Domain 3: Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Question 1

A. Identify and report contract document discrepancies with recommended action.
B. Confer with project team to discuss and resolve project issues.
C. Provide feedback on interpretations of contract documents.
D. Follow up on progress reports.
E. Review the Contractor’s schedule of values.
F. Process the Contractor’s applications for progress payments.
G. Ensure testing required by the contract is conducted.
H. Organize contract modification documentation.
I. Process action and information submittals (e.g., shop drawings, product data, samples).
J. Process requests for substitutions and “or equal” items.
K. Administer product substitution requests.
L. Review and maintain informational and action submittals.
M. Evaluate systems and products compliance with contract documents.
N. Verify test reports indicate compliance with code and contract requirements.
O. Review Contractor’s compliance to closeout procedures and submittals including
warranty documentation, maintenance and operation.
P. Verify preconstruction submittals have been received and reviewed.
Q. Evaluate the project document submissions to determine if the contract requirements are being met.

Question 2

Quality is the ______ to which the contract documents meet the _____________, __________, and __________________________________.

The quality aspects of CCA involve __________, __________, and _____________ of quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) processes and procedures that form a closed loop for continuous improvement.

Answer 2

Quality is the degree to which the contract documents meet the project goals, objectives, and the intended purposes of the project.

The quality aspects of CCA involve planning, measurement, and execution of quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) processes and procedures that form a closed loop for continuous improvement.

Question 3

Quality is generally defined by the _________ during the ______________ phase where the architect/engineer develops and incorporates the owner’s quality requirements within the constraints of ________, _________, and ____________.

Answer 3

Quality is generally defined by the owner during the preconstruction phase where the architect/engineer develops and incorporates the owner’s quality requirements within the constraints of cost, time, and scope.

Question 4

The establishment of _________________, ________________, and ________________ are the basis of project quality measurement.

Answer 4

The establishment of performance criteria, documentation, and enforcement of specified standards are the basis of project quality measurement.

Question 5

Contract documents include the owner’s bid proposal forms, contract general conditions, supplementary conditions, plans, specifications, addenda, agreement, bonds, and change orders.

The contract general conditions include all the required provisions of the contract relating to bidding, award, performance of the contractor’s work, changes, claims and damages, payment procedures, and final completion.

Answer 5

Contract documents include the owner’s bid proposal forms, contract general conditions, supplementary conditions, plans, specifications, addenda, agreement, bonds, and change orders.

The contract general conditions include all the required provisions of the contract relating to bidding, award, performance of the contractor’s work, changes, claims and damages, payment procedures, and final completion.

Question 6

Management of Quality

The management of quality is a process of planning, organizing, implementing, monitoring, enforcing, and documenting a system of policies and procedures to achieve project goals and objectives as defined, desired, expected, or implied in the contract documents.

The construction contract administrator applies and enforces the management processes of QA and QC as the framework of quality management.

In traditional construction contracting, a project team typically includes the owner, contractor, and architect/engineer. The roles and performance of each project team member affect the overall project quality.

Quality requires a collaborative team effort that describes and prescribes how the project team work together to deliver and meet all quality aspects in an efficient, reliable, consistent, and responsible manner.

Answer 6

Management of Quality

The management of quality is a process of planning, organizing, implementing, monitoring, enforcing, and documenting a system of policies and procedures to achieve project goals and objectives as defined, desired, expected, or implied in the contract documents.

The construction contract administrator applies and enforces the management processes of QA and QC as the framework of quality management.

In traditional construction contracting, a project team typically includes the owner, contractor, and architect/engineer. The roles and performance of each project team member affect the overall project quality.

Quality requires a collaborative team effort that describes and prescribes how the project team work together to deliver and meet all quality aspects in an efficient, reliable, consistent, and responsible manner.

