Identifying Gaps in the Understanding of a Quality Assurance Program in Design–Build Quality Management
Publication: Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction
Volume 14, Issue 3
Abstract
Major public infrastructure projects have used innovative project delivery, such as design–build (DB) and public–private partnership (P3). As an essential part of a quality assurance program (QAP) for large projects, some state departments of transportation (DOTs) require the use of a new quality management model, the developer’s construction quality acceptance firm (CQAF), also known as an independent quality firm (IQF). It is crucial for the construction engineering and inspection (CEI) industry to understand this novel quality assurance program. The overarching objective of this study is to identify inconsistencies between CEI understanding and DOT expectations for quality assurance roles and responsibilities. The study collects insights from five professional groups: general contractors, design consultants, CEI specialists, DOT staff, and owner’s representatives. The combination of surveys and interviews facilitates a rich understanding of the CQAF model. This paper will benefit the industry through minimizing gaps between the DOT’s expectations and industry’s understanding of how CQAF should function. It is also anticipated that this paper will offer constructive guidance on strengthening the QAP in the design–build transportation project delivery.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request: survey questions, responses, and comments.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction
Volume 14 • Issue 3 • August 2022
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 29, 2021
Accepted: Feb 1, 2022
Published online: May 3, 2022
Published in print: Aug 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Oct 3, 2022
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