Finding 1167795 (2024-004)

23 CFR §637.201 prescribes policies, procedures, and guidelines to assure the quality of materials and construction in all Federal-aid highway projects on the National Highway System. 23 CFR §637.205 states each [LPA] shall develop a quality assurance program which will assure that the materials and workmanship incorporated into each Federal-aid highway construction project on the national highway system are in conformity with the requirements of the approved plans and specifications, including approved changes. The program must meet the criteria in § 637.207 and be approved by the FHWA. The Village’s Highway Planning and Construction program required the Village to have a Quality Assurance Program approved by FHWA. The Village did not have a Quality Assurance Program in place. In addition, due to not being able to provide the Quality Assurance Program, we could not verify quality assurance testing was completed in accordance with program requirements. The error was caused by a failure in controls related to the Quality Assurance requirements of the grant agreement. Failing to have the appropriate controls in place may result in projects being completed by unapproved qualified personnel and failure to monitor materials and workmanship. The Village should ensure a Quality Assurance Program is approved by FHWA and implemented to ensure testing was completed in accordance with the program requirements.