Table 4. Mobile District Implementation Schedule

ERDC TN-DOER-I6

March 2001

Continued QA Testing and Instrument Calibration. The QA tests and checks previously

described must be conducted before dredging begins. However, continued tests and checks of SI

equipment operation must also be conducted throughout dredging operations to ensure that the

contractor's instrumentation system (sensors, data acquisition equipment, and software)

maintains the equipment and performance requirements given in the SI specifications and

established during the dredging inspection.

The SI specifications should include information about the frequency for each QA test to be

conducted during dredging operations. Continued tests, checks, and calibrations will be required

on a regular basis during contract execution, after instrumentation equipment and/or software

repair or modifications, and at arbitrary times based on Corps discretion. These tests are

documented and stored in the SI Shore System database.

SI IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE

Implementation Time Line. The time line for SI system implementation is also an important

element in the implementation process. An adequate time line for implementation ensures that

both the Corps and the dredging contractor can meet all steps in the process. The time that this

process takes will vary from District to District because of different experience levels for the

Corps and contractor personnel involved, and depends on the length of each dredging operation.

In 1999, the U.S. Army Engineer District, Mobile, implemented the SI system and provided a

schedule in the SI specifications for continuing implementation (Table 4).

Table 4

Mobile District Implementation Schedule

Implementation Task

Time Requirement

Preconstruction conference

Scheduled after contract is awarded

Contractor DPIP submittal

Within 60 days after the Corps Notice to Proceed

Corps DPIP review and approval

Within 15 days after contractor DPIP submittal

Corps inspection and approval; Operational SI system

Within 60 days after the Corps Notice to Proceed

Continued QA tests and checks

Scheduled during dredging operations to meet SI

specifications

It is expected that future implementations of the SI system process will require less time than the

example schedule provided in Table 4. Most hopper and larger pipeline dredges already have

required instrumentation already onboard, which will speed up the steps of DPIP development

and making the system operational. In addition, once the Corps and dredging contractors gain

experience with SI implementation, the process will become more defined and the time needed

to set up an SI contract will be reduced. The initial contract incorporating the SI specifications

for a District or contractor should be of sufficient duration to allow the contractor the time

needed to meet the SI specification requirements.

Noncompliance with SI Specifications. The Corps' enforcement of noncompliance with

the SI contract specifications is similar to enforcement of other parts of the dredging contract,