ATTACHMENT A

LETTER FOR RFP:

To: All Offerors

SUBJECT: Performance Based Contract

Previously the Government acquired much of its support services on a cost reimbursable basis using for the most part cost plus fixed fee contracts. In many cases this was simply a level of effort contract in which the Contractor was paid for hours incurred and not necessarily for work accomplished as a result of those hours incurred.

Under Performance Based Contracting methodology, the Contractor will be paid based on END RESULTS. The Government plans to award a cost plus incentive fee type contract.

The Government is in fact purchasing the services of the Contractor to provide specific "OUTPUTS". The services or products shall be well defined. In no event will open-ended requirements be issued which lack distinct objectives and/or deliverables.

All offerors are urged to read carefully OFPP Circular Number 4 on Performance Work Statements. Note specifically the section on Deduct Analysis. The Government has a right to make deductions including costs (not just fee) when performance is below standard. The Department plans to implement these guidelines since they are a key element of Performance Based Contracting. Please read carefully all attachments related to the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan and the performance requirements summary. Please direct all questions in writing to the following address:

U.S. Department of Education

Contracting and Purchasing Operations

7th and D Streets, SW

ROB-3, Room 3616

Washington, DC 20202-4447.

ATTN: Pamela J. Kontz

Note:	Pursuant to FAR Part 16.4 Incentive Contracts, the Government reserves the right to adjust the distribution of the incentive fee pool listed in the performance requirement summary. Also, the Government reserves the right to change the surveillance plan periodically. The Contractor shall be given reasonable notice to any changes ahead of time.

The government reserves the right to take whatever actions are necessary to address continued

nonperformance. Remedial actions may include legal remedies.

WOMEN'S EDUCATIONAL EQUITY ACT RESOURCE CENTER

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION

100	GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

100.1	Acronyms/Definitions

100.2	Scope of Work

100.3	Purpose

100.4	Overview/Background/Statute

110	GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

110.1	Printing Services

120	CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, TOOLS AND	SUPPLIES

120.1	Office Space/Warehouse Space

120.2	Office Supplies

120.3	Quality of Contractor-Furnished Materials

120.4	Contractor-furnished Equipment and Tools

130	CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

130.1	Basic Requirements

130.2	Project Management

130.3	Technical Qualifications of Staff

140	QUALITY CONTROL/QUALITY ASSURANCE

140.1	Contractor's Quality Control Program

140.1-1 Quality Control/Quality Assurance Schedule of Deliverables

140.2	Government's Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

140.3	Meetings with the Contractor

200	TECHNICAL WORK REQUIREMENTS

200.1	Meeting(s) with the Contractor

200.2	Receipt of Existing Inventory

200.3	Technical Assistance to WEEA Grantees, Educators, the Public

200.4	Review Gender Equity Materials and Products

200.5	Marketing and Dissemination of Materials and Products

200.6	Conduct Optional Meetings

200.7	Transfer of Materials/Center Inventory

200.8 Reporting Requirements

200.9 Base Year Technical Work Requirements Schedule of Deliverables

200.10 Technical Work Requirements - Option Years

200.11 Option Years Technical Work Requirements Schedule of Deliverables

300	MINIMUM STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

400	ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

400.1	Safety

400.2	Contingencies

400.3	Emergency/Disaster Contingency

400.3-1 Emergency/Disaster Contingency Schedule of Deliverables

400.4	Strike Contingency

400.4-1 Strike Contingency Schedule of Deliverables

400.5	Reports

500	TECHNICAL EXHIBITS

500.1	Government Furnished Property

500.2	Reports

500.3	Customer Evaluation Forms

500.4 Performance Based Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

Performance Work Statement

100 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. The Contractor must perform and accomplish the requirements to the standards of the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

100.1 Acronyms/Definitions

Acronyms used throughout this Performance Work Statement (PWS) are defined as follows:

CC - Comprehensive Center

CIP	-	Continuous Improvement Process

CO	-	Contracting Officer

CS	-	Contract Specialist

COTR	-	Contracting Officer's Technical Representative

DAC - Desegregation Assistance Center

ED	-	The U.S. Department of Education

ERIC	-	Education Resources Information Center

FAQ	-	Frequently Asked Questions

FAR	-	Federal Acquisition Regulation

FDO -	Fee Determination Official

IFDB -	Incentive Fee Determination Board

IRC	-	Information Resource Center (ED)

MSP	-	Minimum Standards of Performance

NLE	-	National Library of Education (ED)

OCIO -	Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO)

PO	-	Principal Office within the U.S. Department of Education

PWS	-	Performance Work Statement

QASP	-	Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

ODR	-	Observed Defect Rate

OERI	-	Office of Educational Research & Improvement (ED)

OESE - Office of Elementary and Secondary Education

OPE	-	Office of Postsecondary Education (ED)

SOW	-	Statement of Work incorporated into this solicitation

TDD	-	Telecommunications Device for the Deaf

WEEA - Women's Educational Equity Act

Definitions used throughout this PWS are defined as follows:

ALTERNATE FORMATS - Any format of a publication or information product that is accessible to people with disabilities, such as Braille, large print, audio tape versions of text documents, captioned versions of videotapes or text only electronic formats of documents.

BULK DISTRIBUTION - Any mailing of bulk quantities of a printed product, such as a box of applications (or a partial box), usually in response to an order placed by an external customer or a conference coordinator within ED.

CONTRACTING OFFICER - A person duly appointed with the authority to enter into and administer contracts on behalf of the government. Only a contracting officer may enter into contracts, or modify contracts, on behalf of the government.

CONTRACT DISCREPANCY - A failure of the Contractor to perform in accordance with contract requirements and specifications. A contract discrepancy may result from a failure of the Contractor to provide, or provide on time, the required contract products or services; or it may result because delivered products or services do not meet specific contract standards.

CONTRACT SPECIALIST - an individual who oversees the administration of the contract on a day-to-day basis . This person may represent the contracting officer at meetings with the Contractor but does not have the authority to enter into or modify contracts on behalf of the government.

CONTRACT DISCREPANCY REPORT (CDR) - A report used to document unsatisfactory Contractor performance. The CDR requires the Contractor to explain, in writing, why performance is unsatisfactory; how performance shall be returned to satisfactory levels; and how recurrence of the problem shall be prevented in the future.

CONTRACTING OFFICER'S TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE (COTR)- An individual designated in writing by the Contracting Officer to act as his/her authorized representative. Performs specific contract administrative functions within the scope and limitations as defined by the Contracting Officer.

CONTRACTOR - The Contractor, its subsidiaries and affiliates, joint ventures involving the Contractor, or any entity which the Contractor may have merged or any individual or entity that assisted or advised the Contractor in the preparation of a proposal under this solicitation.

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP)- All equipment, goods, and land possessed by the government and, subsequently, delivered or otherwise made available to the Contractor.

MASS DISTRIBUTION - Mailings of individual bulletins, publications, diskettes, etc., that are initiated by the Department to the addresses on one or more of its mailing lists.

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR - A characteristic of an output of a work process that can be measured.

PUBLICATION/INFORMATION PRODUCTS- An electronic document or hard copy including but not limited to written works, CD-ROMs, audio-visual tapes, pamphlets, posters, brochures and various applications. Documents in alternate formats, such as Braille, audiotape and large print are also included in this definition.

QUALITY ASSURANCE - Those actions taken by the government to assure that the quality of purchased goods and services received are acceptable in accordance with established standards and requirements of the contract.

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP) - A written document used by the government for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains specific surveillance methods used by the government in quantifying and evaluating the Contractor's performance.

QUALITY CONTROL - Those actions taken by the Contractor to control the production of goods and/or services to meet the requirements of the contract.

RANDOM SAMPLE - A statistical sampling method whereby each service output and resultant accomplishment has an equal chance of being selected.

RANDOM SAMPLING - A statistical method for evaluating a few individual items (the results of which can be extrapolated) and measuring the quantity and/or quality against a pre-determined standard.

SAMPLE - A sample consists of one or more service outputs in accordance with random sampling procedures to be evaluated by government personnel.

SAMPLE SIZE - The number of outputs in the statistical sample; a group of one or more tasks drawn from the specified performance.

TARGET FEE - The negotiated fee for the contract. The Department will negotiate a fair and reasonable fee for this contract (the target fee); a percentage of this fee (to be called the "incentive") may be added to or subtracted from the target fee, based upon the performance by the contractor.

