Construction Program Management and Inspection Guide

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Construction Program Management
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION GUIDE (5/01/04)
Program Elements
FHWA’s division-level construction management program
should include both process and project-level involvement. A
program should be developed to define the type and
frequencies of inspections that can best be combined within
the limits of available resources and the needs of the
construction program.
The program should be designed to define the required
level of periodic involvement and to encourage and maintain
a professional working relationship with STA personnel who
are responsible to assure continued and improved quality of
highway construction. Construction program management
includes both pre-award and post-award activities. The program
should be flexible but should provide direction for
FHWA field engineers.
The division administrator is responsible for developing
a construction management program for evaluating the
Federal-aid construction programs of the STAs and local
governments. This Guide should be used as a tool in
developing the program’s elements: determining the level of
inspection coverage, performing the inspections and reviews,
preparing and distributing reports, monitoring findings,
preparing special reports, and documenting the division’s
program.
Determine Frequency and
Type of Inspections
Each division is responsible for determining the degree and
intensity of inspection coverage necessary to administer the
division’s construction management program. In
determining what constitutes “sufficient reviews or
inspections,” the division administrator needs to consider a
variety of factors including the qualifications and capabilities
of STA management, project staff, and contractors; the STA’s
operating procedures and internal review programs
including local program oversight; previously identified
problem areas; and unique project conditions.
Perform Inspections and Reviews
The division office is responsible for performing the
inspections and reviews outlined in its construction
management program. The division is encouraged to solicit
the participation of headquarters and the Resource Center in
reviews of new or unusual features or practices and for other
assistance as appropriate. Reviews that are made jointly with
headquarters, the FHWA Resource Center, or State
personnel who have similar responsibilities should also be
included in the division office’s program.
Prepare and Distribute Reports
The division office is responsible for preparing and
distributing copies of construction inspection and other
reports. It is desirable that the report’s content and
distribution consider the views of potential readers as well as
the potential use of the report. Preparation and distribution
of reports will be discussed in greater detail later in this
Guide; however, the importance of quality inspection
documentation must be acknowledged. Documentation is
essential to meet several program objectives:
▼ Define progress and quality of work
▼ Establish FHWA presence in the Federal-aid
construction program
▼ Identify project or program problem areas
▼ Document resolution of identified concerns
▼ Share innovations and new technology
Monitor Findings
Division offices should document findings and resolutions
from construction reviews and inspections. These findings
should be used as input into subsequent risk assessments.
Prepare Special Reports
The program should encourage FHWA field engineers to
prepare or assist their State partners in preparing reports on
special or innovative construction materials, methods, and
procedures. The FHWA field engineer should ensure
appropriate circulation of reports as a technology-sharing
activity.