37.604 Quality assurance surveillance plans
Source: FAR 37.604 on acquisition.gov
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.
Requirements for quality assurance and quality assurance surveillance plans are in subpart 46.4. The Government may either prepare the quality assurance surveillance plan or require the offerors to submit a proposed quality assurance surveillance plan for the Government’s consideration in development of the Government’s plan.