100.2	Scope of Work

a.	The Contractor is required to provide the services described in Section 200 (Technical
Work Requirements) of this SOW. The Contractor shall support local systemic gender equity programs and activities through the provision of gender equity technical assistance and publication of high quality WEEA-developed materials and products as well as the dissemination of high quality gender equity materials and products. Such programs and activities shall further the purposes of the Women's Educational Equity Act (WEEA) Program, which are: (1) to promote gender equity in education in the United States; (2) to provide financial assistance to enable educational agencies and institutions to meet the requirements of Title IX; and (3) to promote equity in education for women and girls who suffer from multiple forms of discrimination based on sex, race, ethnic origin, limited English proficiency, disability or age. The Contractor shall perform all tasks described in Section 200.	The primary work requirements are (1) receipt and maintenance of all products, materials, files and documents related to contract number RP92136001; (2) provision of technical assistance to WEEA grantees and all other educators, persons, entities involved in the field of gender equity; (3) review and publication of WEEA- developed materials; (4) promotion and dissemination of WEEA information, products, and materials; (5) review and recommendation for use of nonWEEA-developed gender equity materials and products; (6) provision of gender equity professional development activities via Internet and/or other electronic means; and (7)conduct national/regional gender equity technical assistance meetings and workshops, a minimum of one but no more than three, as requested by the U.S. Department of Education (ED).

b.	The Contractor shall provide a message recorder or an automated voice mail system	when no operator is available during off-hours and weekends. The Contractor shall have E-mail capacity to correspond with the government. The Contractor shall provide TDD callers equal access to telephone services, including all message recorder services.

100.3	Purpose

The purpose of this procurement is to contract for the operation of a gender equity resource center that shall serve the dissemination and technical assistance needs of WEEA grantees and all other educators and community members involved in the field of gender equity. The center shall review and, where applicable, revise and/or publish: (1) existing WEEA materials and products; and (2) newly-developed WEEA materials and products. In addition, the center shall review and recommend for use nonWEEA- developed gender equity materials. Expert and timely technical assistance in all specialized areas of gender equity shall be provided via: (1) Internet; (2) E-mail and other electronic means; (3) personal communication; and (4) conferences and other workshops.

The main objectives of the gender equity resource center include:

(1) encourage and assist WEEA grantees in developing materials suitable for publication:

(2) manage the publication process of approved WEEA materials and products;

(3) manage the peer review process for both WEEA-developed and nonWEEA-developed materials and products;

(4) market and disseminate published materials to a wide audience at a low cost;

(5) assist a community of learners who are implementing sustained, high quality gender equity methodologies, practices and programs;

(6) encourage the creation of materials and methodologies, especially in regard to the 25th anniversary of Title IX, that enhance local capacity and leadership in relation to gender equity programs, practices and policies;

(7) recommend to the gender equity community, educators, and the public in general high quality nonWEEA- developed gender equity materials and products; and

(8) provide gender equity professional development activities via Internet or other electronic means.

100.4 OVERVIEW/BACKGROUND/STATUTE

ED has a requirement for a technical assistance, publishing and gender equity resource center to assist grantees who are administering implementation and research and development grants funded by the WEEA Program as well as educators and all others involved in the field of gender equity.

PL. 103-382, the Improving America's Schools Act (IASA) of 1994, authorizes the dissemination, publication, and technical assistance activities proposed within this procurement. The WEEA Program was first enacted as part of the Special Projects Act of the Educational Amendments Act of 1974 (P.L.93-380) to provide both educational equity for women and girls in the United States and financial assistance to enable educational institutions to meet the requirements of Title IX. The program has been reauthorized several times since its inception. However, the most significant changes have occurred as a result of IASA. Currently, the WEEA Program must expend two-thirds of total grant funds on implementation projects at the local level. Approximately one-third of grant funds are available for research and development. Collaborative efforts among schools and community organizations to assist female students in achieving the National Education Goals and in accessing school-to-work opportunities are encouraged. Research activities are to be coordinated with the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI).

110 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

110.1	Printing Services

The Government Printing Office (GPO) must print or, by delegation, authorize the printing of the publications, brochures, pamphlets, and other printed materials developed under this contract.

120	CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED PROPERTY, SERVICES, EQUIPMENT,
MATERIALS, TOOLS AND SUPPLIES

120.1	Office Space/Warehouse Space

The Contractor shall provide adequate protection from damage for all WEEA files, materials, products, and facilities consistent with the standards and regulations based on the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970. Should the facilities be considered unacceptable by the Government, the Government retains the right to require the Contractor to relocate to facilities which meet Federal Government Standards, at the Contractor's expense. The Contractor shall provide sufficient warehouse space to hold and store document stock, distribution materials, and negatives for information products.

120.2	Office Supplies

The Contractor shall supply all office supplies and materials, including supplies required for computer operation, throughout the contract's duration.

120.3	Quality of Contractor-furnished Materials

The Contractor shall ensure that all materials and supplies used under this contract are not unsuitable or harmful to ED customers or its employees, meet manufacturer's specifications and comply fully with all applicable OSHA and EPA standards.

120.4	Contractor-furnished Equipment and Tools

All equipment by the Contractor shall meet OSHA safety requirements. This equipment must operate using existing building circuits. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to prevent the operation or attempted operation of electrical equipment or combinations of equipment which require power exceeding the capability of existing building circuits.

130 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

130.1	Basic Requirements

The Contractor shall provide staff who are qualified to perform the work described in this PWS. Contractor personnel responsible for answering the telephone and dealing with ED employees, WEEA grantees, and all other customers must be able to speak clearly, easily understand the English language, and operate a TDD. Contractor personnel shall be familiar with and experienced in using GPO style manual, and United States Postal Service (USPS) address convention.

130.2	Project Management

a. The Contractor shall provide a project manager/director for administration and technical supervision of Contractor employees. The project manager shall be the Contractor's primary representative and have the Contractor's full authority to act on matters pertaining to the performance of services under this contract.

b. The project manager/director shall have technical experience and be knowledgeable in all facets of the work required to be performed under this PWS and have a minimum of five (5) years of recent experience managing a contract or operation similar in scope and complexity to the present contract.

130.3	Technical Qualifications of Staff

The Contractor shall employ staff who have extensive expertise in: (1) gender equity, particularly in relation to educational issues/needs/concerns; (2) materials development and publication; (3) dissemination of materials; and (4) the use of technology to enhance educational opportunities for women and girls and to further the purposes and goals of the program, especially in regard to Title IX. The Contractor's personnel shall possess the following skills, knowledge and abilities:

a) extensive knowledge of the educational programs and practices that promote equity in education for women and girls who suffer from multiple forms of discrimination based on sex, race, ethnic origin, limited English proficiency, disability or age;

b) extensive knowledge of materials development, promotion, marketing and publication;

c) knowledge of effective warehousing of materials and inventory management;

d) skill in call center operations with a significant focus on customer service and gender equity technical assistance;

e) knowledge of gender equity dissemination and distribution practices;

f) skill in using databases, ERIC and other computer-based clearinghouses;

g) ability to process orders in an effective, expeditious and accurate manner;

h) skill in mailing lists data base management.

140	QUALITY CONTROL/QUALITY ASSURANCE

140.1	Contractor's Quality Control Plan

The Contractor shall establish a performance based quality control plan to ensure that the requirements of the contract are met as specified. A revised copy shall be provided to the COTR and the CO 15 work days after the effective date of the contract and within 5 days of any subsequent changes. The Contractor shall include in this performance based quality control plan at a minimum the following:

a.	An inspection program addressing all of the services stated in the PWS. It must specify the areas to be inspected on either a scheduled or unscheduled basis and the names, titles and qualifications of the individuals performing inspections and the extent of their authority. Their functional roles must be depicted in an organizational chart.

b.	Methods of identifying deficiencies in the quality of services performed before the level of performance becomes unacceptable and the corrective actions needed to be taken; procedures for notifying the COTR when deficiencies are encountered; planned corrective actions and descriptions of proposed sampling techniques. In other words, a continuous improvement process (CIP).

c.	Methods of documenting and enforcing quality control operations of both the Contractor's and Subcontractors' (if any) work, including inspection and testing.

d.	The format for the Contractor's Quality Control Reports.

e.	For each option year, the Contractor shall discuss problems encountered and steps taken to correct them.

The Contractor shall maintain all documentation of all Quality Control Inspections, inspection results, and any corrective action required and/or performed by the Contractor throughout the term of the contract. This documentation shall become the property of the Government and made available to both the CO and COTR upon request. The Contractor shall turn this documentation over to the CO within ten (10) work days after completion or termination of the contract.

140.1-1 Quality Control/Quality Assurance Schedule of Deliverables

o	a revised quality control plan is due to the CO and the COTR within

15 work days of the effective date of the contract and/or within 5 days of	any subsequent changes.

o	documentation from all quality control inspections shall be due to the CO

and the COTR within 10 work days after completion and/or termination of

the contract.

140.2	Government's Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

The Government will monitor, assess, record and report on the Contractor's technical performance under this contract in accordance with the procedures, methods and guidelines set forth in its Performance Based Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). A copy of this plan is attached to the contract (See Exhibit A of Technical Exhibit 500.4).

140.3	Meetings with the Contractor

The Contractor, its designated Project Manager, or both, shall meet with the CO and COTR twice during the first year of the contract. Thereafter, one such meeting shall take place annually. When meeting, a mutual effort will be made to resolve any and all problems identified. The Contractor shall prepare written minutes of any and all meetings and submit them to the government for review.

200	TECHNICAL WORK REQUIREMENTS - BASE YEAR

The Contractor shall perform the following work in operating an offsite technical assistance, and materials review and publication center for the U.S. Department of Education.