Question 7

Team approach strategies make the achievement of quality a manageable task:

• The owner must have realistic quality goals and objectives.
• The owner must have a reasonable program, budget, and project schedule.
• The owner must select the appropriate project delivery method.
• The architect/engineer’s collaborative ability to develop the owner’s requirements into the contract documents, which defines the quality measurement criteria and basis for evaluation.
• The contractor’s performance and the completed project will be evaluated based on conformance to the contract documents during the post- construction phase.

Answer 7

Team approach strategies make the achievement of quality a manageable task:

• The owner must have realistic quality goals and objectives.
• The owner must have a reasonable program, budget, and project schedule.
• The owner must select the appropriate project delivery method.
• The architect/engineer’s collaborative ability to develop the owner’s requirements into the contract documents, which defines the quality measurement criteria and basis for evaluation.
• The contractor’s performance and the completed project will be evaluated based on conformance to the contract documents during the post- construction phase.

Question 8

There are four imperatives of quality for a construction project.

• Fitness to use
• Conformance to contract requirements
• Owner’s expectations
• Quality of project team

Answer 8

There are four imperatives of quality for a construction project.

• Fitness to use
• Conformance to contract requirements
• Owner’s expectations
• Quality of project team

Question 9

Fitness to use

Answer 9

Relates to the construction project performance outcomes that meet the programmatic needs and operational and maintenance requirements as designed and constructed. Building users and facilities management groups expect the completed facility to perform and function as specified during the project facility life cycle.

Question 10

Conformance to contract requirements

Answer 10

is focused on the quantitative application and interpretation of technical criteria such as building codes and statutory regulations that meet the minimum standard of the public health, safety, and welfare of building occupants. Technical criteria also specify performance requirements of building and its components in accordance with the industry standards, product data sheets, manufacturer’s recommendations, and best practices.

Question 11

Owner’s expectations

Answer 11

are the degree to which the owner is satisfied with

• team performance,
• project performance, and
• building performance.

The qualitative aspect of team performance includes

• leadership,
• customer service,
• project experiences, and
• working relationships.

Project performance generally describes the cost and time compliance.

Building performance describes the technical functions and building operations, including the level of maintainability and serviceability in the post- construction phase.

Question 12

Quality of project team

Answer 12

is judged on

• the team’s overall knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and
• the qualifications of the contractor and architect/ engineer team.

Qualified project team members provide the owner with the confidence that the team can deliver the project successfully within the constraints of

• cost,
• time, and
• scope.

Question 13

Quality measurement

Answer 13

demonstrates and verifies the degree of compliance and quality variance.

Question 14

Examples of quality measurement activities include:

Answer 14

• Defining quality roles and reporting responsibilities in the project organizational chart
• Defining and assessing quality goals and objectives from a budgetary perspective
• Confirming owner’s needs within the constraints of cost, time, and scope
• Developing a performance baseline for cost, time, and scope
• Identifying and managing the owner’s expectations
• Selecting and developing a performance criteria checklist
• Identifying and incorporating all standards and requirements for conformance
• Selecting the project delivery method
• Procuring the project team
• Developing the construction schedule
• Developing strategic quality options for the best value
• Monitoring, controlling, and reporting quality progress
• Improving and changing for value-adding
• Commissioning
• Testing and inspections
• Observation field reports
• Submittals procedures
• Communication protocols
• Changing control procedures
• Auditing, rectifying, accepting, rejecting, or reworking
• Progress payment procedures
• Closeout and warranty
• Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE)

Question 15

The outcomes of quality measurement are

Answer 15

acceptance or rejection of contract work.

Question 16

QA requires many evidence-based forms of documentation such as

Answer 16

• constructability reviews,
• commissioning,
• submittals,
• certifications,
• auditing,
• surveys, and
• lessons learned.

Question 17

The QA process begins when the contractor visits the site to become familiar with conditions under which work will be performed.

The process continues with field measurements, coordination, scheduling, and the preparation and review of submittals.

Manufacturers, fabricators, and suppliers are the initial sources of building materials.

