In the mid 1990's, several western state and Federal highway agencies recognized the need to have qualified materials test technicians and laboratories conducting acceptance testing on materials purchased and incorporated into transportation facilities. This loose organization of highway agencies formed the Northwest Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (NAQTC), which produced five technician-training and qualification modules for use within their organizations. Since materials testing procedures vary little from state to state, the NAQTC determined that all highway agencies in the western United Sates would benefit from a united effort. The NAQTC invited all WASHTO sates to join their organization. Eventually, 7 additional state highway agencies joined the NAQTC to form the Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction or WAQTC. The WAQTC is actively seeking to expand beyond the current member agencies consisting of state departments of transportation and FHWA agencies: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and FHWA Western & Central Federal Lands Highway Departments are currently members. The WAQTC is dedicated to improving the quality of transportation products and services through a comprehensive Technician Training and Qualification Program (TTQP).

To support the development and refinement of a training and qualification program for construction inspection and materials testing technicians by the Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC), a cooperative technology transfer effort of multiple western states and FHWA.

Proposed Pooled Fund Study We are proposing that a pooled fund study be established for the WAQTC, which will be used to fund the development and refinement of a training and technician qualification program, including: · Revising the WAQTC technician curriculum in coordination with member state agencies; · Development and delivery of up to four new training courses; · Revising existing manuals, training materials and exams; · Publication and distribution of training materials to member states, and · Maintaining up-to-date information on a website. Verbal commitments of funds for the proposed pooled fund have been secured from at least 12 state highway agencies and FHWA. The FHWA Western Resource Center has agreed to be the lead agency since the WAQTC represents a majority of our state customers. Workplan An initial pooled fund of $600,000 over five (5) years was agreed to by all participating agencies. Each agency has agreed to pay $10,000 per year for a total of $50,000 over a five-year period. Mr. Bernie Kuta, FHWA, Western Resource Center, will act as COTR for contracts required for the project, and the Technical Advisory Committee will consist of the WAQTC Executive Council. The WAQTC will be responsible for completing the following activities/duties: Coordinate ten (10) semiannual Executive Committee Meetings --March/April and September/October --Arrange location (City) and accommodations (meeting space) & refreshments & AV equipment. --Coordinate travel & lodging for committee members --Prepare & distribute agenda and minutes of meeting within 20 days. Coordinate ten (10) semiannual Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) meetings: Summer and winter. --Arrange location (City) and accommodations (meeting space) & refreshments & AV equipment --Coordinate travel & lodging for committee members --Prepare and distribute agenda and minutes of meeting within 20 days Maintain existing training materials --Coordinate reviews & updates annually through the QAC --Publication of revised training materials Printing manuals/Student handbooks Exams MS Powerpoint presentations CD or other electronic media Distribute revised training materials Warehouse materials for distribution Manage the development & review of new training materials --4 modules proposed --Coordinate training material reviews by the QAC --Publication of training materials Printing manuals/Student handbooks Exams MS PowerPoint presentations CD or other electronic media Distribute printed training materials Establish & Maintain a WAQTC Website (currently hosted by FHWA WFLHD) --Provide secure access for authorized users from member agencies to make changes and down load info. Downloadable Course Materials Exams --Qualification Database updated monthly --Meeting minutes and other general information of concern --Contact names of member agencies Represent the WAQTC at biannual meetings of the Transportation Curriculum Coordination Council (TCCC) Travel expenses associated with performing the duties described herein shall be included in the contract. The WAQTC will provide travel and per diem reimbursement only for activities authorized by the Executive Committee. TCCC Meetings Executive Committee Meetings QAC Meetings Guest Speaker Anticipated Benefits: · Development of additional training materials will based on the best available technology for all WAQTC agencies, thus reducing duplicate efforts of member states · WAQTC website will maintain up-to-date information on training programs, point of contact for each agency and offer the ability to access individual training records. · The QAC and consultant/contractor will develop ¿core¿ training manuals to be used by all participating WAQTC agencies · All training manuals will be accomplished by MS PowerPoint presentations to be used by all participating WAQTC agencies.

Asking for commitments and obligations of funds by current members of the WAQTC and invited nagencies to join.