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Solutions to better infrastructure Project Description and Scope The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has developed a robust independent assurance (IA) program in accordance with federal regulations. Managed by the Office of Roadway Materials Testing (ORMT), the program is a critical part of Caltrans’ quality assurance program. Its dynamic scope of work includes sampling, testing and statistical analysis that allows Caltrans to verify the proficiency of material testing laboratories and personnel across the state. Caltrans is partnering with industry, academia and local agencies to expand this program to include the Joint Training and Certification Program (JTCP) where state, local and private testers will be jointly trained and certified to foster statewide consistency in materials testing. Alta Vista provides corporate roadway materials engineering, sampling, and testing services in support of ORMT, including asphalt materials engineering, independent assurance, and support for their reference sample program (RSP) to enhance ORMT roadway materials engineering expertise and support a variety of activities including database development, specification evaluation, test method modification, and quality management system implementation, among others. Specific Services and Scope • Support continuous improvement efforts for the IA Program Manual, which establishes systems for tester certification, laboratory accreditation, IA process/peer reviews, and the JTCP • Provide certified material testers who sample materials, refine them, and batch reference samples for distribution to evaluate the proficiency of over 500 state, local and private laboratories • Support interlaboratory studies and analyze testing results, evaluate data, and estimate test method precision • Evaluate test methods and propose appropriate modifications when needed, including developing a job mix formula (JMF) database • Facilitate specialty testing for new product evaluations when the scope of testing exceeds what can be performed by Caltrans, including using Lean Six Sigma to streamline new product evaluation Firm Alta Vista Solutions Location Sacramento, CA Client California Department of Transportation (Office of Roadway Material Testing) Reference Cathrina Barros (916) 227-6027 Project Duration Ongoing Role Prime Project Cost $4 million Independent Assurance/Reference Sample Program