Preparing submittals describing these materials is an important component of the project’s QA.

Answer 17

The QA process begins when the contractor visits the site to become familiar with conditions under which work will be performed.

The process continues with field measurements, coordination, scheduling, and the preparation and review of submittals.

Manufacturers, fabricators, and suppliers are the initial sources of building materials.

Preparing submittals describing these materials is an important component of the project’s QA.

Question 18

QC is

Answer 18

the application of construction contract activities such as testing and inspection to ensure that the project components and systems meet the specified performance or criteria.

Question 19

QC defines the procedures and tasks as testing and inspection for discovering and reporting nonconformance work, such as defects and deficiencies.

Answer 19

QC defines the procedures and tasks as testing and inspection for discovering and reporting nonconformance work, such as defects and deficiencies.

Question 20

The contractor’s QC process originates when the contractor assumes responsibility to supervise and direct the work using the contractor’s expertise, skill, and attention.

The contractor also assumes control over the means, methods, techniques, sequences, and procedures for construction.

Answer 20

The contractor’s QC process originates when the contractor assumes responsibility to supervise and direct the work using the contractor’s expertise, skill, and attention.

The contractor also assumes control over the means, methods, techniques, sequences, and procedures for construction.

Question 21

QA and QC are not exclusive of each other because they have distinctive roles, iterative processes, and complementary procedures. In each step of the process, the previous QA may become part of the QC for the next step. QC for one action may become QA for the next step in a closed loop process to ensure value adding at the end of each process.

Answer 21

QA and QC are not exclusive of each other because they have distinctive roles, iterative processes, and complementary procedures. In each step of the process, the previous QA may become part of the QC for the next step. QC for one action may become QA for the next step in a closed loop process to ensure value adding at the end of each process.

Question 22

The warranty provisions summarize the contractor’s responsibility for quality and for conforming to the requirements of the contract documents.

The warranty covers general workmanship and product performance from manufacturers and should not be confused with, nor limited to, the warranty period for correcting defective work at no cost to the owner.

Answer 22

The warranty provisions summarize the contractor’s responsibility for quality and for conforming to the requirements of the contract documents.

The warranty covers general workmanship and product performance from manufacturers and should not be confused with, nor limited to, the warranty period for correcting defective work at no cost to the owner.

Question 23

QA requirements generally establish the prerequisites, policies, procedures, and activities that are effectively implemented to avoid or prevent defects before actual execution of the work.

Most of the QA measurement is paper-based performance criteria, benchmarking, and procedures on how they are reviewed for compliance and enforcement in accordance with the quality requirements. QA involves an iterative process of planning, execution, and documentation for compliance.

Answer 23

QA requirements generally establish the prerequisites, policies, procedures, and activities that are effectively implemented to avoid or prevent defects before actual execution of the work.

Most of the QA measurement is paper-based performance criteria, benchmarking, and procedures on how they are reviewed for compliance and enforcement in accordance with the quality requirements. QA involves an iterative process of planning, execution, and documentation for compliance.

Question 24

QA planning focuses on the establishment of quality goals, objectives, understanding of the constraints, acceptance criteria, and benchmark.

Answer 24

QA planning focuses on the establishment of quality goals, objectives, understanding of the constraints, acceptance criteria, and benchmark.

Question 25

Examples of QA execution activities include:

Answer 25

• Verifying site conditions, taking field measurements, comparing the information with the contract documents, and documenting and reporting any errors, inconsistencies, or omissions
• Reviewing drawings and specifications to uncover any coordination items, errors, omissions, or inconsistencies prior to construction
• Scheduling and sequencing of the work
• Meeting with others to resolve unclear or conflicting matters
• Constructability reviews
• Third-party independent peer reviews

Question 26

Examples of QA documentation activities include:

Answer 26

• Submitting satisfactory evidence of the kind and quality of products.
• Obtaining manufacturers’ certifications and warranty.
• Preparing submittals for reviews.