200.1	Meeting(s) With The Contractor

Not later than 10 work days after the effective date of the contract and each subsequent option year, if the options are exercised, the Contractor shall meet with the CO (or his or her designated representative) and COTR in Washington, DC The purpose of the meeting shall be: (1) to clarify the understanding between ED and the Contractor as to the activities and objectives to be accomplished throughout the contract; and (2) to review the Contractor's Quality Control Plan for accomplishing the tasks. The Contractor shall also meet with the COTR, CO, or his or her designated representative on the fifth work day of the third quarter (base year only) in Washington or via teleconference. During each meeting, a mutual effort shall be made to resolve any and all problems identified by the CO, the COTR or the Contractor.

TASK 1 DELIVERABLES:

The Contractor shall submit the following to the COTR:

o	memo of understanding resulting from initial meeting in Washington - due 7

work days after the date of the meeting; one copy to the CO and three copies to

the COTR.

o	minutes for each meeting or teleconference held - due 7 work days after the date
of the meeting or the teleconference; one copy to the CO and three copies to the

COTR.

200.2	Receipt of Existing Inventory

The Contractor shall make arrangements for the receipt of all WEEA products, materials, files and other applicable documents acquired by the current contractor to its own facilities. These arrangements shall be made within 5 work days of the effective date of the contract. The current contractor is Education Development Center, Inc, 55 Chapel Street, Newton, Massachusetts. The Contractor shall notify the CO and the COTR in writing via e-mail and by telephone that such arrangements are in place within 8 work days of the effective date of the contract. The Contractor shall develop a comprehensive inventory of all products, materials, files and documents received and shall arrange for the maintenance of the existing inventory as well as the materials, products, files and documents developed during the course of this procurement.

The Contractor shall submit the following to the COTR:

TASK 2 DELIVERABLES

o	written verification, via e-mail and 4 hard copies, and a follow-up telephone call
verifying that receipt arrangements are in place - due within 8 work days of the	effective date of the contract; one copy to the CO and three copies to the COTR.

o	a comprehensive inventory of products, materials, files, and documents
received from the current Contractor - due 21 work days after the effective	date of the contract.

200.3	Technical Assistance to WEEA Grantees, Educators And The Public

The Contractor shall provide support and technical assistance on the implementation of effective gender equity policies and programs at all educational levels. Such support and technical assistance shall be consistent with the guidance provided in Section 5203 of the Statute (Title V, Part B - Women's Educational Equity). Within the context of the Statute, the Contractor shall provide technical assistance (within 5 work days of receipt of the request) that includes but is not limited to: (1) assistance to grantees who will submit their products/ materials/programs for peer review as the avenue to publication; (2) assistance to those grantees who are updating and/or revising previously published materials/products/programs; (3) guidance on how to effectively implement gender equity programs, policies, and methodologies at the local level; (4) guidance on the effective use of multiple gender equity resources by grantees and educators, especially with regard to curricula and school management practices and policies; (5) provision of professional development, particularly in the areas of math and computer science, with a gender equity focus presented via Internet and/or other electronic means; and (6) information and assistance on current gender equity issues at both the national and local level. In addition, the Contractor shall develop a complaint resolution procedure for resolving customer complaints with regard to technical assistance. The Contractor shall provide technical assistance in alternative formats when requested by a grantee and/or customer. This may include, but is not limited to, providing documents in Braille, on audio tape, etc.

The Contractor shall submit the following to the COTR:

TASK 3 DELIVERABLES

o a quarterly performance report (QPR) documenting: type of requests received, the type response (i.e. phone call, mailout of materials, E mail, etc.) provided, and the dates on which the responses were supplied to the customers - due in hard copy to the C.O. and the COTR on the fifth work day following the end of each quarter. One copy shall go to the CO and 3 copies shall go to the COTR.

o	evaluations from a random sampling of 8 technical assistance customers each quarter - due to the COTR on the fifth work day following the end of each quarter.

o	evaluations from a random sampling of 8 customers who
participated in online professional development activities - due to the	COTR on the fifth work day following the end of each quarter.

.

o	a complaint resolution procedure for handling customer complaints in
regard to technical assistance - due to the CO and the COTR on the fifth work day following the end of the first quarter.

200.4 Review Gender Equity Materials And Products

The Contractor shall manage the publication of high-quality WEEA-developed materials and products and the dissemination of high-quality nonWEEA-developed materials and products. The Contractor shall develop the guidelines and procedures for conducting a peer review process that will ensure the publication and dissemination of gender equity materials that further the goals of the WEEA Statute (Title V, Part B, Section 5203 - Support and Technical Assistance). The contractor shall publish and disseminate an annual catalog of all gender equity materials and products. A WEEA Digest covering current gender equity topics shall be published and disseminated quarterly.

TASK 4 DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall submit to the CO and the COTR:

o	Based upon the COTR's comments, a revised set of procedures for the peer review process for WEEA-developed materials and products and nonWEEA- developed materials and products (one copy of each procedure for the CO and three copies of each procedure for the COTR) within 15 work days of the effective date of the contract;

o	a QPR due the fifth work day following the end of each quarter shall include
updates on: (1) new WEEA materials/products under review;

(2) existing WEEA products/materials under review; (3) new or existing WEEA materials/products to be published; (4) nonWEEA-developed materials and products under review; and (5) nonWEEA materials and products that have been recommended for use; one copy to the CO and three copies to the COTR.

o	within 2 weeks of each annual publication, a catalog of materials/products available through the center shall be submitted to the Department; one copy to the CO and three copies to the COTR.

o	within 2 weeks of each quarterly publication, copies of the WEEA Digest; one
copy to the CO and three copies to the COTR.

200.5 Marketing And Dissemination of Materials And Products

The Contractor shall market WEEA-developed materials and products and shall disseminate gender equity information, resources, materials/products (both WEEA-developed and nonWEEA-developed), and promotional materials/products relevant to current gender equity issues to educators and all others with an interest in the field of gender equity. The Contractor shall, to the extent feasible, provide materials and information in alternative formats, including but not limited to, braille, audiotape, etc., upon request. The Contractor shall utilize advances in electronic communication such as the ED Equity Forum and World Wide Web to disseminate gender equity information upon request.

The Contractor shall collaborate with other technical assistance providers (i.e. the Desegregation Assistance Centers, the Comprehensive Centers, the Regional Labs, etc.) with similar interests and technical assistance roles in order to: (1) develop cooperative arrangements with ERIC and other ED supported clearinghouses and technical assistance providers for both obtaining and sharing information on high quality gender equity information and resources; (2) provide the national media with information and referrals on issues and strategies to advance gender equity, especially in regard to Title IX; (3) contribute to databases utilized by gender equity organizations, individual experts and schools and colleges throughout the country; (4) make available through the Internet, a toll-free 800 number and other appropriate electronic means of accessing information, materials and resources on gender equity; and (5) develop cooperative arrangements with other distributors of equity information, particularly in regard to maximizing technological advances in marketing and dissemination.

TASK 5 DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall submit to the CO and the COTR:

o	within the QPR: (1) the number and type (i.e. pamphlets, curricula, videotapes) of	materials and products either recommended and/or disseminated to all customers;

(2) data on total number of calls, total number of TA transactions; (3) the title of	the 10 most requested publications and the number disseminated; (4) the number of calls referred to ED; (5) the number of complaints and the number of documents printed in an alternative format; and (6) any other TA data requested in Technical Exhibit 2. Due to the CO and the COTR on the fifth work day following the end of each quarter; one copy to the CO and three copies to the COTR.

o	also include within the QPR: (1) any collaborative efforts between the WEEA
Resource Center and ERIC and other ED supported clearing houses; (2) other technical assistance centers and/or providers; (3) the national media; (4) gender equity organizations, and (5) other distributors. Due to the CO and the COTR on the fifth work day following the end of each quarter; one copy to the CO and three copies to the COTR.

200.6 Conduct Optional Meetings

The Contractor shall assist in planning conferences/workshops on emerging issues on gender equity. There shall be at least one conference/workshop but not more than three conference(s)/workshops within any contract year.

The Contractor shall submit to the CO and the COTR:

TASK 6 DELIVERABLES

o a plan for conferences/workshops to be conducted - due within two weeks of the	original request from ED; one copy to CO and three copies to COTR.

o	post-conference/workshop data such as: (1) number and name of attendees; (2)
overall rating of conference/workshop activities (i.e. speakers, materials

disseminated,etc.) - due within 20 work days after the last day of the conferences	and/or workshops; three copies to the COTR.

200.7 Transfer of Materials/Center Inventory

Upon written notice to the Contractor by the CO, the Contractor shall within twenty-one work days after the receipt of the notice: (1) inventory all materials, products, files and other documents to be transferred to a new Contractor; (2) prepare and/or ship/store all materials, products, files and documents to the new Contractor;

The Contractor shall submit to the CO and the COTR:

TASK 7 DELIVERABLES

o	a comprehensive inventory of all materials, products, files and other documents
placed into storage and/or shipped to a new Contractor - due to the C.O. and the	COTR twenty-one work days after the receipt of the notice; one copy due to the	CO and three copies due to the COTR.

