About WAQTC
Background
The Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) was established in 1998.
There were two significant driving forces behind the development of the Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) qualification program.
In 1995, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) introduced the use of contractor test results in the acceptance decision if the results were validated by the DOTs. Also in 1995, the CFR included the requirement that, ‘After June 29, 2000, all sampling and testing data to be used in the acceptance decision or the IA program shall be executed by qualified sampling and testing personnel.’
This led to DOTs adopting quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) specifications. QC/QA specifications include qualification requirements for a contractor’s QC personnel. WAQTC was formed to meet this need for qualified technicians.
Consistent training and qualification increases the knowledge of laboratory, production, and field technicians, both industry and agency personnel, and the number of available, qualified testing technicians. It also reduces variability in test results. Regional qualification allows reciprocity among states and qualified technicians to cross state lines without needing to be requalified.
The WAQTC is comprised of DOTs of Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, and the Western and Central Federal Lands Highway Divisions (WFLHD and CFLHD) of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This organization is dedicated to improving the quality of the transportation products and services that we provide. The essence of the WAQTC is captured in the WAQTC Mission statement.
Mission Statement
Provide leadership in the pursuit of continuously improving quality in transportation construction.
Purpose
WAQTC is focused in three main areas: standardizing test methods (WAQTC, AASHTO, and ASTM), accreditation of the Transportation Technician Qualification Program (TTQP), and working together on national programs of significance including research, training, and technology deployment.
Governing Body
Executive Board – An Executive Board consisting of at least one representative of each member agency governs the WAQTC. The committee is responsible for the mission, objectives, structure, policy decisions, organizational direction, and other programs as may be undertaken in the future. Operational guidance for this committee can be found in the WAQTC Bylaws (Acrobat, 37 KB), Appendix A of the Administrative Manual.
Levels of Participation
- Contributing Member – An agency that contributes financially in support of the WAQTC. Such members have one vote in matters of general business of the WAQTC.
- Accredited Contributing Member – Agencies that have agreed to follow the standards of the TTQP accreditation program. Representatives shall have a single vote on all operational matters of the TTQP. Further guidelines can be found in the TTQP Operational Agreement (Acrobat, 60 KB), Appendix B of the Administrative Manual.
- Advisory Member – Additional members such as suppliers, producers, the construction industry, consultants, academia, or FHWA Division office staff.
- Guest – Non-Members attending by invitation.
2024 Accomplishments and Completed Items
2024 WAQTC Accomplishments and Completed Items
2023 Accomplishments and Completed Items
2023 WAQTC Accomplishments and Completed Items
2022 Accomplishments and Completed Items
2022 WAQTC Accomplishments and Completed Items
2021 Accomplishments and Completed Items
2021 WAQTC Accomplishments and Completed Items
2019 Accomplishments and Completed Items
2019 WAQTC Accomplishments and Completed Items
2018 Accomplishments and Completed Items
2018 WAQTC Accomplishments and Completed Items
Current Programs
The Transportation Technician Qualification Program (TTQP) is a proven training and qualification program that meets the requirements of AASHTO R 25, Standard Practice for Technician Training and Qualification Programs and The Code of Federal Regulations 637, Subpart B – Quality Assurance Procedures for Construction. The TTQP consists of instruction and certification in field materials testing procedures with qualification modules for Aggregate, Asphalt, Concrete, Embankment and Base, In-Place Density, and Self-Consolidating Concrete.
The WAQTC partnership is having a significant impact on transportation issues. The WAQTC has developed or revised materials practices and methods adopted by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Committee on Materials and Pavement as materials standards. WAQTC representatives are helping to shape the future of personnel training by serving as active participants on the AASHTO Technical Training Solutions. This organization joins four other regional training and qualification or certification groups, AASHTO Committee on Materials and Pavement, and the Federal Highway Administration, to provide national leadership in the development of a curriculum for the various disciplines of the transportation construction team. In addition, our members serve on a variety of other national and local committees and organizations as well as contribute on a daily basis to the continuous improvement of quality.
Get Involved with WAQTC
Join us in our mission to elevate the standards of transportation construction. Become a member, attend our events, or explore other opportunities to contribute.