Question 27

QC is the application of construction contract activities to ensure the project components and systems meet the specified performance or criteria in the contract requirements.

Answer 27

QC is the application of construction contract activities to ensure the project components and systems meet the specified performance or criteria in the contract requirements.

Question 28

QA is a systematic process of observation, measurement, and verification through testing and inspection to determine if the project deliverables conform to the specified quality requirements in the contract documents.

Answer 28

QA is a systematic process of observation, measurement, and verification through testing and inspection to determine if the project deliverables conform to the specified quality requirements in the contract documents.

Question 29

QC involves the coordination and management of inspection and testing activities that serve to verify if the project components meet the performance criteria in accordance with the quality requirements. The QC provisions in the conditions of the contract are to verify conformance with the contract requirements.

Answer 29

QC involves the coordination and management of inspection and testing activities that serve to verify if the project components meet the performance criteria in accordance with the quality requirements. The QC provisions in the conditions of the contract are to verify conformance with the contract requirements.

Question 30

The purpose of QC is to look for field defects for subsequent corrections. Many standard general conditions require the contractor to supervise and control the quality of the work through expertise, skill, and standard of care. The contractor is responsible for determining and controlling the construction means, methods, techniques, sequences, and procedures. The contractor is typically required to provide timely notice for, or coordinate, tests and inspections required by the contract documents and laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, or orders of the public AHJs.

Answer 30

The purpose of QC is to look for field defects for subsequent corrections. Many standard general conditions require the contractor to supervise and control the quality of the work through expertise, skill, and standard of care. The contractor is responsible for determining and controlling the construction means, methods, techniques, sequences, and procedures. The contractor is typically required to provide timely notice for, or coordinate, tests and inspections required by the contract documents and laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, or orders of the public AHJs.

Question 31

The architect/engineer regularly visits the construction site to become familiar with the progress and quality of the completed work. On the basis of field observations, the architect/ engineer reviews the contractor’s applications for payment and certifies or recommends payment of amounts due.

Answer 31

The architect/engineer regularly visits the construction site to become familiar with the progress and quality of the completed work. On the basis of field observations, the architect/ engineer reviews the contractor’s applications for payment and certifies or recommends payment of amounts due.

Question 32

QC requirements in the contract documents generally establish the parameters, criteria, prerequisites, and procedures required to manage and achieve quality goals. QC consists of activities used to determine whether completed work meets the required quality requirement.

Answer 32

QC requirements in the contract documents generally establish the parameters, criteria, prerequisites, and procedures required to manage and achieve quality goals. QC consists of activities used to determine whether completed work meets the required quality requirement.

Question 33

Examples of QC execution activities include:

• Understanding and fulfilling quality requirements.
• Observing and recording results of contract work.
• Determining whether items are within an acceptable range of tolerance and clearances.
• Checking against a list of quality requirements, specified standard, regulations, and acceptance criteria.
• Detecting and recording defects, nonperformance, and noncompliance work.
• Making corrections or recommending necessary changes to meet contract requirements.
• Accepting or rejecting contract work.

Answer 33

Examples of QC execution activities include:

• Understanding and fulfilling quality requirements.
• Observing and recording results of contract work.
• Determining whether items are within an acceptable range of tolerance and clearances.
• Checking against a list of quality requirements, specified standard, regulations, and acceptance criteria.
• Detecting and recording defects, nonperformance, and noncompliance work.
• Making corrections or recommending necessary changes to meet contract requirements.
• Accepting or rejecting contract work.

