1-2
B. Instructional Content: The content of this training package will include, in
Module 1, an introduction covering the broad aspects of CQM, including its
definition; discussions of quality control procedures and benefits; the
characteristics of the construction industry and the responsibilities of the
Government and the contractor. In Modules 2 through 6, the various
reviews, plans, conferences, reports, and management requirements are
described. In Module 7, the information in the first six modules will be
integrated into a discussion of the ways and means of making the CQM
system work effectively so that the level of quality required in the Corps' and
NAVFAC's worldwide construction program is achieved. An optional
module, Module 8, is an overview of the Resident Management System
(RMS). RMS is a software package that automates and simplifies many
project activities used by USACE. Optional Module 9, covers NAVFAC’s
WEB Construction Management (CM) system.
C. History of Construction Quality Management: In 1961 a new clause
containing but two sentences began appearing in Department of Defense
(DoD) solicitations. These same two sentences can still be found today in
the Contract Clause entitled “Inspection of Construction” [subparagraph
(b)]. These sentences require a contractor to be responsible for achieving
and documenting contract quality. By 1968 the Construction Quality
Management system had grown into a fairly loose structured process
varying from field office to field office in which more paragraphs were
placed into the contract defining specific items that were to be
accomplished to better manage the task. Most often, in these early years,
there were a wide variety of responses on how to manage quality into the
job. The Corps and NAVFAC were faced with something of a balancing
act. The contractor was either given great latitude in how he organized the
effort to get quality or given specific expectations and processes. Over the
years, the Corps and NAVFAC have tried many variations and made some
very specific choices. With the involvement of industry representatives,
including the AGC, it was recognized that the relatively structured method
used today was the preferred contract method. The system has some very
specific processes, these include the three-phases of control system, formal
deficiency /rework items tracking systems, and well-defined submittals. On
many jobs, the Corps and NAVFAC specify the contractor’s manpower
quantity and qualifications. And, of course, this training for contractor
personnel is now a contract requirement. Keep in mind that these choices
are not free -- there is a cost for them and by putting them into the job, the
Corps and NAVFAC have made a choice from a spectrum of possibilities.
By entering into a Corps or NAVFAC contract, the contractor has agreed to
follow the chosen methods.