PRESOL | A | Custom Boxes with the Newsgator Ecco 3.x Platform and custom technology (BRAND NAME or EQUAL)

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2010 FBO #3214
SOLICITATION NOTICE

A -- Custom Boxes with the Newsgator Ecco 3.x Platform and custom technology (BRAND NAME or EQUAL)

Notice Date: 9/10/2010
Notice Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
NAICS: 511210 — Software Publishers
Contracting Office: Department of the Air Force, Air Education and Training Command, Maxwell AFB Contracting Squadron, 50 LeMay Plaza South, Bldg 804, Maxwell AFB, Alabama, 36112-6334
ZIP Code: 36112-6334
Solicitation Number: F2XHA70161A002
Archive Date: 10/2/2010
Point of Contact: Viola Belser, Phone: 334-953-6317, Patrick J Kennerson Sr, Phone: 334-953-6569
E-Mail Address: viola.belser@maxwell.af.mil, patrick.kennerson@maxwell.af.mil
(viola.belser@maxwell.af.mil, patrick.kennerson@maxwell.af.mil)
Small Business Set-Aside: N/A
Description: The 42nd Contracting Squadron, 50 LeMay Plaza South, Bldg 804, Maxwell AFB, AL 36112 is issuing a Request for Quote (RFQ)for Air University bldg 941, 170 W Selfridge St Maxwell AFB AL 36112 for the purchase of Newsgator Ecco social learning and professional networking application, brand name or equal. This request is for the provision of custom feature development for the development and modification of custom boxes with the Newsgator Ecco 3.x platform and custom technology services for the development of social learning and professional networking enhanceemnts and artificial intelligence cognitive assistants to improve collaborative learning. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION DIRECTORATE MAXWELL AFB, AL 1.0 Background/Objective 1.1 Air University provides the full spectrum of Air Force education, from pre-commissioning to the highest levels of professional military education, including degree granting and professional continuing education for officers, enlisted and civilian personnel throughout their careers. The University's Professional Military Education (PME) programs educate airmen on the capabilities of air and space power and its role in national security. These programs focus on the knowledge and abilities needed to develop, employ, command, and support air and space power at the highest levels. Specialized Professional Continuing Education (PCE) programs provide scientific, technological, managerial, and other professional expertise to meet the needs of the Air Force. Air University conducts research in air and space power, education, leadership, and management. The university also provides citizenship programs and contributes to the development and testing of Air Force doctrine, concepts and strategy. 1.2 In the spring of 2006, Air University's Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) launched a collaboration system called Commanders Connection to capitalize on social learning and professional networking for squadron commanders and equivalents. Benchmarking a valuable Army system in operation for more than half a decade, Commanders Connection was designed to promote collaboration among squadron commanders. Commanders Connection goal was to save valuable time by augmenting squadron commander education and training, and provide answers to common questions "on-demand," leveraging the expertise of a global network of peers. Over the next two years, Commanders Connection grew to approximately 1,250 users-or about ½ of the squadron commander population across the force-and was integrated with the ACSC in-residence, correspondence, and online master's degree program command courses. 1.3 Since this time, global challenges have increased exponentially; correspondingly, so has the need for a flexible, adaptive, always learning force. Air Education and Training Command, in its 2008 white paper On Learning: The Future of Air Force Education and Training, discussed the need to turn the Air Force into a learning organization as part of the solution for this complex problem. ACSC, realizing it had the only operational system in the inventory that met all three of the On Learning key requirements-knowledge management, continuous learning, and precision learning-decided to extend the Commanders Connection program to other areas. Now called Air Force Forums, the system supports not only Commanders Connection, but over a dozen other professional forums and learning-enabled discussion groups for the benefit of Air University and the rest of the Air Force. 2.0 Description of Services 2.1 Task 1: Custom Feature Development • 33 days • For the development, modification, and integration of custom boxes with the Newsgator Ecco 3.x platform. Custom boxes were developed for AU over the last 5 contract years on the Ecco 1.x and 2.x platforms. This project is to update the features to the Newsgator Ecco 3.x standard and improve their capabilities for social learning and professional networking. 2.2 Task 2: Research • 100 days • For the development of social learning and professional networking enhancements and an artificial intelligence cognitive assistant (replacing the Social Kinetics iLink engine) to improve collaborative learning 3.0 Services Summary SS No. Performance Objectives PWS Para Performance Threshold SS 01 Custom Feature Development 2.1 The contractor will provide up to 33 days of custom feature development for the development and modification of custom boxes, with the Newsgator Ecco 3.x platform including features, integration, and look and feel SS 02 Custom Technology Services 2.2 The contractor will provide up to 100 days of custom technology services for the development of social learning and professional networking enhancements and artificial intelligence cognitive assistants to improve collaborative learning 4. General Information 4.1. Place of Performance and Travel The work will be performed by contractor at contractor location or location to be designated by the government. 