COR Performance Monitoring & QA 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A contractor consistently submits deliverables on time but with minor defects. Under a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), what is the COR's FIRST step?
- Immediately recommend a contract termination
- Document the defects and notify the contractor in writing (Correct answer)
- Overlook minor defects to maintain the relationship
- Unilaterally reduce the contractor's payment
Correct answer: Document the defects and notify the contractor in writing
The COR must document deficiencies and formally notify the contractor, giving them an opportunity to correct issues before escalation.
Question 2: Which surveillance method involves the COR reviewing every single deliverable or service output produced by the contractor?
- Random sampling
- Periodic inspection
- 100% inspection (Correct answer)
- Customer feedback surveys
Correct answer: 100% inspection
100% inspection means every deliverable is reviewed, typically used when the risk of defects is very high or consequences of failure are severe.
Question 3: When a contractor submits a corrective action plan (CAP) in response to a COR's deficiency notice, the COR should:
- Accept it automatically if submitted within 30 days
- Review it to ensure it addresses root causes and is achievable (Correct answer)
- Forward it directly to the contracting officer without review
- Reject it and require the contractor to resubmit immediately
Correct answer: Review it to ensure it addresses root causes and is achievable
The COR evaluates whether the CAP adequately addresses root causes and sets realistic timelines before recommending acceptance to the CO.
Question 4: What does the term 'acceptable quality level' (AQL) mean in the context of a QASP?
- The maximum allowable price for a contract deliverable
- The minimum performance standard the government will accept (Correct answer)
- The contractor's internal quality control threshold
- The number of inspections required per month
Correct answer: The minimum performance standard the government will accept
AQL defines the lowest level of quality the government deems satisfactory; performance below this triggers corrective action.
Question 5: A COR suspects a contractor is substituting lower-grade materials than specified. Which action is MOST appropriate?
- Confront the contractor's project manager informally
- Direct the contractor to stop work immediately
- Document observations and report to the contracting officer (Correct answer)
- Contact the contractor's corporate headquarters directly
Correct answer: Document observations and report to the contracting officer
The COR documents the concern and brings it to the CO, who has authority to take formal action such as requesting material certifications or a stop-work order.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of an output-based performance metric in a performance work statement (PWS)?
- Contractor must employ at least 10 technicians on-site
- Contractor must respond to help desk tickets within 4 hours (Correct answer)
- Contractor must work Monday through Friday 8am–5pm
- Contractor must use government-furnished computers only
Correct answer: Contractor must respond to help desk tickets within 4 hours
Output-based metrics measure results (e.g., response time) rather than inputs (staffing levels) or processes (work hours).
Question 7: During a site visit, the COR notices the contractor is performing work not included in the contract scope. The COR should:
- Approve the additional work verbally to keep the project moving
- Document the observation and immediately inform the contracting officer (Correct answer)
- Tell the contractor to stop all work on the project
- Allow it if the work benefits the government mission
Correct answer: Document the observation and immediately inform the contracting officer
Unauthorized work performed outside contract scope is a potential unauthorized commitment; the COR must alert the CO rather than approve or deny it.
COR Performance Monitoring & QA 2
A contractor consistently submits deliverables on time but with minor defects.
Under a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), what is the COR's FIRST step?