Question 34

In the early phase of reconstruction, the owner generally engages consultants to work on the following reports:

• Feasibility study
• Project site survey
• Geotechnical soil investigation with test borings, test pit information, and soil bearing values as appropriate to define sub-surface conditions
• Asbestos survey and abatement, if needed
• Project building life cycle cost analysis
• Code and energy usage analysis
• Basis of design for building envelope, HVAC, and lighting
• Design plans and technical specifications
• Make initial recommendations for construction phase testing and special inspections such as soils and materials testing, welding inspections, and dewatering requirements
• Cost estimates that meet the owner’s budget
• Plan checks- statutory reviews and approvals with authorities having jurisdiction

Answer 34

In the early phase of reconstruction, the owner generally engages consultants to work on the following reports:

• Feasibility study
• Project site survey
• Geotechnical soil investigation with test borings, test pit information, and soil bearing values as appropriate to define sub-surface conditions
• Asbestos survey and abatement, if needed
• Project building life cycle cost analysis
• Code and energy usage analysis
• Basis of design for building envelope, HVAC, and lighting
• Design plans and technical specifications
• Make initial recommendations for construction phase testing and special inspections such as soils and materials testing, welding inspections, and dewatering requirements
• Cost estimates that meet the owner’s budget
• Plan checks- statutory reviews and approvals with authorities having jurisdiction

Question 35

The permit process begins when an owner or architect/engineer submits a set of construction documents to the AHJ’s for review.

Answer 35

The permit process begins when an owner or architect/engineer submits a set of construction documents to the AHJ’s for review.

Question 36

The following are examples of quality management in the construction phase:

• Schedule of values
• Construction progress schedule
• Submittal schedule
• Technical submittal preparation and review (shop drawings, product data, and samples)
• Substitution requests
• Subcontractor lists and product lists
• Schedule of inspection and testing
• Preinstallation meetings
• Commissioning

Answer 36

The following are examples of quality management in the construction phase:

• Schedule of values
• Construction progress schedule
• Submittal schedule
• Technical submittal preparation and review (shop drawings, product data, and samples)
• Substitution requests
• Subcontractor lists and product lists
• Schedule of inspection and testing
• Preinstallation meetings
• Commissioning

Question 37

The schedule of values contains the contract amounts including the contractor’s profit and overhead and the general conditions, which stipulate the contractor’s daily “project operational cost” allowance and its corresponding values. This establishes a basis for the cost of time extensions should they be necessary. The schedule of values breaks the total contract work down into smaller, measurable portions that the architect/engineer and owner can observe, measure, and communicate to determine the percent complete as a baseline of the contractor’s payment applications.

Answer 37

The schedule of values contains the contract amounts including the contractor’s profit and overhead and the general conditions, which stipulate the contractor’s daily “project operational cost” allowance and its corresponding values. This establishes a basis for the cost of time extensions should they be necessary. The schedule of values breaks the total contract work down into smaller, measurable portions that the architect/engineer and owner can observe, measure, and communicate to determine the percent complete as a baseline of the contractor’s payment applications.

Question 38

A construction schedule serves as a contractor’s planning tool for the execution of the project. The contractor charged with preparing, developing, and updating the construction schedule must be sufficiently knowledgeable about the type of construction, and specifically the project being constructed, to be able to create and maintain a realistic, reasonable, workable, and logical construction schedule.

Answer 38

A construction schedule serves as a contractor’s planning tool for the execution of the project. The contractor charged with preparing, developing, and updating the construction schedule must be sufficiently knowledgeable about the type of construction, and specifically the project being constructed, to be able to create and maintain a realistic, reasonable, workable, and logical construction schedule.

Question 39

Major aspects of the construction schedule include:

• Contract time
• Milestone events and dates
• Start to finish relationships
• Coordination requirements
• Interrelationship of activities
• Activity durations by trades
• Critical path activities
• Early start-early finish, late start-late finish
• Float time
• Lead time necessary to obtain submittal approvals for orders of products and equipment

Answer 39

Major aspects of the construction schedule include:

• Contract time
• Milestone events and dates
• Start to finish relationships
• Coordination requirements
• Interrelationship of activities
• Activity durations by trades
• Critical path activities
• Early start-early finish, late start-late finish
• Float time
• Lead time necessary to obtain submittal approvals for orders of products and equipment

