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 CONSTRUCTION QUALITY MANAGEMENT (CQM) PROGRAM
Historically, the Navy advised the contractor on what was correct, what
was wrong, and what remained to be done to comply with the contract. This not
only restricted contractors and burdened the Navy, but placed the
responsibility for control of construction quality with the Navy. Under the
Construction Quality Management (CQM) System, CQC responsibility now belongs
with the contractor. The Navy responsibility is to verify that the
contractor's system of quality control (QC) is working effectively and
construction complies with contract requirements. In doing this, the Navy is
actually performing quality assurance (QA), not assuming responsibility for
quality control. Simply,
CQM = QC + QA
CQM is the performance of tasks which ensure that construction is
performed according to plans and specifications, on time, and within a defined
budget. Effective CQM requires the complete cooperation of the contractor and
the Government. When this "partnership" works effectively the project will
run smoothly and efficiently with a much more pleasant experience than the
traditional use of enforcement.
The CQM system is geared towards building quality into the project by
"preventing" problems and deficiencies rather than having to rely upon
inspection of construction to assure quality. The core of the Quality
Management system is the Three Phase Control System. The control shall
include at least three phases for all definable features of work:
(1) Preparatory Phase. This phase is performed prior to beginning work on
each definable feature of work.
(2) Initial Phase. This phase must be accomplished at the beginning of a
definable feature of work.
(3) Follow-up Phase. Daily checks are performed to assure continuing
compliance with contract requirements, include control testing, until
completion of the particular feature of work. The checks is made a matter
of record in the CQC documentation. Final follow-up checks is conducted
and all deficiencies corrected prior to the start of additional features
of work. QC personnel should continually refer back to the standards set
in the "Preparatory and Initial Phases."
CQM benefits to the Government are many, but can be summarized as "Getting
our money's worth!" The benefits to the contractor are: reduce unnecessary
tear out and replacement cost; work done correctly the first time results in
early completion, reduced field overhead costs, and the ability to do a
greater volume of business; reduced costs result in greater profits for the
contractor; high quality performance improves their reputation and image and
more pride to their personnel; and less lost-time and fewer insurance claims.
Most contractors want to build a quality product within the terms of the
contract as they perceive them. However, it is critical that the contractor
and the Government interpret the plans and specifications in the same way.
This requires clear and effective communication between the Government and the
contractor. This is the very heart of the Contraction Quality Management
program, and is dependent on mutual cooperation. QA personnel must maintain
an honest, candid, professional attitude; the contractor must respond in the
same manner.
APPENDIX P
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