4.2 Period of Performance The period of performance for this contract will be from 23 September2010 through 31 July 2011. 4.3. Normal Hours of Operation. 24-hour on-call coverage. 4.4. Holidays. 365 days a year. 4.5. Criteria For Acceptance. The monthly progress report shall be provided in contractor format. 4.6. Security Requirements 4.6.1. Contractor Notification Responsibilities. The contractor shall notify the Information Security Program Manager (ISPM) at each operating location 30 days before on-base performance of the service. The notification shall include: a. Name, address, and telephone number of contractor representatives. b. The contract number and contracting agency. c. The reason for the service (i.e., work to be performed). d. The location(s) of service performance and future performance, if known. e. The date service performance begins. f. Any change to information previously provided under this paragraph. 4.6.2. Obtaining and Retrieving Identification Media. As prescribed by the AFFAR 5352.242-9000, Contractor access to Air Force installations, the contractor shall comply with the following requirements: a. The contractor shall obtain base identification and vehicle passes for all contractor personnel who make frequent visits to or perform work on the Air Force installation(s) cited in the contract. Contractor personnel are required to wear or prominently display installation identification badges or contractor-furnished identification badges while visiting or performing work on the installation. b. The contractor shall submit a written request on company letterhead to the contracting officer listing the following: contract number, location of work site, start and stop dates, and names of contractor employees needing access to the base. The letter will also specify the contractor individual(s) authorized to sign requests for base identification credentials or vehicle passes. The contracting officer will endorse the request and forward it to the issuing security forces base pass and registration office for processing. Prior to reporting to pass and registration office the individual must report to the Security Forces Squadron Administration Flight for a local files check. When reporting to the pass and registration office for issue of a vehicle pass, contractor individual(s) shall provide a valid driver's license, current vehicle registration, valid vehicle insurance certificate, and certification of a background check. When reporting to the pass and registration office for issue of military issue identification credentials for access to the installation, contractor individual(s) will need a valid state or federal issued picture identification. c. During performance of the service, the contractor shall be responsible for obtaining required identification for newly assigned personnel and for prompt return of credentials and vehicle passes for any employee who no longer requires access to the work site. d. Upon completion or termination of the service or expiration of the identification passes, the contractor shall ensure that all base identification passes issued to contractor employees are returned to the issuing office. The issuing office will verify all base identification passes have been returned and/or accounted for. The issuing office will forward a memorandum to the contractor individual authorized to sign request for base identification credentials indicating the badges and vehicle passes have been turned in. The DD Form 577 (signature card) for the contractor authorized requestor will be destroyed and the individual will not long be authorized to sign DD Form 1172 (Application for Uniform Services Identification Cards). e. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in withholding of final payment. 4.6.3. Pass and Identification Items. The service shall ensure the following pass and identification items required for service performance are obtained for employees and non-government owned vehicles: a. DD Form 1172, Application for Uniformed Services Identification Card (AFI 36-3026, Identification Cards For Members of The Uniformed Services, Their Family Members, and Other Eligible Personnel, and AETC Instruction 36-3001, Issue and Control of AETC Civilian Identification (ID) Cards). b. AETC Form 58, Civilian Identification Card (AETCI 36-3001). c. AF Form 1199, USAF Restricted Area Badge, or locally developed badge. d. AF Form 75, Visitor/Vehicle Pass (AFI 31-204). e. DoD Common Access Card (CAC), (AFI 36-3026). 4.6.4. Suitability Investigations. Contractor personnel shall successfully complete, as a minimum, a National Agency Check (NAC), before operating government furnished computer workstations or systems that have access to Air Force e-mail systems. These investigations shall be submitted by the government at no additional cost to the contractor. The contractor shall comply with the DoD 5200.2-R, Personnel Security Program, and AFI 33-119, Electronic Mail (E-Mail) Management and Use, requirements. 4.6.5. Unescorted Entry to Restricted Areas. When work under this contract requires unescorted entry to controlled or restricted areas, the contractor shall comply with AFI 31-101, Volume 1, The Air Force Installation Security Program, DoD 5200.2-R, and AFI 31-501, Personnel Security Program Management, as applicable. Contractor personnel shall be the subject of a favorably completed NAC investigation to qualify for unescorted entry to a restricted area. In addition, the Air Force shall submit NAC investigations for contractor employees at no additional cost to the contractor. The contractor shall provide initial and follow-on training to contractor personnel who work in Air Force controlled/restricted areas. Air Force restricted and controlled areas are explained in AFI 31-101. 