Question 40

During submittal review, the architect/engineer will indicate the status of review with submittal stamps below:

• Approved
• Approved and Furnish as noted. Resubmission is not required
• Approved subject to the conditions as noted
• Revise and Resubmit
• Rejected
• Not Required for review
• Reviewed, no exception taken
• Returned due to incomplete submittal

Answer 40

During submittal review, the architect/engineer will indicate the status of review with submittal stamps below:

• Approved
• Approved and Furnish as noted. Resubmission is not required
• Approved subject to the conditions as noted
• Revise and Resubmit
• Rejected
• Not Required for review
• Reviewed, no exception taken
• Returned due to incomplete submittal

Question 41

Contract documents stipulate the conditions and procedures for substitutions.

Answer 41

Contract documents stipulate the conditions and procedures for substitutions.

Question 42

Substitutions should not be considered when the substitution request:

• Is made as an RFI.
• Is indicated or implied on shop drawings in product data submittals.
• Has not been reviewed and approved by the contractor.
• Requires substantial design and engineering revision of contract documents.
• Does not include an itemized technical and cost comparison of the proposed substitution with the specified product.
• Does not include the value analysis proposals that examine and weigh the initial cost; evaluate maintenance expense and life cycle cost of certain materials, components, and systems; and assess performance at the lowest cost consistent with the project criteria.
• Includes the proposed substitution product not in compliance with the technical quality performance.
• Compromises the construction schedule.

Answer 42

Substitutions should not be considered when the substitution request:

• Is made as an RFI.
• Is indicated or implied on shop drawings in product data submittals.
• Has not been reviewed and approved by the contractor.
• Requires substantial design and engineering revision of contract documents.
• Does not include an itemized technical and cost comparison of the proposed substitution with the specified product.
• Does not include the value analysis proposals that examine and weigh the initial cost; evaluate maintenance expense and life cycle cost of certain materials, components, and systems; and assess performance at the lowest cost consistent with the project criteria.
• Includes the proposed substitution product not in compliance with the technical quality performance.
• Compromises the construction schedule.

Question 43

Most contract documents have specific procedures for requesting a substitution. Substitution requests can be initiated by the owner, architect/engineer, or contractor.

Question 44

Standard general conditions require the contractor to submit a list of proposed subcontractors.

Question 45

The purpose of preinstallation meetings is to gather and introduce all parties involved, discuss requirements, and confirm the understanding of the processes and procedures as specified in the contract documents. The need for a preinstallation

Question 46

Participants normally required to attend a preinstallation conference include:

• Contractors
• Subcontractors (installer, applicator, or erector)
• Material or equipment suppliers
• Manufacturer’s technical representative
• Others directly affecting or affected by the work
• Design-builders, if applicable
• Construction managers, if applicable
• Architect/engineer and architect/engineer’s consultants, as appropriate
• Testing agency and inspectors, if applicable
• Owner/facilities maintenance personnel

Question 47

Preinstallation meetings are often conducted to:

• Ascertain access to the work.
• Review conditions of proper installation and environmental conditions.
• Identify conditions detrimental to the installation.
• Review preparation procedures, including protection of adjacent work.
• Verify installer’s receipt and understanding of installation instructions.
• Review submittals, installation procedures, and sequence.
• Review coordination with other work.
• Evaluate delivery schedule and progress schedule
• Observe sample installation.
• Convey required protection procedures.
• Evaluate, document, and approve field samples and mock-ups.

Question 48

The owner typically engages a commissioning authority (CxA) to oversee the review of the owner’s project requirements (OPR), the basis of design (BOD), and the review for the design and construction documents for projects.

Question 49

The purpose of facility evaluation is to ensure that the facility is constructed to meet the building technical performance as specified in the contract documents.

Question 50

When the facility is complete and occupied by the building user, the contractor typically provides the owner with the following documents:

Operation and maintenance manuals

Record/As-built drawings

Trainings

Warranty

Maintenance schedule

Callback logs