200.8 Reporting Requirements

The Contractor shall prepare and submit on a quarterly basis: (1) a quarterly progress report

(i.e. QPR) that describes activities underway, progress attained, problems resolved or in need of resolution, and a discussion of the work performed during that quarter as well as the information requested in tasks 3 and 4; and (2) a quarterly expenditure report. For a detailed list of the information needed in the QPR and quarterly expenditure report, please see Technical Exhibit 500.2. The Contractor shall submit one copy of the report to the C.O. and three copies to the COTR. The Contractor shall submit all quarterly reports on the fifth work day following the end of each quarter. Each QPR shall report on the work accomplished during the previous quarter.

The Contractor shall prepare and submit an annual report to the CO and the COTR 30 work days prior to the end of each contract year. In this report, the Contractor shall fully detail the Contractor's accomplishments, any obstacles to completion of work and/or objectives, and recommendations for improvement of services.

Not later than November 1, 1998, the Contractor shall submit a draft report to the COTR on the status of educational equity for girls and women. Three copies shall go to the COTR. Any COTR comments and/or suggestions for revising the report will be submitted to the Contractor within 15 work days of the receipt of the draft. Not later than December 11, 1998, one copy of the final report shall be due to the CO and three copies of the final report shall be due to the COTR.

Ten work days before the end of each contract year the Contractor shall submit to the CO and the COTR recommendations on improving the quality/quantity of reports prepared by the Contractor.

TASK 8 DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall submit to the CO and the COTR:

o	quarterly progress reports due by the fifth work day following

the end of each quarter; one copy to the CO and

three copies to the COTR.

o	quarterly expenditure reports due by the fifth work day following the end

of each quarter; one copy to the CO and three copies

to the COTR.

o	an annual report due 30 days before the expiration of the contract; one
copy to the CO and three copies to the COTR.

o	a draft report on the status of educational equity for girls and	women in the Nation due to the Secretary (via the C.O. and the COTR) not	later than November 1, 1998; three copies to the COTR. Four copies of	the final report (i.e. the draft	report along with any changes recommended by the the COTR) shall be due not later than December 11, 1998; one copy to the CO and

three copies to the COTR.

o	annual recommendation(s) in improving quality/quantity of reports
prepared by Contractor due to the COTR ten work days before the expiration of each contract year; one copy to CO and three copies to COTR.

200.9 Base Year Technical Work Requirements Schedule of Deliverables

The Contractor shall deliver to the CO and the COTR:

Task 1

o	memo of understanding resulting from initial meeting in Washington - due

7 work days after the date of the meeting; one copy to the CO and three	copies to the COTR.

o	minutes for each meeting held - due 7 work days after the date of the
meeting; one copy to the CO and three copies to the COTR.

Task 2

o	written verification via e-mail and a follow-up telephone call verifying
that the receipt arrangements are in place - due within 8 work days of the	effective date of the contract; one copy to the CO and three copies to the	COTR.

o	a comprehensive inventory of products, materials, files, and documents received from the current Contractor - due 21 work days after the effective date of the contract; one copy to the CO and three copies to the COTR.

Task 3

o	a quarterly performance report (QPR) documenting: the type of requests received, the type responses (i.e. phone call , mailout of materials, E-mail, etc.) provided, and the dates on which the responses were supplied to the customers (i.e. all requests shall be addressed within 5 work days of receipt) - due to the CO and the COTR on the fifth work day of each quarter beginning with the second quarter; one copy to the CO and three copies to the COTR.

o evaluations from a random sampling of 8 technical assistance	customers each quarter - due to the CO and the COTR on the fifth work
day of each quarter beginning with the second quarter; one copy of the evaluations for the CO and three copies of evaluations for the COTR

o	evaluations from a random sampling of 8 customers who participated in online professional development activities - due on the fifth work day of each quarter beginning with the second quarter; one copy of evaluations for the CO and three copies of evaluations for the COTR.

.

o	a complaint resolution procedure for handling customer complaints in
regard to technical assistance - due to the CO and the COTR on the fifth work day of the second quarter; one copy to the CO and three copies to the COTR.

Task 4

o	a thorough set of procedures for the peer review process for WEEA-
developed materials and products and nonWEEA-developed materials and products shall be submitted to the C.O. and the COTR within 30 work days of the effective date of the contract; one copy of each procedure to the CO and three copies of each procedure to the COTR.

o	a QPR due the fifth work day of each quarter beginning with the second
quarter shall include updates on: (1) new WEEA materials/products under	review; (2) existing WEEA products/materials under review; (3) new or	existing WEEA materials/products to be published; (4) nonWEEA-	developed materials and products under review; and (5) nonWEEA materials and	products that have been recommended for use; one copy to the CO and three copies to the COTR.

o	a catalog of materials/products available through the publishing center
shall be submitted to the Department within 2 weeks of each annual publication; one copy to the CO and three copies to the COTR.

Task 5

o	within the QPR: (1) the number and type (i.e. pamphlets, curricula, videotapes) of materials and products either recommended and/or disseminated to all customers; (2) data on total number of calls; (3) total number of TA transactions; (4) the title of the 10 most requested publications and the number disseminated; (5) the number of calls referred to ED; (6) the number of complaints; (7) the number of documents printed in an alternative format; and (8) any other TA data requested in Technical

Exhibit 2; one copy to the CO and three copies to the COTR.

o	include in the QPR: any collaborative efforts between the WEEA Resource Center and (1) ERIC and other ED supported clearing houses; (2) other technical assistance centers and/or providers; (3) the national media; (4) gender equity organizations, and (5) other distributors; one copy to the CO and three copies to the COTR.

Task 6

o	a plan for conference/workshops to be conducted in the first year of the
contract and due within 2 weeks of the original request from ED; one	copy to the CO and three copies to the COTR.

o	post-conferenc/workshop data on number and names of attendees as well
as attendees' ratings of the conference/workshop information and materials.; three copies to the COTR.

Task 7

o	a comprehensive inventory of all materials, products, files and other
documents placed into storage and/or shipped to a new Contractor -	due to the C.O. and the COTR 10 work days before the expiration of the	contract; one copy to the CO and three copies to the COTR.

Task 8

o	quarterly progress reports due on the fifth work day of each quarter
beginning with the second quarter;

o	quarterly expenditure reports due on the fifth work day of each quarter
beginning with the second quarter; one copy to the CO and three copies

to the COTR.

o	an annual report due 10 work days before the end of each contract year;
one copy to the CO and three copies to the COTR.

o	three copies of a draft report on the status of educational equity for girls
and women in the Nation due to the COTR not later than November 1, 1998. Four copies of the final report (i.e. the report as revised after review by the CO and the COTR) due to the Secretary (via the CO and the COTR) not later than December 11, 1998; one copy of the final report to the CO and three copies of the final report to the COTR.

o	a final report due to the C.O. and the COTR 10 work days before the
expiration and/or termination of the contract; one copy to the CO and three

copies to the COTR.

200.10	TECHNICAL WORK REQUIREMENTS - OPTION YEARS

The technical work requirements for all option years shall remain the same as those specified for the base year with the following exceptions: (1) Task 2- receipt of existing inventory - shall be accomplished in year one; and (2) Task 8 - Reporting Requirements - the report on the status of educational equity for girls and women shall be accomplished in the base year of the contract.

200.11 Option Years Technical Work Requirements Schedule of Deliverables

With the exceptions noted in Section 201 - Technical Work Requirements - Option Years, the schedule of deliverables shall be the same as described for the base year in Section 200.1-1.

300	MINIMUM STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall meet the Minimum Standards of Performance (MSP) as described in the Exhibit A of the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (Technical Exhibit 500.4). In performing the work described in Section 200 of this SOW, the MSPs identify the point of demarcation between satisfactory and unsatisfactory Contractor performance. The Government will monitor the Contractor's performance in accordance with procedures set forth in its QASP and will take appropriate action for all documented instances where performance falls below the MSP.

400	ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

400.1	Safety

a.	The Contractor shall comply with all applicable safety and occupational health requirements set forth in 29 CFR 1910, OSHA's General Industry Standards. If the Contractor fails or refuses to promptly comply with safety requirements, the CO may issue an order stopping all or part of the work until satisfactory corrective action has been taken.

b.	The Contractor shall verbally via phone inform the COTR of any unsafe/hazardous conditions within thirty (30) minutes of becoming aware of the condition, and in writing within one (1) workday. If the condition is within the scope of the Contractor's responsibility, the Contractor shall correct the unsafe condition and notify the COTR and CO.

c.	The Contractor shall verbally inform the COTR within two (2) business hours of the occurrence of all types of injuries and illnesses (first aid, limited duty, lost time and facility) sustained by a Contractor employee arising out of and in the course of his/her employment; a detailed written report is required within 24 hours to the CO. The Contractor shall comply with OSHA and other regulatory agency requirements for record keeping and reporting of all accidents.

d.	The Contractor shall report to the COTR and CO all incidents where Government property is damaged by Contractor employees. A verbal report shall be made within four (4) business hours of an occurrence; a written report of the facts and extent of damage is due within three (3) workdays. The Contractor shall be responsible for all damages caused purposively or by negligence of its employees.

