DWR gets "schooled" by FERC - FERC almost run out of letters in the alphabet in the sub-identifiers in corrections to DWR in QCIP
It seems DWR didn't do their homework. FERC requires an independent quality control program that is solely the responsibility of the licensee (DWR). The reason for this is to prevent a contractor from influencing the quality of construction if simply relying on the contractor. DWR was breaching this protocol by allowing quality control aspects to be left with the contractor - a no-no with FERC requirements. There are other rather sloppy items that FERC noted to DWR that needed correction & identification to responsibilities. Reminds me of a marked up school test with much "red markings". Wonder what the grade would be?
FERC Quality Control Inspection Program (QCIP) Chapter VII link:
FERC CHAPTER VII CONSTRUCTION QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTION PROGRAM
Page 1 DWR to FERC response: Document filed June 6, 2017 on FERC online database: document #20170606-5027
Page 2 DWR to FERC response: Document filed June 6, 2017 on FERC online database: document #20170606-5027
Page 3 DWR to FERC response: Document filed June 6, 2017 on FERC online database: document #20170606-5027
Page 4 DWR to FERC response: Document filed June 6, 2017 on FERC online database: document #20170606-5027
I will comment on a couple of items. Our readers from outside construction should be aware that in the Federal and State construction world there are a variety of manners that Quality Control programs can be handled.
For example, in DOD contracting it is standard that the NAVFAC or USACE require the Contractor to provide a Quality Control Program, related staff and outside testing laboratories and consultants and the Government CM agency or their outside engineer provides a separate Quality Assurance Program. The former provides the day to day testing, performs stop-work functions and builds a complete and solid documentation of the QC Program’s actions while the QA Program provides a monitor and duplicate testing that reviews the former. Contractor QC representatives have some special chain-of-command independence and have fulfilled QC training programs conducted by the Government. A typical job-specific QC program is easily a 300 page document custom written for a project this size with a full time staff of 3 to 5 engineers with additional clerks.
In this instance, that is not the method that the Feds require, but Kiewitt can provide it probably better than DWR for CA — i.e. I would trust them more if I lived below the dam.