What is the primary purpose of the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) in a DoD contract?

The primary purpose of the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) in a DoD contract is to identify inspection criteria and procedures. The QASP serves as a structured framework that delineates how the government will monitor the contractor's performance to ensure that it meets the required standards and specifications set forth in the contract. Through the QASP, specific methods of surveillance are defined, including the frequency and type of inspections or assessments that will be conducted. This helps in maintaining quality control over the deliverables and services provided by the contractor, ensuring compliance with contract requirements and enhancing overall accountability.

While the outline of penalties for non-compliance and the determination of acceptance of contractor deliverables are important components in contract management, they are not the primary focus of the QASP. Instead, the QASP's central role revolves around establishing clear criteria for evaluating performance, which ultimately feeds into broader contract oversight and compliance measures.