Done right, quality assurance (QA) can save time and money; prevent claims and disputes; and reduce risks. Many owners don’t do QA right because they follow bad advice.” This GBA “message” offers guidance project owners can apply to save time and money and avoid delays and disputes, while helping all parties lower their risks. Some of the important information conveyed:

Most construction materials engineering and testing (CoMET) firms – they’re the firms that provide QA – are not accredited.
Many CoMET QA personnel are not certified for what they do or at all.
Properly calibrated equipment is essential; many firms don’t have it.
CoMET QA field-representatives require good judgment. They cannot do an effective job by just filling in blanks.
Select CoMET consultants carefully. They’re the last line of defense.
Take advantage of CoMET consultants’ knowledge and experience. Have them serve as active members of the project team from project start to project finish.
Another firm’s field representatives will not report issues to the geotechnical engineer of record; don’t split responsibilities.
How QA services are contracted for is important, especially when special inspections also are involved.
The so-called “low-cost providers” want owners and design professionals to believe all CoMET firms are alike, because – were that actually the case – lowest fee would mean best value, and that seldom, if ever, is true.

COMET, Message flyer, quality assurance