Finding Text
Highway Planning and Construction – AL # 20.205 Special Tests and Provisions – Quality Assurance (Material Noncompliance) Condition The Town was unable to provide evidence of quality assurance test results for two sampled highway construction projects. As a result, we could not verify that the required number of tests were performed in accordance with program guidelines, and we could not determine whether verification sampling activities were performed by qualified personnel independent of the contractor. Criteria The OMB Compliance Supplement for the Highway Construction program requires that the locality perform and maintain documentation of quality assurance testing for construction projects. Cause The Town does not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that required quality assurance testing is documented and retained, and that such testing is performed and verified by qualified personnel in accordance with program requirements. Effect Failure to perform or retain documentation of quality assurance testing increases the risk that construction activities do not comply with applicable specifications and federal requirements. In addition, the lack of documentation prevents the locality and oversight agencies from verifying compliance. Perspective Information Quality assurance test results were not provided for two of four projects tested. Recommendation We recommend the Town implement procedures to ensure quality assurance testing is performed at the required frequency in accordance with program guidelines, require that all quality assurance test results are retained and establish controls to verify that testing and verification sampling are performed by qualified personnel independent of the contractor. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action Management acknowledges the recommendation. Throughout the duration of this multi-year project, staff made repeated efforts to obtain quality assurance testing documentation from the applicable contractors and subcontractors. Despite multiple requests and follow-up attempts, we were not successful in securing the required documentation. We will evaluate and strengthen our procedures going forward to improve contractor compliance and ensure that quality assurance testing records are consistently obtained, reviewed, and retained in accordance with applicable requirements.