4.6.6. Visit Request: Contractor participating in the National Industrial Security Program is authorized to use Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) in lieu of sending Visitor Authorization Letters (VALs) for classified visit to Department of Defense facilities and military installations. VALs are only required if the contractor isn't using JPAS or if contractor personnel whom access level and affiliation are not accurately reflected in JPAS. 4.6.7. Freedom Of Information Act Program (FOIA). The contractor shall comply with DoD Regulation 5400.7-R/Air Force Supplement, DoD Freedom of Information Act Program, requirements. The regulation sets policy and procedures for the disclosure of records to the public and for marking, handling, transmitting, and safeguarding For Official Use Only (FOUO) material. The contractor shall comply with AFI 33-332, Air Force Privacy Act Program, when collecting and maintaining information protected by the Privacy Act of 1974 authorized by Title 10, United States Code, Section 8013. The contractor shall remove or destroy official records only in accordance with AFMAN 37-139, Disposition of Records-Standards, or other directives authorized in AFI 37-138, Records Disposition-Procedures and Responsibilities. 4.6.8. Reporting Requirements. The contractor shall comply with AFI 71-101, Volume- 1, Criminal Investigations, and Volume-2, Protective Service Matters, requirements. Contractor personnel shall report to an appropriate authority, any information or circumstances of which they are aware may pose a threat to the security of DoD personnel, contractor personnel, resources, and classified or unclassified defense information. Contractor employees shall be briefed by their immediate supervisor upon initial on-base assignment and as required thereafter. 4.6.9. Personnel Security. Contractor personnel requiring unescorted entry to controlled or restricted areas designated by the installation commander shall comply with base access requirements. These requirements are contained in AFI 31-101, for installation access and AFI 31-501, for suitability determinations. 4.6.10. Security Manager Appointment. The contractor shall appoint a security manager for on-base service performance. The security manager may be a full-time position or an additional duty position. The security manager shall provide employees with training required by DoD 5200.1-R, Information Security Program Regulation, and AFI 31-401, Information Security Program Management. The contractor will provide the 42 SFS/SFAI with name and telephone number of the security manager. 4.6.11. Computer Security Requirements. The contractor shall comply with AFI 33-202, Computer Security; AFI 33-203, Emission Security (EMSEC) Program; AFI 33-204, Information Protection Security Awareness, Training, and Education (SATE) Program; applicable AFKAGs, AFIs, and AFSSIs for Communications Security (COMSEC); and AFI 10-1101, Operations Security (OPSEC) Instructions, when operating government computer workstations or systems. In addition to the above guidance, contractors processing classified information on government computer workstations or systems will comply with DoD 5200.1-R, Information Security Program, and AFI 31-401, Information Security Program Management. 4.6.12. Physical Security. Areas controlled by contractor employees shall comply with base Operations Plans/instructions for FPCON procedures, Random Antiterrorism Measures (RAMS) and local search/identification requirements. The contractor shall safeguard all government property, including controlled forms, provided for contractor use. At the close of each work period, government training equipment, ground aerospace vehicles, facilities, support equipment, and other valuable materials shall be secured. 4.6.13. Internal Operating Instructions. The contractor will adhere to Air Force activity operating instructions for internal circulation control, protection of resources, and to regulate entry into Air Force controlled areas during normal, simulated, and actual emergency operations. 4.6.14. Entry Procedures to Controlled/Restricted Areas. The contractor shall comply and implement local base procedures for entry to Air Force controlled and restricted areas. 4.6.15. Key Control. The contractor will adhere to the Air Force activity operating instruction control procedures to ensure keys issued to the contractor by the government are properly safeguarded and not used by unauthorized personnel. The contractor shall not duplicate keys issued by the government. All government keys will be turned at the end of employment or contract. 4.6.16. Lost Keys. Lost keys shall be reported immediately to the Air Force activity that issued the keys. The government replaces lost keys or performs re-keying. The total cost of lost keys, re-keying or lock replacement shall be deducted from the monthly payment due the contractor. 4.6.17. Government Authorization. The contractor shall ensure its employees do not allow government issued keys to be used by personnel other than current authorized contractor employees. Contractor employees shall not use keys to open work areas for personnel other than contractor employees engaged in performance of their duties, unless authorized by the government functional area chief. 