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AASHTO R 44 – Standard Practice for Independent Assurance (IA) Programs

Independent Assurance (IA) is used in industry as an internal audit and review to support the accuracy of data and processes. In the highway industry it is the outgrowth of a report from the Congressional House Committee on Oversights and Investigations (“Blatnik Committee”) that requires State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to perform IA sampling and testing whenever federal funds are involved.

IA is an unbiased and independent assessment of all sampling, testing, and workmanship. This assessment includes evaluation of procedures and equipment used for the acceptance of highway materials and construction. 23 CFR Part 637 requires each state to have an IA Program. IA is used for verification of sampling procedures, testing procedures, and testing equipment.

IA is distinct from and not intended as an acceptance process or for use in verification of contractor sampling and testing results. IA is distinct from and not intended for quality control (QC) purposes. If IA results indicate a potential problem with quality, the results may be used to initiate additional testing.

This standard practice is applicable to design/build and warranty specifications as well as more conventional contracting methods. As a management principle, IA is a responsibility of the DOT that cannot be delegated to the contractor. (For example, contractors shall not hire their own IA inspectors or testers.)

IA is an essential tool that helps to ensure integrity within the quality assurance (QA) program. IA helps to prevent fraud and other criminal activities by evaluating sampling and testing procedures and competency. IA must be consistent throughout the agency. (It keeps the honest people honest by providing a level playing field for all contractors.)