Corps DPIP Approval

ERDC TN-DOER-I6

March 2001

More specifically, the DPIP provides details to the Corps about the dredge and equipment, data

collection and procedures, and quality control (QC) measures. The DPIP must show how the

contractor will conduct the following tasks:

Gather sensor data

Compute required data elements

Perform quality control on those data

Calibrate and repair sensors/data reporting equipment when they fail

Distribute the sensor data and computed dredge-specific data to the Corps via a standard

interface

Information about dredge dimensions and sensor layouts are needed in the DPIP so that the

Corps can adequately perform a dredge inspection. The SI specifications require that a certified

marine surveyor or architect certify most dredge dimensions.

Additionally, descriptive information about the dredge and SI system equipment (sensors and

computers) must be included in the DPIP. Table 3 lists the different information types required

in the DPIP for hopper and pipeline dredges.

Corps DPIP Approval. Once the contractor submits the DPIP, the Corps reviews the DPIP

within a specified time period (denoted in the SI contract specifications) and gives written

approval. This approval is valid for a certain period of time (one year for example) and can be

transferred between Districts at their discretion. Once written, the contractor should update the

DPIP when sensor upgrades or dredge plant modifications occur.

Contractor-operational SI System. Once the Corps approves the DPIP, the dredging

contractors should have their DSS reporting the required data to the Ship Server within the time

period stipulated in the SI specifications.

Corps SI System Inspection. After the system is made operational, the Corps will schedule

and conduct an onboard SI system inspection to determine if the contractor's DSS is reporting

data according to specifications. Onsite inspection assures the District that the contractor's

instrumentation system (sensors, data acquisition equipment, and software) meets the equipment

and performance requirements given in the SI specifications. The objective of this physical

inspection is to provide the District with confidence that the dredge data meets the specifications

at the time of inspection. The inspection results are documented in a letter report with a copy

furnished to the dredge contractor.

The dredge inspection includes Corps observation of installed SI system equipment, QA checks,

and data results. QA checks are an important aspect associated with SI system implementation.

These checks verify the accuracy and/or consistency of sensor and system performance.

Pre-dredging QA checks provide a basis of comparison for spot checks of the dredge's data

during dredging operations. The QA tests for hopper and pipeline dredges are described as

follows. Welp and Rosati (2000) describe the hopper dredge QA tests in greater detail.