4.6.18. Access Lock Combinations. Access lock combinations are "For Official Use Only" and will be protected from unauthorized personnel. The contractor will adhere to the Air Force activity operating instruction (OI) for ensuring lock combinations are not revealed to unauthorized persons and ensure the procedures are implemented. The contractor is not authorized to record lock combinations without written approval by the government functional director. 4.6.19. Security Alarm Access Codes. Security alarm access codes are "For Official Use Only" and will be protected from unauthorized personnel. Security alarm access codes will be given contractors employees who required entry into areas with security alarms. Contractor employees will adhere to the Air Force activity operating instructions and will properly safeguard alarm access codes to prevent unauthorized disclosure. Contractor will not record alarm access codes without written approval by the government functional director. 4.6.20. Traffic Laws. The contractor and their employees shall comply with base traffic regulations. 4.6.21. Cellular Phone Operation Policy: The use of cellular phones while operating a motorized vehicle is prohibited on Maxwell AFB and Gunter Annex unless performing command and control functions. Although discouraged, drivers are authorized to use devices, i.e. ear bud or ear boom, which allows their cellular phone to be operated hands-free. The device must not cover both ears. This policy applies to everyone driving on Maxwell AFB and Gunter Annex. 4.6.22. Healthcare. Healthcare provided at the local military treatment facility on an emergency reimbursable basis only. 4.7. Privacy Act: The Contractor may be exposed to information covered under the Privacy Act of 1974, and if so, the Contractor shall comply with all applicable safeguarding and handling requirements associated with the Privacy Act data. The Contractor shall ensure that Contractors assigned to this task understand and adhere to the Privacy Act of 1974. The contract staff will be required to read, sign, and adhere to the appropriate nondisclosure requirements. 4.8. All material gathered and/or developed (to include software and associated code) in the performance of tasks issued under this task order shall be the property of the US Air Force and shall not be used or distributed by the Contractor without specific written permission of HQ USAF. 4.9. Invoices. Invoices will be submitted via Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) in accordance with DFAR 252.232-7003(b)(1). 5.0 Government-Furnished Property, Information, and Services. 5.1 Facilities: On-site facilities are available when more conducive for meeting deliverable requirements. 5.2 The Contractor shall receive, use, maintain, and return Government-furnished equipment/information in the course of this contract. The following shall be provided by the Government in support of this contract: 5.2.1 Provide access to documentation (e.g., content, source files, and code) as determined/approved by AU/A4/6 project managers. 5.2.2 Provide access to AU A4/6 project personnel for specific implementation and integration task areas. 5.2.4 Provide support and indirect access to the AFIT course management system (Blackboard Academic Suite) during design, development, and launch of courseware. 5.2.5 Provide access, if design deems it necessary, to Government sites for purpose of integrating training tools on Government systems. 5.3 Subject-Matter Expert (SME) support is crucial to the successful outcome of the project. The Government will assist the service provider with identifying appropriate SMEs as required. 5.4 Points of Contact: 5.4.1 The primary Project Manager (Quality Assurance Personnel-QAP) for the Government: Mr. Wayne M. Glass AU/A4/6X Maxwell AFB, Alabama 36112-6610 Commercial phone: (334) 953-7727; Defense Switched Network (DSN): 493-7727 E-mail: wayne.glass@maxwell.af.mil 6.0 APPENDIX(S) Appendix A Publications and Forms APPENDIX A Publications and Forms Publications and forms applicable to this Performance Work Statement (PWS) are listed below. The government has coded publications as mandatory (M) or advisory (A). The contractor shall follow those publications coded as mandatory to the extent (that is, the specific procedure in a paragraph, section, chapter or volume) specified in the PWS. The contractor shall be guided by those coded advisory to the extent necessary to meet requirements in this PWS. At the start of the contract, the government will provide access to the web site for all publications and forms listed. The government may issue supplements or amendments to listed publications from any organizational level during the life of the contract. It is the responsibility to use the most current version of all publications. The contractor shall immediately implement those changes in publications that result in a decrease or no change in the contract price. Before implementing any such revision, supplement, or amendment that will result in an increase in contract price, the contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer (CO) a price proposal for approval. Price proposals shall be submitted within 30 calendar days from the date the contractor receives notice of the revision, supplement, or amendment giving rise to the increase in cost of performance. The government will consider changes in the contract price due to supplements and amendments shall be considered under the FAR 52.212-4 "Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items" clause. The government will continue to supply the government forms needed for daily operations. Upon completion of the contract, the contractor shall return to the government all issued publications