400.2	Contingencies

In the event of a national disaster or major disruption at ED, the Contractor shall be prepared to continue, and expand if necessary, performance to meet the mission requirements of the operations and maintenance support services included in this SOW. In all such situations, the Contractor shall assume that the Government cannot provide any supplemental forces yet will continue to need the same or additional performance under the contract which the Contractor shall be required to meet. In the event that a national disaster or emergency occurs and results in an increase of work directed by the CO and an increase in the cost of performance, such increase will be subject to the "Changes" clause (FAR subpart 52.2). Such emergency situations may include, but will not be limited to:

a.	A national or local emergency (e.g., national epidemic or localized outbreak of disease), that increases contract requirements, or ;

b.	A national disaster (e.g., fire, flood, other acts of God) that impacts upon the Contractor's ability to perform.

400.3 Emergency/Disaster Contingency

The Contractor shall implement an emergency/disaster contingency plan which includes at a minimum: (1) an initial mobilization and contingency plan outlining the methods in the above-cited emergency situations, and (2) a contingency plan for each Subcontractor. The Contractor's plan shall also provide for the continuation of Subcontractor's services in the event a Subcontractor is unable to satisfactorily implement its contingency plan. Any changes to the plan must be approved by the CO prior to implementation of this change. This plan shall be due to the C.O. and the COTR within 30 days after the effective date of the contract.

400.3-1 Emergency/Disaster Contingency Schedule of Deliverables

o	Emergency Disaster Contingency Plan - due to C.O. and the COTR

within 30 days after the effective date of the contract.

400.4	Strike Contingency

The Contractor shall implement a strike contingency plan for the continuation of services required by this SOW in the event of a work stoppage, slowdown, or similar action by Contractor or Subcontractor employees. The Contractor's plan shall also provide for the continuation of Subcontractor services in the event a Subcontractor is unable to satisfactorily implement his strike contingency plan. Also, all proposed changes to this strike contingency plan shall be approved by the COTR prior to their implementation. This plan shall be due to the C.O. and the COTR within 30 days after the effective date of the contract.

400.4-1 Strike Contingency Schedule of Deliverables

o	Strike Contingency Plan - due to C.O. and the COTR within 30 days

after the effective date of the contract.

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 500.1

Government Furnished Property

ITEMS

1) publications/educational information inventory

(to be provided to Contractor upon award)

2) FTS 2000 800-number

3) ED mailing list

4) publications database

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 500.2

REPORTS

The Contractor shall submit the reports listed below. The U.S. Department of Education reserves the right to change, modify, delete, or add report requirements for compliance by the Contractor as may be required for ED administrative purposes.

1.	Quarterly Progress Report

a.	The Contractor shall submit concise quarterly progress reports summarizing the previous quarter's activities and identifying problems and accomplishments in fulfilling the tasks in Section 200-Technical Requirements. The Contractor shall also discuss any projected problems for the forthcoming quarters. The QPR shall include, at a minimum, the following:

(1) A Work load statistical report on work completed for the previous quarter containing:

o) a list of all technical assistance requests received (fax, Internet, phone calls, letters, etc.)

o) type (i.e. phone call, e-mail, fax, mailout) of technical assistance provided and the date the TA was provided

o) breakdown of types of gender equity information requested/provided (i.e. # of requests in regard to: (1) sexual harassment; (2) compliance with title IX; and (3) training for teachers on gender equitable materials and practices, etc.

o) number of products disseminated by title

o) new/existing WEEA materials/products under review and/or scheduled to be published

o) nonWEEA materials and products under review and/or recommended for use

o) update on collaborative efforts with other technical assistance providers, clearinghouses, gender equity organizations, the media, etc.

o) update on workshops/conferences to be held, if applicable

o) update on distribution agreements with other distributors and/or equity organizations that utilize technology to publish and market online, especially in regard to Title IX)

o) number of attendees at workshops/conferences (if applicable)

(2) Additions/deletions to current materials/products inventory

(3) Quality control program activities undertaken during the previous quarter

(4) Major accomplishments/problems encountered

(5) One page statistical summary of information disseminated for the entire Center including, but not limited to information for the quarter and cumulatively on the following:

o)	total TA and dissemination transactions

o)	number of calls/fax requests/internet requests, etc. received

o)	source of request (i.e. individual, educator, ED, other Federal agencies, Congress,

other TA organizations, etc.)

o)	number of documents disseminated

o)	the title of the ten (10) most requested publication and number disseminated.

o)	number of calls referred to another ED office

o)	number of complaints received (quarterly and cumulative), reason for complaint and action taken (for that quarter)

o)	number and types of documents in alternate format requested and disseminated and their titles

o)	number of referrals given and received via other TA providers

b.	The Contractor shall submit one copy of this QPR to the CO and three copies to the COTR by the 5th work day following the end of each quarter.

2. Expenditure Reports

a. The Contractor shall submit to the CO and the COTR an itemized expenditure report due on the fifth work day following the end of each quarter covering all services and materials furnished during the preceding month. The Contractor shall prepare the expenditure report in such a manner that separate accounting is maintained for but not be limited to costs for each principal task, including: (1) technical assistance costs; (2) peer review costs; (3) publication costs; (4) dissemination costs; (50 maintenance of materials/products costs; (6) marketing costs; (7) reporting costs; (8) personnel costs; and (9) conference and workshop costs, if applicable.

b. Annually, or as requested, the Contractor shall make recommendations due to the C.O. and the COTR after the end of each year of the contract for improving the quality of reports prepared by the Contractor and submitted to the Government.

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 500.3

EVALUATIONS

The Contractor shall submit the evaluations described below by the fifth work day following each quarter. ED reserves the right to change, modify, delete or add evaluation requirements for compliance by the Contractor as required by ED administrative purposes. Technical assistance evaluations must include the following:

NAME OF RESPONDENT_________________________DATE______________________

RESPONDENT ORGANIZATION(i.e. SEA, LEA, Company, Self, Other, etc.____________________________________TELEPHONE NUMBER________________

1. WEEA Resource Center Technical Assistance Delivery Evaluation Form

(A) What type of organization (i.e. school, college, State Education Agency, community organization, DAC, etc.) do you represent?

(B) Describe the type of technical assistance you requested from the WEEA Resource Center.

(C) On what date did you request technical assistance and/or materials?

(D) On what date did you receive the initial (in some instances only) response?

(E) On a scale of 1-5 (1 equates to the highest level of satisfaction and 5 equates to the lowest level), level of satisfaction), how would you rate :

(1) the technical assistance received?___ (2) the timeliness of the response?___ (3) if applicable, the expertise of the staff?___

(F) Will you utilize the WEEA Resource Center for future gender equity TA?_______

(G) Please offer any suggestions you might have as to how the service(s) you received might be improved.

(H) Please circle one overall rating of the TA received.`

(1) unacceptable	(2) acceptable	(3) superior

END OF EVALUATION

Please see Exhibit A, Section (A) (8) of Technical Exhibit 500.4 for the explanation of the scoring procedures for any single Technical Assistance Delivery Evaluation.

The Contractor shall submit the evaluations described below by the fifth work day following each quarter. ED reserves the right to change, modify, delete or add evaluation requirements for compliance by the Contractor as required by ED administrative purposes. Online professional development evaluations must include the following:

NAME OF RESPONDENT_________________________DATE______________________

RESPONDENT ORGANIZATION(i.e. SEA, LEA, Company, Self, Other, etc.____________________________________TELEPHONE NUMBER________________

1. Online Professional Development Series Evaluation

(A) Please list the title(s) of the course work/training you participated in.

(B) Were the hours during which the course(s) were provided online (i.e. via the Internet) convenient? If not, why?

(C) Overall, how would you rate the quality of the course(s) provided?

Circle one only: (1) outstanding quality

(2) fair quality

(3) poor quality

(D) Overall, how would you rate the usefulness of the course(s) provided?

Circle one only: (1) extremely useful

(2) moderately useful

(3) not useful

(E) Did you experience any difficulty in accessing the coursework online? If yes, please explain.

(F) Will you participate in future professional development coursework offered online by the WEEA Resource Center? If No, please explain.

(G) How could this course have been more beneficial to you?

(H) Please list at least 5 topics you would like to see the WEEA Resource Center develop into online courses.

(I) Please circle one overall rating of the online professional development coursework.

(a) unacceptable	(B) acceptable	(C ) superior

END OF EVALUATION

Please see Exhibit A, Section (A) (8) of Technical Exhibit 500.4 for the explanation of the scoring procedures for any single On-Line Professional Development Series Evaluation.

The Contractor shall submit the evaluations described below by the fifth work day following each quarter. ED reserves the right to change, modify, delete or add evaluation requirements for compliance by the Contractor as required by ED administrative purposes. Materials evaluations must include the following:

NAME OF RESPONDENT_________________________DATE______________________

RESPONDENT ORGANIZATION(i.e. SEA, LEA, Company, Self, Other, etc.____________________________________TELEPHONE NUMBER________________

3. WEEA Resource Center Materials Evaluation

A. What type of organization (i.e. school, college, State Education Agency, community organization, DAC, etc.) do you represent?

