and managed.
- Contractors should be prepared to develop and submit a QASP if required by the solicitation.
- Failure to provide an adequate QASP can impact proposal evaluation and contract award.