and unused forms. Number Title Mandatory/Advisory PUBLICATIONS AFI 10-1101 Operations Security (OPSEC) Instructions M AFI 31-101, Vol 1 Air Force Installation Security Program M AFI 31-401 Information Security Program Management M AFI 31-501 Personnel Security Program Management M AFI 33-119 Electronic Mail (E-Mail) Management and Use M AFI 33-202 Computer Security M AFI 33-203 Emission Security (EMSEC) Program M AFI 33-204 Information Protection Security Awareness, Training and Education (SATE) Program M AFI 33-332 Air Force Privacy Act Program M AFI 36-3026 Identification Cards for Members of the Uniformed Services, their Family Members, and Other Eligible Personnel M AFI 37-138 Records Disposition - Procedures and Responsibilities M AFI 71-101, Vol I Criminal Investigations M AFI 71-101, Vol II Protective Service Matters M AETCI 36-3001 Issue and Control of AETC Civilian Identification (ID) Cards M AFMAN 37-139 Disposition of Records - Standards M DoD 5200.1-R Information Security Program M DoD 5200.2-R Personnel Security Program M DoD 5400.7-R Freedom of Information Act Program M FORMS AF Form 75, Visitor/Vehicle Pass M AF Form 1199 USAF Restricted Area Badge M AETC Form 58 Civilian Identification Card M DD Form 577 Signature Card M DD Form 1172 Application for Uniform Services Identification Card M Performance Plan For Newsgator Ecco Part 2 Revised 8 Sept 2010 Note: This Performance Plan may be made part of the solicitation, but shall not be part of the resulting contract. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Section 1.0 Purpose.......................................................................... 3 Section 2.0 Roles & Responsibilities of the Multi -functional Team................. 4-6 Section 3.0 Service Delivery Summary & Method of Assessment....................7 Section 4.0 Assessment Procedures........................................................8-9 Section 5.0 Unacceptable Performance...................................................10-11 Section 6.0 Certification/Acceptance of Services........................................12 Section 7.0 Contract Management.........................................................13 Section 8.0 Review & Acceptance.........................................................14 Section 9.0 Attachments.....................................................................15-22 Customer Complaint Record................................15-21 Checklist.......................................................22 SECTION 1.0 PURPOSE 1.1. This performance plan has been developed to provide an effective and systematic method to assess contractor services as required by the terms and conditions of the contract. This performance plan implements the requirements of Air Force Instruction 63-124, Performance Based Service Acquisitions (PBSA), with respect to the Government's quality assurance requirements. 1.2. This performance plan is based on the premise that the contractor is responsible for contract management and quality control, not the Government. The Government's objective in having the service provided is to perform the following activities: Custom Feature Development Research The multi-functional team is striving to ensure the performance objectives and thresholds established for those objectives are met. A contract to provide the service is the best means of achieving this objective and results. 1.3. Success for this contract is defined as: The contractor will achieve execution of the PWS. At a minimum, the contractor shall meet or exceed the performance standards (thresholds) established. 1.4. This performance plan describes the method(s) used to assess the contractor provided services in meeting performance objectives and performance thresholds. Quality Assurance Personnel (QAP) will use periodic assessment/inspection, trend analysis, customer complaints, and contractor provided metrics assessment methods to evaluate the contractor's performance. The assessment procedures identified in this performance plan, in concert with active application of the contractor's quality control procedures, are intended to ensure acceptable contractor performance. 1.5. The role of Government quality assurance is to ensure contract standards are achieved. In conducting assessment, QAP are to be objective, fair, and consistent in assessing contractor performance against the performance standards. 1.6. This performance plan is a living document and shall be revised or modified by members of the multi-functional team as circumstances warrant, throughout the life of the contract, to ensure adequate insight of contractor performance is maintained. SECTION 2.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MULTI-FUNCTIONAL TEAM 2.1. 42d Contracting Squadron (42 CONS), Maxwell AFB, AL 2.1.1. Provides comprehensive contract administration, management, and oversight. 2.1.2. Provides oversight for QAP training program. 2.1.3. Collects assessment inputs from QAPs. 2.1.4. Provides annual status on contract performance. 2.2. Contracting Squadron Commander 2.2.1. Serving as Business Advisor to senior leadership. 2.2.2. Providing the health of services acquisitions to senior leadership annually. Provide Management and Oversight of the Acquisition of Services Process (MOASP) reports on service acquisitions to the MAJCOM for consolidation. 2.2.3. Making sure the multi-functional team exercises acquisition authorities and responsibilities. 2.3. Functional Director/Functional Commander (FD/FC) 2.3.1. Identifying mission essential services, to include developing the necessary documents in accordance with DoDI 3020.37, Continuation of Essential DoD Contractor Services During Crisis. 