B. Describe the type (i.e. curriculum, gender equity study, other gender equity resources, etc.)

of material and/or product you requested/ordered from the center.

C. On a scale of 1-5 (with 1 the highest rating), please describe:

(1) quality of content of material received ____

(2) usefulness of material received ____

(3) quality of condition of material received (i.e. was packaging sufficient to ensure the

material was in good condition - no missing or torn pages, etc.) ____

(4) appropriateness of material to need ____

(if the rating is greater than 3, please explain why the material received was not appropriate to your need(s).

D. Will you utilize the WEEA Resource Center for your future needs?____

E. Please list any suggestions for improving the material(s)/product(s) you received.

F. Please circle one overall rating of the material(s)/product(s) received.

(a) unacceptable	(B) acceptable	(C ) superior

END OF EVALUATION

Please see Exhibit A, Section (B) (8) of Technical Exhibit 500.4 for the explanation of the scoring procedures for any single WEEA Resource Center Materials Evaluation.

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 500.4

PERFORMANCE BASED QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

CONTRACT NO. _____________________

INTRODUCTION

This Performance Based Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) has been developed pursuant to the requirements of the Performance Based Statement of Work in Contract No__________. This plan sets forth procedures and guidelines that the Department of Education will use in evaluating the technical performance of the Contractor, __________ . In order for the Contractor to be aware of the methods that the Government will employ in evaluating its performance, a copy of this plan will be furnished to the Contractor at the time of the initial meeting in Washington with the CO and the COTR. At that time the Contractor may address any concerns in regard to the QASP and how it will be used to assess the Contractor's performance. Exhibit A of this attachment is the actual surveillance instrument that will be used by ED to monitor the Contractor's performance.

A.	PURPOSE OF THE QASP

1.	The QASP is intended to accomplish the following:

a.	Define the roles and responsibilities of participating Government officials;

b.	Define the types of work to be performed with required end results, i.e. TA provided, peer review of both WEEA-developed and nonWEEA-developed materials and products, and distribution processes, etc.

c.	Describe the evaluation methods that will be employed by the Government in assessing the Contractor's performance;

d.	Provide copies of the quality assurance monitoring forms that will be used by the Government in documenting and evaluating the Contractor's performance; and

e.	Describe the process of performance documentation.

B.	ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARTICIPATING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

The following Government Officials will participate in assessing the quality of the Contractor's performance. Their roles and responsibilities are described as follows:

1.	Beth Baggett will serve as the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR). She will be responsible for monitoring, assessing, recording and reporting on the technical performance of the Contractor on a day-to-day basis. She will have the primary responsibility for completing "Quality Assurance Monitoring Forms" which she will use to document his inspection and evaluation of the Contractor's work performance. It is extremely important for the COTR to establish and maintain a team oriented line of communication with the Contractor's Project Manager (PM) and the PM's office staff due to daily interface necessary in performing monitoring functions. The COTR, CO, and PM must work together as a team to ensure that required work is accomplished in an efficient and proper manner. Meetings should be held on a regular basis in order to resolve serious problems. Less serious problems should be discussed and resolved on an impromptu basis.

2.	Dorothy Moody will serve as the Contracting Officer (CO) and have overall responsibility for overseeing the Contractor's performance. The Contract Specialist (CS), Pamela Kontz, will be responsible for the day-to-day monitoring of the Contractor's performance in the areas of contract compliance, contract administration, cost control and property control; reviewing the COTR's assessment of the Contractor's performance; and resolving all differences between the COTR's version and the Contractor's version. The CO may appoint CS to attend meetings with Contractor and to act on her/his behalf. All planned additions and modifications resulting in alterations of the facility's structure or mechanical services must be approved by the CO prior to commencement. The CO may call upon the expertise of other Government individuals as required. The Contracting Officer's procurement authorities include the following:

a.	SOLE authority for any decisions which produce an increase or decrease in the scope of the contract;

b.	SOLE authority for any actions subject to the "Changes" clause;

c.	SOLE authority for any decisions to be rendered under the "Disputes" clause;

d.	SOLE authority for negotiation and determination of indirect rates to be applied to the contract;

e.	SOLE authority to approve the substitution or replacement of the Project Manager and other key personnel;

f.	SOLE authority to approve the Contractor's invoices for payment, subject to the Limitation of Costs clause and the Limitation of Funds clause;

g.	SOLE authority to approve the GFE/GFP inventory turnover to the Contractor;

h.	SOLE authority to monitor and enforce Department of Labor promulgated labor requirements;

I.	SOLE authority to administer all property-related clauses contained in the contract;

j.	SOLE authority to arrange for and supervise QA activities under this contract;

k.	SOLE authority to approve the Contractor's on-site purchasing, work order control, stock equipment inventory, pager/telephone credit card record systems and other systems which the Contractor is required to furnish under the contract;

l.	SOLE authority to approve the Contractor's Quality Control Program, preventive maintenance program, emergency/disaster contingency plan, and strike contingency plan.

m.	SOLE authority to approve all Contractor purchases of equipment, supplies, and materials exceeding $2,500; and

n.	Signatory authority for the issuance of all modifications to the contract.

C.	IDENTIFICATION OF THE TYPES OF WORK TO BE PERFORMED

This contract calls for the Contractor to provide technical assistance, publications, marketing and distribution, warehousing, and professional development services for the U.S. Department of Education. The work to be performed under the contract falls into the categories listed below:

a.	Provision of gender equity technical assistance

b.	Review of WEEA-developed and nonWEEA-developed gender equity materials and

products

c.	Publication of WEEA-developed gender equity materials and products

d.	Marketing and dissemination of gender equity materials and products

e.	Conduct optional meetings, gender equity conferences and/or workshops, and prepare
reports

f.	Delivery of professional development courses on the Internet

g.	Receipt and maintenance of existing WEEA inventory (i.e. materials

and products) from previous Contractor

h.	Transfer of existing materials/products inventory to a new Contractor

D.	METHODOLOGIES TO BE USED TO MONITOR THE CONTRACTOR'S PERFORMANCE

Even though the Government through its COTR will be monitoring the Contractor's performance on a continuous basis, the sheer volume of tasks performed by the Contractor make 100% technical inspections impractical. Accordingly, the Department of Education will use the methodologies described in the QASP, Exhibit A to monitor the Contractor's performance under this contract.

E.	QUALITY ASSURANCE REPORTING FORMS

1.	The COTR, on a quarterly basis, will use two quality assurance monitoring forms (Exhibits B & C) to document and evaluate the Contractor's performance under this contract. The two forms when completed will document the COTR's understanding of Contractor requirements, what was actually done, and the impact or consequences of what was not done.

2.	The COTR will evaluate each event quarterly in accordance with the following definitions of Contractor performance:

a.	Superior (+) --- a level of performance which exceeds the minimum standards of
performance, while not exceeding the estimated cost (as negotiated in the contract or any subsequent modifications) for the quarter.

b.	Acceptable (o) --- an acceptable level of performance which meets the minimum standards of performance, while not exceeding the estimated cost (as negotiated in the contract or any subsequent modifications) for the quarter..

c.	Unacceptable (-) --- a level of performance which is not acceptable and fails to meet the minimum standards of performance, and/or exceeds the estimated cost (as negotiated in the contract or any subsequent modifications) for the quarter.

3.	The COTR must substantiate all tasks which he judges to be indicative of "superior" or "unacceptable" performance. Performance at the "acceptable" level is expected from the Contractor. Performance at all three (3) levels will be evaluated.

4.	The COTR will forward copies of all completed QA monitoring forms to the CO/CS and Contractor by close of business on the days the forms were prepared. The Contractor is required to respond in writing to any negative QA monitoring form(s) within 5 working days after receipt of the form(s).

F.	ANALYSIS OF SURVEILLANCE RESULTS

1.	The CO will review each QA monitoring form prepared by the COTR. When appropriate, the CO may investigate the event further to determine if all the facts and circumstances surrounding the event were considered in the COTR's opinions outlined on the forms. The CO will immediately discuss every event receiving a substandard rating with the Contractor to assure that corrective action is promptly initiated.

2.	After reviewing the Contractor's deliverables, the COTR will prepare a written report for the CO summarizing the overall results of his surveillance of the Contractor's performance during the previous month. This report will become part of the formal QA documentation.

G.	APPLICABILITY OF THE EXCUSABLE DELAYS CLAUSE

1.	In the event of an excusable delay (as defined in FAR 52.249-14), the Department of Education and the contractor shall work together to modify the contract in regard to the due dates of the deliverables. If such an event were to occur that would require a modification to the due dates of the deliverables, the contractor's performance, where applicable in this QASP, shall be measured by the date agreed upon in the modification.

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN - EXHIBIT A

A. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO WEEA GRANTEES, EDUCATORS AND THE PUBLIC

1.	Contract Requirement: Section 200.3 of SOW.

Performance Indicator: On the fifth work day following the end of each quarter, the Contractor shall submit to the C.O. and the COTR a quarterly performance report (i.e. QPR) that includes: (1) all technical assistance requests; (2) the type responses (i.e. e-mail, mailout, phone call, etc.) provided for each request; (3) the timeliness of responses (i.e. responses were given within 5 work days of receipt of requests); and (4) 8 customer evaluations of technical assistance and 8 customer evaluations of professional development courses provided through the Internet.

