CLAUSE H.14 – STANDARDS OF CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
(a) Use of objective standards of performance, self assessment and performance evaluation:
(1) The Parties agree that the Contractor will utilize a comprehensive performance- based management approach for overall Laboratory management. The performance-based management approach will include the use of objective performance goals and indicators, agreed to in advance of each performance evaluation period, as standards against which the Contractor’s overall performance of the scientific and technical mission obligations under this Contract will be assessed. The performance criteria will be limited in number and focus on results to drive improved performance and increased effective and efficient management of the Laboratory.
(2) The Parties agree to utilize the process described within Part III, Section J, Appendix B – “Performance Evaluation and Measurement Plan” (PEMP) to evaluate the performance of the Laboratory. The Parties further agree that the evaluation process described in Appendix B will be reviewed annually and modified, if necessary, by agreement of the Parties. If agreement of the Parties cannot be reached, the Contracting Officer has the unilateral right to establish the evaluation process.
(3) The Parties agree that the Contractor will conduct an ongoing self-assessment process as the principal means of determining its compliance with the Contract Statement of Work and performance indicators identified within Part III, Section J, Appendix B. To assist the DOE in accomplishing the appropriate level of oversight, the Contractor shall work in partnership and cooperation with DOE and other external organizations, as appropriate, in the self-assessment process. This work includes, but is not limited to, the development and execution of self-assessments and the utilization of the results for continuous improvement.
(4) The Contractor shall provide periodic updates, as requested by the DOE, on the performance against the Appendix B. The Contractor shall provide a formal status briefing at mid-year and year-end. Specific due dates and formats for the above- mentioned briefings shall be agreed to by the Laboratory Director and the DOE Fermi Site Office Manager.
(5) DOE, as a part of its responsibility for oversight, evaluation, and information exchange, shall provide an annual programmatic appraisal and other appraisals, and reviews of the Contractor’s performance of authorized work in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Contract. The Office of Science, through the DOE Fermi Site Office Manager, has the lead responsibility for oversight of the programs and activities conducted by the Contractor.
(6) The Contracting Officer shall annually provide a written assessment of the Laboratory’s performance to the Contractor, which shall be based upon the process described in Appendix B. The Parties acknowledge that the performance levels achieved against the specific performance objectives and measures shall be the primary, but not sole, criteria for determining the Contractor’s final performance evaluation and rating. The Contractor’s self-assessment results, to include results of any third party reviews which may have been conducted during the evaluation period, will be considered at all levels to assess and evaluate the Contractor’s performance. The Contracting Officer may also consider other relevant information not specifically measured by the objectives and measures established within Appendix B that is deemed to have an impact (either positive or negative) on the Contractor’s performance. Other relevant information that may be used by the Contracting Officer may include, but is not limited to, information gained from peer reviews, operational awareness, outside agency reviews (i.e., OIG, GAO, DCAA, etc.) conducted throughout the year, annual reviews (if needed), and DOE “for cause” reviews. Contractor success in meeting or exceeding performance expectations in a particular management or operations functional area may be rewarded with less frequent or no review of the functional area. Conversely, marginal performance or “for cause” situations may result in more frequent reviews.
(b) Standards of performance measure review:
(1) The Parties agree to review the PEMP elements (goals, objectives, measures, targets, and expected levels of performance) contained in Appendix B annually and to modify them upon the agreement of the Parties; provided, however, that if the Parties cannot reach agreement on all the goals, objectives, measures and targets, for the next period, the Contracting Officer shall have the unilateral right to establish reasonable new goals, objectives, measures and targets, and/or to modify and/or delete existing goals, objectives, measures and targets. It is expected that the goals, objectives, measures and targets, will be modified by the Contractor and the DOE as new areas of emphasis or priorities emerge which the Parties may agree warrant recognition in the performance-based integrated management approach.
(2) Failure to include a goal, objective, measure or target in the contract Appendix B does not eliminate the Contractor’s obligation to comply with all applicable terms and conditions as set forth elsewhere within the contract.
(3) In the event the Contracting Officer decides to exercise the rights set forth in paragraphs (a)(6) or (b)(1) above, he/she will notify the Contractor, in writing, of the intended decision ten days prior to issuance.