2.3.2. Assigning primary and alternate Quality Assurance (QA) personnel. 2.3.3. Reviewing contractor performance documentation, prepared by Quality Assurance personnel, on a regular basis to ensure performance is compatible with contract and mission objectives while supporting a higher level of contractor performance, and fostering synergistic partnerships. 2.4. Contracting Officer/Contract Specialist 2.4.1. Ensures open communication is maintained between all parties, pre- and post-award. 2.4.2. Delegates' authority for inspection and/or acceptance to QAP in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract. 2.4.3. Informs the contractor of the names, duties, and limitations of authority for all QAP assigned to the contract. 2.4.4. Manages contractor performance assessment data, including submitting Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) reports. 2.4.5. Issues contract modifications as necessary. 2.4.6. Takes appropriate action should unacceptable contract performance occur. 2.5. Multi-Functional Team/Quality Assurance Personnel 2.5.1. Develops technical requirements and independent cost/Government estimates for contract services. 2.5.2. Assesses and documents the contractor's performance in accordance with the procedures set forth in this performance plan. 2.5.3. Immediately notifies the Contracting Officer of any significant performance deficiencies. 2.5.4. Maintains assessment documentation throughout the life of the contract. 2.5.5. Certifies acceptance of services. 2.5.6. Promotes business decisions to meet customer requirements by researching the marketplace to remain current with the most efficient and effective performance assessment methods and techniques. Performs market research throughout the life of the requirement to ensure the team is knowledgeable of the commercial marketplace. 2.5.7. Fosters partnerships with industry to ensure exchanges of information with the service industry and other business experts. 2.5.8. Identifies opportunities to improve performance throughout the life of the contract, including benchmarking against industry, identifying initiatives, assessing the risk associated with these initiatives, using the performance plan for implementing initiatives brought forward, and monitoring the success of implementation. 2.5.9. Recommends any changes necessary to the contract, PWS, performance plan, or other requirements to provide more effective operations or eliminate unnecessary costs. 2.6. Quality Assurance Program Coordinator 2.6.1. Coordinates all aspects of the quality assurance program 2.6.2. Participates in the Multi-Functional Team. 2.6.3. Reviews and coordinates all PWS and performance plans. 2.6.4. Provides training for the FD/FC and all QAP. 2.6.5. Reviews and coordinates on all changes to the PWS and performance plan. 2.7. Contractor (Service Provider) 2.7.1. Complies fully with the terms and conditions of the contract. 2.7.2. Participates as a member of the multi-functional team in the post-award management phase. 2.7.3. Maintains and implements a Quality Control Plan (QCP) that compliments the performance plan. 2.7.4. Ensures that non-conforming contract services are identified, and corrected. QCP is revised to prevent recurrences. 2.7.5. Tenders to the Government for acceptance only those services that conform to contract requirements. 2.7.6. Recommends any changes to the contract that will provide more effective operations or eliminate unnecessary costs. SECTION 3.0 SERVICES SUMMARY (SS) AND METHOD OF ASSESSMENT Performance Objectives PWS Para Performance Threshold Method of Assessment The contractor will provide up to 33 days of custom feature development for the development and modification of custom boxes, features, integration, and look and feel 2.1 Contractor will provide all 33 days of custom feature development during the life of the contract with no deviations. Assessment will be through Customer Complaint, Periodic Assessment/Inspection, Trend Analysis and Contractor Metrics. The contractor will provide up to 100 days of custom technology services for the development of social learning and professional networking enhancements and artificial intelligence cognitive assistants to improve collaborative learning 2.2 Contractor will provide all 100 days of custom technology during the life of the contract with no deviations. Assessment will be through Customer Complaint, Trend Analysis, Periodic Assessment/Inspection and Contractor Metrics. SECTION 4.0 ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES 4.1. Assessment Schedule. 4.1.1. The QAP will develop an assessment schedule, based on this performance plan's requirements. A locally devised form may be used. The schedule shall be completed no later than 7 calendar days before the beginning of the period it covers. Copies of the assessment schedule shall be provided to the FD/FC and the Contracting Officer, before the start of the assessment period. Assessment schedules, when completed, shall be marked "For Official Use Only", and shall not be shown to the contractor. 4.1.2. Changes to the assessment schedule shall be posted promptly. Copies of the changed schedule shall be sent to the FD/FC and the Contracting Officer. The QAP shall document the reason(s) for changes of the assessment schedule, and maintain the documentation in the QAP files with the corresponding changed assessment schedule. 4.2. Assessment of SS Items. 4.2.1. It is essential that the QAP conduct assessments in accordance with projected assessment schedule for an effective quality assurance program. Mission requirements may require deviations from the assessment schedule. Assessment should be performed as close to the schedule as is practicable. QAP shall document assessment as it is conducted. 