2. Primary Method of Surveillance: Inspection of QPR, 8 evaluations from recipients of technical assistance , and 8 evaluations from participants in professional development courses. Documentation of the receipt date(s) for the QPR and all evaluations.

3. MSP: A QPR documenting all technical assistance requests, the type responses provided, and the date on which the response was given is due the fifth work day following the end of each quarter. The QPR must contain all TA data as specified in Technical Exhibit 500.2 and must be received by the due date. Evaluations completed by recipients of technical assistance as well as those provided by participants in professional development via the Internet must be received on the fifth work day of each quarter. Technical assistance evaluations must be completed by a cross-section of users (i.e. teacher, administrator, parent, CC Director, etc.), and at different time periods (e.g., not all evaluations should be completed within a two week time frame). Furthermore, the COTR may verify the evaluations to ensure the accuracy of the results. More than one discrepancy (per quarter) between the results of the COTR's verification and the evaluations submitted by the contractor will result in an "unacceptable" rating for all evaluations for that quarter. At least 12 (i.e. 6/8 for professional development and 6/8 for technical assistance) of the evaluations must give the contractor a rating of "satisfactory" and/or "superior" for performance to be acceptable.

4. Quantity of Work Performed: One comprehensive QPR, 8 evaluations from TA recipients, 8 evaluations from professional development course participants.

5. Sample Size: One QPR, one TA complaint resolution procedure, 8 TA evaluations, and 8 professional development course evaluations.

6. Sampling Procedures: The COTR will analyze the customer evaluations upon receipt in order to document the customers' ratings of TA services and/or professional development coursework received and to determine if the evaluations were received by the due date. The COTR will also analyze the QPR to ensure that all TA data is documented and to determine if progress has been made. The COTR may contact respondents to verify their evaluations.

7. Evaluation Procedures: The COTR will document the customer evaluation ratings for both technical assistance and professional development. The MSP will equate to the date on which the evaluations were received and the number of satisfactory ratings for both TA evaluations and professional development evaluations. The COTR will analyze the QPR to ensure that all TA data requested (see Exhibit 2) was provided by the due date..

8. Analysis of Results: The COTR will compute the Observed Defect Rate (ODR) for the past quarter's performance as follows:

ODR =

All TA data to be provided within the QPR (i.e. delineated in Technical Exhibit 500.2) must be included for the performance to be acceptable. If the QPR is received before the due date and includes all required data, the performance will be superior. If the QPR is received by the due date and includes all required data, the performance is acceptable. If the QPR is received after the due date and contains all required data, the performance is not acceptable. However, regardless of the date by which the QPR is received, an acceptable performance is possible only if all TA data is provided.

NOTE: The evaluations referred to in the following paragraph refer to the WEEA Resource Center Technical Assistance Delivery Evaluations and the Online Professional Development Series Evaluations.

In order to receive a "superior" rating on any single Technical Assistance Evaluation, the overall rating assigned under question (H) of the Technical Assistance Evaluation form must be "Superior". In order to receive an "acceptable" rating on any single Technical Assistance Evaluation, the overall rating assigned under question (H) must be "Acceptable". If the contractor receives a rating of "unacceptable" on question (H), the overall rating assigned to that particular evaluation shall be "unacceptable." In order to receive a "superior" rating on any single On-Line Professional Development Series Evaluation, the overall rating assigned under question (I) of the On-Line Professional Development Series Evaluation must be "Superior". In order to receive an "acceptable" rating on any single On-Line Professional Development Series Evaluation, the overall rating assigned under (I) must be "Acceptable". If the contractor receives a rating of "unacceptable" on question (I), the overall rating assigned to that particular evaluation shall be "unacceptable."

If the evaluations are received by the due date and either (1) 12-13 of evaluations are "acceptable" or "superior"; or (2) 15-16 of the evaluations are "acceptable", then the performance is acceptable. If the evaluations are received before the due date, and 14-16 evaluations are "superior", and none of the evaluations are "unacceptable", the performance is superior. If the evaluations are received after the due date and/or 11 or fewer evaluations are "acceptable", the performance is unacceptable. However, regardless of when received and regardless of the rating, TA evaluations must represent a cross-section of customers (i.e. educators, individuals, students, DAC or other TA providers, ED, other government agencies, women's organizations, etc.) in order to receive an acceptable rating. Furthermore, regardless of the evaluators' ratings, the contractor shall receive neither an "acceptable" nor a "superior" rating under this QASP unless the work performed for the quarter is within the quarterly budget agreed to by the Department and the Contractor when the contract is signed (or if and when any subsequent contract modifications are issued).

9. Summary of the ratings for task 200.3

In order for the contractor to receive a "superior" rating for Task 200.3, all of the following conditions must be met:

-14-16 of the evaluations received by the COTR under this task give the contractor an overall rating of "superior", and none may give the contractor a rating of "unacceptable";

-the QPR is received before the due date;

-the QPR contains all required data regarding Task 200.3;

-the cost for the quarter does not exceed the negotiated cost for the quarter as agreed to in the contract or any subsequent contract modifications.

In order for the contractor to receive an "acceptable" rating for Task 200.3, all of the following conditions must be met:

-12-13 of the evaluations received by the COTR under this task give the contractor an overall rating of "acceptable" or "superior"; or 15-16 of the evaluations give the contractor an overall rating of "acceptable";

-the QPR is received by the due date;

-the QPR contains all required data regarding Task 200.3;

-the cost for the quarter does not exceed the negotiated cost for the quarter as agreed to in the contract or any subsequent contract modifications.

The COTR shall assign an unacceptable rating to contractor performance if any of the following conditions apply:

-11 or fewer of the total number of evaluations for both professional development and technical assistance received by the COTR under this task give the contractor an overall rating of "acceptable";

-the QPR is received after the due date;

-the QPR does not contain all of the required data regarding Task 200.3;

-the cost for the quarter exceeds the negotiated cost for the quarter as listed in the contract or any subsequent contract modifications.

B. MARKETING AND DISSEMINATION OF MATERIALS

1. Contract Requirement: Section 200.5 of SOW.

Performance Indicator: Quarterly inspection of QPR to ensure that all documentation in regard to marketing, publication and dissemination requested in Technical Exhibit 2 has been supplied.

Quarterly documentation of customer evaluation ratings of materials requested from the center.

2. Primary Method of Surveillance: Inspection of the QPR, especially in regard to marketing, dissemination and collaborative efforts. Documentation of customer evaluations of materials requested.

3. MSP: The QPR is due on the fifth work day following the end of each quarter and must contain an update on: (1) all data requested on dissemination of materials and products; and (2) and an update on the collaborative efforts between the center and other TA providers, the media, clearinghouses, gender equity organizations, etc. The customer evaluations are due on the fifth work day following the end of each quarter. The COTR may verify the evaluations to ensure the accuracy of the results. More than one discrepancy (per quarter) between the results of the COTR's verification and the evaluations submitted by the contractor will result in an "unacceptable" rating for all evaluations for that quarter.

4. Quantity of Work Performed: One QPR and 8 customer evaluations

5. Sample Size: One QPR and 8 evaluations

6. Sampling Procedures: The COTR will analyze the customer evaluations upon receipt in order to document the customers' ratings of materials and/or products received from the center to determine if the evaluations were received by the due date. The COTR may contact respondents to verify their evaluations. The QPR analysis will include all information (i.e. data) relevant to publishing and marketing as specified here and delineated in Technical Exhibit 500.2.

7. Evaluation Procedures: The COTR will inspect the QPR to ensure that the documentation required in regard to marketing and dissemination of materials and products and collaborative efforts among TA providers and other organizations has been included. The customer evaluation ratings shall be documented.

8. Analysis of Results: The COTR will compute the Observed Defect Rate (ODR) for the past month's performance as follows:

ODR = The QPR will include all marketing and dissemination/collaborative efforts data required in Technical Exhibit 2 to receive an acceptable rating. If the QPR includes the required data and is received by the due date, the performance is acceptable. If the QPR includes the required data and is received after the due date, or if the QPR does not include all of the necessary information (regardless of the date it is received), the performance is unacceptable.

NOTE: The evaluations referred to in the following paragraph refer to the WEEA Resource Center Materials Evaluation.

In order to receive a "superior" rating on any single WEEA Resource Center Materials Evaluation, the overall rating assigned under (F) must be "Superior". In order to receive an "acceptable" rating on any single Technical Assistance Evaluation, the overall rating assigned under (F) must be "Acceptable". If the contractor receives a rating of "unacceptable" on question (F), the overall rating assigned to that particular evaluation shall be "unacceptable."

If customer evaluations are received before the due date and 7-8 customer evaluations are "superior", then the performance is superior. If customer evaluations are received by the due date and either (1) 5-6 are "acceptable" or "superior"; or (2) 7-8 are "acceptable", then the performance is acceptable. If customer evaluations are received after the due date, 4 or fewer customer evaluations are "acceptable", and/or the contractor exceeds the quarterly budget agreed to by the Department of Education and the contractor at the time of contract signing (or any subsequent modifications), then the performance is unacceptable.