4.2.2. The QAP shall conduct assessment of the contractor's performance by determining whether or not the performance meets the standards contained in the contract, the PWS and the SS items. 4.2.3. Assessment documentation shall include as a minimum, the date, time, and location the assessment was conducted, results of the assessment (acceptable or unacceptable), PWS paragraph number referencing the requirement, a short description of the requirement being surveyed, applicable remarks, signature of QAP conducting the assessment. When the QAP determines that contractor performance is unacceptable, the specific reason for the unacceptable performance is recorded on the QAP's assessment documentation. 4.3. Assessment of non-SS Items. The Government has the right to inspect all services called for by the contract, to the extent practicable at all times and places during the term of the contract. Therefore, QAP have the right to conduct assessment for SS items and non-SS items as well. When the QAP identifies unacceptable performance on non-SS items, the QAP shall follow the procedures in section 5.0 of this performance plan, entitled Unacceptable Performance. 4.4. Methods of Assessment 4.4.1. Customer Complaint: QAP shall ensure complaint procedures and forms are made available to all customers. Any personnel that observe questionable services, incomplete, not performed, or performed improperly, should immediately contact the QAP. QAP shall receive, document, and validate or invalidate all complaints. If the complaint is invalid, the QAP shall contact the complainant and explain why the complaint was invalid. QAP shall fully document the resolution for each complaint on the Customer Complaint Record. QAP shall complete and issue the contractor a Corrective Action Report (CAR) for all valid complaints. If the contractor challenges the validity of any complaint, and the QAP and contractor cannot come to agreement, the complaint in question shall be forwarded to the Contracting Officer for resolution. Complaints will be tracked and if the performance threshold is exceeded, the QAP shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing so that the Contracting Officer can take the appropriate action. 4.4.2. Periodic Assessment/Inspection: Periodic assessment/inspection is the type of assessment that is based upon selecting samples for evaluation on other than 100% inspection or on a statistically random basis. Selecting this tool to determine a contractor's compliance to contract requirements can be quite effective and allows QAP to establish confidence or lack of confidence in the contractor while not consuming a significant amount of time. Periodic assessment can be set up weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc. 4.4.3. Trend Analysis: QA personnel to monitor the contractor's on-going performance over time should use this method of assessment regularly and continually. Data for tracking trends can be gathered from all other evaluation sources and methods to build the database upon which the trend analysis is based. The contractor's own metrics may provide most of the information needed for the analysis. The contractor may be required to supply metrics on each performance objective in the Service Summary. This database should be used to confirm the contractor's data. QAP would then be able to analyze this data for contract conformance. Any appropriate software application may be employed which will store and display the trend information in a usable format. 4.4.4. Contractor Metrics: Metrics is a management tool used to measure performance objectives stated in the PWS. The government develops and approves performance objectives and thresholds. Industry input to the development of these objectives and thresholds is desirable. These thresholds should conform to commercial or industry-wide standards to the maximum extent practicable. Metrics should be developed so they are meaningful. SECTION 5.0 UNACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE 5.1. Unacceptable Performance 5.1.1. When the contractor's performance is deemed unacceptable, QAP will determine the cause of the unacceptable performance. If any Government action, or lack of action, caused or contributed to the unacceptable performance, the unacceptable performance will not be counted against the contractor. The QAP will take action to ensure Government action, or lack of action, does not interfere with the Contractor's performance in the future. The QAP will completely document the circumstance. 5.1.2. When the unacceptable performance is not the result of Government action, or lack of action, QAP shall promptly notify the contractor and issues a Corrective Action Report (CAR) to the contractor to assure corrective action is taken. By initialing and dating the CAR, the contractor is acknowledging that s/he has been informed of the unacceptable performance and is not agreeing with the performance assessment. QAP shall direct the contractor to re-perform the service, if possible, without additional cost to the Government. If the contractor challenges the validity of the QAP's unacceptable assessment finding, and the QAP and contractor cannot come to an agreement, the matter shall be referred to the Contracting Officer for resolution. The contractor shall be required to return all completed CARs to the QAP no later than the suspense date indicated on the CAR. 5.1.3. Unacceptable performance re-performed by the service provider shall still count as unacceptable performance. 5.1.4. The QAP shall maintain a CAR log of all CARs issued to the Contractor (a locally devised form may be used). The CAR log shall contain the CAR number, date issued, contractor, description of unacceptable performance, suspense date, and closeout date. All CARs and CAR logs shall be maintained by the QAP for the life of the contract. 5.2. Contracting Officer Notification. 5.2.1. Major Finding. If at any time QAP identify a condition as having a significant adverse effect on the quality of the activity, such as those stated below, QAP will document their findings and notify the Contracting Officer immediately in writing. Email is acceptable. 5.2.1.1. Contractor provider failure to meet a Performance Threshold. 5.2.1.2. Failure to provide adequate corrective action to preclude reoccurrence of Government identified findings. 5.2.1.3. Failure to provide corrective action to deficiencies identified by the QAP within a prescribed suspense period. 5.2.1.4. Any failure to adhere to security regulations that results in a security incident. 5.2.2. Minor Finding. A departure from established standards having little bearing on the service provided. When QAP identify a minor finding, the QAP shall document the findings, but is not required to notify the Contracting Officer. However, if the same minor finding is repeatedly identified, it may be an indication that a major finding is occurring or has occurred because the contractor has not taken proper steps to prevent recurrence. In this case, the QAP shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing. 5.3. Remedies for Unacceptable Performance. 5.3.1. In accordance with the contract Inspection of Services clause, if any of the services do not conform to contract requirements, the Government may require the Contractor to perform the services again in conformity, at no increase in contract amount. This includes but is not limited to termination of contractor personnel and recruitment of substitute personnel that are equally qualified within established timeframes. When the defects in services cannot be corrected by re-performance, the Government may: 5.3.1.1. Require the Contractor to take necessary action to ensure that future performance conforms to contract requirements; and 5.3.1.2. Reduce the contract price to reflect the reduced value of the services performed. This may include a reduction in the number of paid hours to reflect the total non-performance period. 5.3.2. If the Contractor fails to promptly perform the services again or to take the necessary action to ensure future performance in conformity with contract requirements, the Government may: 5.3.2.1. By contract or otherwise, perform the services and charge to the Contractor any cost incurred by the Government that is directly related to the performance of such service; or 5.3.2.2. Decrement invoice as stated in the PWS related to performance; or 5.3.2.3. Terminate the contract. SECTION 6.0 CERTIFICATION/ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICES 6.1. QAP will certify receipt of acceptable contractor services each month. The QAP will certify that acceptable services were received, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract. The QAP will certify receipt of contractor services via the Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) website. Certification of services shall be accomplished on the first workday following the completion of the contract payment period, to avoid payment of interest penalties. 6.2. QAP are responsible for obtaining, scheduling, and completing WAWF training from the base Accounting and Finance Office. SECTION 7.0 CONTRACT MANAGEMENT 7.1 The multi-functional team shall utilize the following approaches, methods, and tools to manage the contract upon award: 7.1.1 QAP shall conduct, document, track, and analyze contractor performance via regularly scheduled assessments. The assessment results shall be maintained as Past Performance Information and utilized to prepare and support annual Contractor Performance Assessment Report System (CPARS) reporting. Assessment results, along with the contractor's submittals will be used to develop metrics to track Contractor's overall compliance with contract terms and conditions. 7.1.2 The multi-functional team shall conduct periodic progress meetings, at least quarterly, to review the contractor's performance. At these meetings the Contracting Officer will apprise the contractor of how the Government views the contractor's performance and the contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. The contractor will also notify the Contracting Officer, in writing, of any work being performed, if any, that the contractor considers over and above the requirements of the contract. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve any outstanding issues. Section B - Supplies or Services and Prices ITEM NO SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT 0001 33 Each Purchase Custom Feature Development IAW FFP Purchase Custom Feature Development IAW Paragraph 2.1 of attached PWS GSA Item Code: CTS FOB: Destination PURCHASE REQUEST NUMBER: F2XHA70161A002 SIGNAL CODE: A NET AMT _______________________ ITEM NO SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT 0002 100 Days Purchase custom technology services IAW FFP Purchase custom technology services IAW Paragraph 2.2 of attached PWS GSA Item Code: CTS FOB: Destination PURCHASE REQUEST NUMBER: F2XHA70161A002 SIGNAL CODE: A NET AMT ___________________________
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Place of Performance: Address: Maxwell AFB, AL 36112, Montgomery, Alabama, 36112, United States; Zip Code: 36112
Record: SN02276155-W 20100912/100910235319-c245ea0d55329b526325c2d4b0add77e (fbodaily.com)
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