9. Summary of the ratings for Task 200.5

In order for the contractor to receive a "superior" rating for Task 200.5, all of the following conditions must be met:

-7-8 of the evaluations received by the COTR under this task give the contractor an overall rating of "superior";

-the QPR is received before the due date;

-the QPR contains all required data regarding Task 200.5;

-the cost for the quarter does not exceed the negotiated cost for the quarter as agreed to in the contract or any subsequent contract modifications.

In order for the contractor to receive an "acceptable" rating for Task 200.5, all of the following conditions must be met:

-5-6 of the evaluations received by the COTR under this task give the contractor an overall rating of "acceptable" or "superior", or 7-8 of the evaluations give the contractor an overall rating of "acceptable";

-the QPR is received by the due date;

-the QPR contains all required data regarding Task 200.5;

-the cost for the quarter does not exceed the negotiated cost for the quarter as agreed to in the contract or any subsequent contract modifications.

The COTR shall assign an unacceptable rating to contractor performance if any of the following conditions apply:

-4 or fewer of the evaluations received by the COTR under this task give the contractor an overall rating of "acceptable";

-the QPR is received after the due date;

-the QPR does not contain all of the required data regarding Task 200.5;

-the cost for the quarter exceeds the negotiated cost for the quarter as listed in the contract or any subsequent contract modifications.

C.	REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

1.	Contract Requirement: Section 200.8 of SOW.

Performance Indicator: (1) not later than November 1, 1998, a draft report on the status of educational equity for girls and women in the Nation is due to the CO and the COTR. Not later than December 11, 1998, a final report on the status of educational equity for girls and women in the Nation is due to the Secretary and the Congress via the CO and the COTR.

2. Primary Method of Surveillance: Documentation of date of receipt of reports and inspection of the content of the reports.

3. MSP: Reports must have been received by the due dates and must include all requested information in order to be acceptable.

4. Quantity of Work Performed: a draft report is due to the CO and the COTR no later than November 1, 1998. A final report is due to the Secretary and the Congress via the CO and the COTR not later than December 11, 1998.

5. Sample Size: One draft report on the status of educational equity for girls and women in the Nation and one final report on the status of educational equity for girls and women in the Nation.

6. Sampling Procedures: Inspection of the draft report and the final report on the educational status of women and girls to ensure the reports include relevant information (i.e. requirement(s) of the Statute). Documentation of the dates on which these reports are received.

7. Evaluation Procedures: The final report will be inspected to ensure that the content requirement is met. Documentation by the COTR of the receipt date for both the draft and the final report.

8. Analysis of Results: In order to be acceptable, the final report must include the relevant data on the status of educational equity for girls and women in the Nation and must meet the requirements of the Statute in order to be acceptable. In addition, both the draft and the final report must be received by the due date.

The final report to Congress must include any Statutory requirements and any subsequent program guidelines and must be received on the due date for the performance to be acceptable. If the report is received before the due date, the performance is superior. If the the report is received after the due date, the performance is unacceptable. However, regardless of when the report is received, the performance is unacceptable if the report does not contain the required information.

9. Summary of the ratings for Task 200.8

In order for the contractor to receive a "superior" rating for Task 200.8, all of the following conditions must be met:

-the final and draft reports are received before the due date;

-the final report contains all required data regarding Task 200.8 and meets the Statutory

requirement and any program guidelines;

-the cost for the quarter does not exceed the negotiated cost for the quarter as agreed to in the contract or any subsequent contract modifications.

In order for the contractor to receive an "acceptable" rating for Task 200.8, all of the following conditions must be met:

-the final and draft reports are received by the due date;

-the final report contains all required data regarding Task 200.8 and meets the Statutory

requirement and program guidelines;

-the cost for the quarter does not exceed the negotiated cost for the quarter as agreed to in the contract or any subsequent contract modifications.

The COTR shall assign an unacceptable rating to contractor performance if any of the following conditions apply:

-the final report is received after the due date;

-the final report does not contain all of the required data regarding Task 200.8, the Statute and program guidelines;

-the cost for the quarter exceeds the negotiated cost for the quarter as listed in the contract or any subsequent contract modifications.

D.	APPLICATION OF TARGET AND INCENTIVE FEES

For all quarters except that one in which task 200.8 will be measured:

If the contractor receives an "unacceptable" rating for the quarter as a result of either a cost overrun or a late QPR, the government will deduct 50% from the target fee for the quarter in which the "unacceptable" rating was received. Thus, please note: A cost overrun occurring in any quarter will automatically result in an unacceptable rating for the quarter and 50% will be deducted from the contractor's fee for the quarter. A cost overrun is defined as any excess cost incurred and billed to the government that is over and above the cost for the quarter that was agreed to at contract signing or in any subsequent modification.

If the contractor receives a "superior" rating on both tasks 200.3 and 200.5, the government will pay the contractor the target fee, plus 25% of the target fee for the quarter in which the "superior" ratings were achieved. Pursuant to FAR 15.903 (c) (1) (iii), this amount can not result in a fee of greater than 10% in any given quarter.

If the contractor receives one "superior" rating and one "acceptable" rating for tasks 200.3 and 200.5, the government will pay the contractor the target fee, plus 15% of the target fee for the quarter in which the "superior" rating was achieved. Pursuant to FAR 15.903 (c) (1) (iii), this amount can not result in a fee of greater than 10% in any given quarter.

If the contractor receives an "acceptable" rating on both tasks 200.3 and 200.5, the government will pay the contractor the target fee for the quarter in which the "acceptable" rating was achieved.

If the contractor receives an "unacceptable" rating on both tasks 200.3 and 200.5 due to factors other than cost overrun or late QPR, the government will deduct 40% from the target fee for the quarter in which the "unacceptable" ratings were achieved.

If the contractor receives an "unacceptable" rating on either task 200.3 or 200.5 due to factors other than cost overrun or late QPR, the government will deduct 20% from the target fee for the quarter in which the "unacceptable" rating was achieved.

For the quarter in which performance under Task 200.8 will be measured:

Once again, if the contractor receives an "unacceptable" rating for the quarter as a result of either a cost overrun or a late QPR, the government will deduct 50% from the target fee for the quarter in which the "unacceptable" rating was received.

If the contractor receives a "superior" rating for tasks 200.3, 200.5, and 200.8, the government will pay the contractor the target fee, plus 30% of the target fee for the quarter in which the "superior" ratings were achieved. Pursuant to FAR 15.903 (c) (1) (iii), this amount can not result in a fee of greater than 10% in any given quarter.

If the contractor receives a "superior" rating on two of the three tasks, and an "acceptable" on the remaining task, the government will pay the contractor the target fee, plus 20% of the target fee for the quarter in which the "superior" ratings were achieved. Pursuant to FAR 15.903 (c) (1) (iii), this amount can not result in a fee of greater than 10% in any given quarter.

If the contractor receives a "superior" rating on one of the three tasks, and an "acceptable" on the remaining two tasks, the government will pay the contractor the target fee plus 10% of the target fee for the quarter in which the "superior" rating was achieved.

If the contractor receives an "acceptable" rating on tasks 200.3, 200.5, and 200.8, the government will pay the contractor the target fee for the quarter in which the "acceptable" rating was achieved.

If the contractor receives an "unacceptable" rating on tasks 200.3, 200.5, and 200.8 due to factors other than cost overrun or late QPR, the government will deduct 50% from the target fee for the quarter in which the "unacceptable" rating was achieved.

If the contractor receives an "unacceptable" rating on two of the three tasks due to factors other than cost overrun or late QPR, the government will deduct 30% from the target fee for the quarter in which the "unacceptable" ratings were achieved.

If the contractor receives an "unacceptable" rating on one of the three tasks due to factors other than cost overrun or late QPR, the government will deduct 10% from the target fee for the quarter in which the "unacceptable" rating was achieved.

QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN

EXHIBIT B

QUALITY ASSURANCE MONITORING FORM

WORK TASK:	SURVEY PERIOD

METHOD OF SURVEILLANCE:

NUMBER OF ITEMS SAMPLED DURING SURVEY PERIOD:

ANALYSIS OF RESULTS:

ODR =

EVALUATION OF CONTRACTOR'S PERFORMANCE:

(from Quality Assurance Plan)

NARRATIVE DISCUSSION OF CONTRACTOR'S PERFORMANCE DURING SURVEY PERIOD:

PREPARED BY:	DATE:

QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN

EXHIBIT C

QUALITY ASSURANCE MONITORING FORM

WORK TASK: SURVEY PERIOD

METHOD OF SURVEILLANCE: Validated Complaints

DATE AND TIME OF COMPLAINT:

NAME OF COMPLAINANT:

NATURE OF COMPLAINT:

RESULTS OF COTR/QAS's INVESTIGATION INTO COMPLAINT:

DATE/TIME CONTRACTOR NOTIFIED OF COMPLAINT:

ACTION TAKEN BY CONTRACTOR:

RECEIVED AND VALIDATED BY:

PREPARED BY:	DATE: