The Construction Quality Partnership (CQP) was initiated by industry, in partnership with Michigan Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, County Road Association of Michigan and Michigan Municipal League, for the purpose of improving quality by training and certifying all individuals, agencies and companies who are involved in the design and construction of the transportation system in Michigan. Association partners are the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, Michigan Concrete Paving Association, Asphalt Paving Association of Michigan, Michigan Road Preservation Association and American Council of Engineering Companies-Michigan Chapter.

MDOT will be letting six pilot projects with CQP Training Requirements in 2007, including one CPM project each for HMA crack treatment, chip seal and micro surfacing. Project specific training for the MDOT and contractor personnel that will be working on the project will be required prior to the start of construction.

The Michigan Department of Transportation in cooperation with MRPA will be presenting a December 12 CQP Seminar for CPM Pavement Seal contractors. This program is for the owners and superintendents from the contractor companies and will include: (1) an overview of the Construction Quality Partnership program (2) CQP training on quality control plans and industry best practices and (3) details on the additional CQP training requirements of the 2007 pilot projects for CPM pavement seal treatments. For details contact Jim Murner of MRPA 517.347.6833 or jim@murner.biz.

MRPA, the other paving and bridge contractor associations and ACEC meet on a quarterly basis with MDOT Director Kirk Steudle and his Executive Staff to discuss major issues, such as the Department's new warranty policy, MDOT's Strategic Plan, etc. At the April 27 meeting newly appointed Director Steudle gave the industry his perspective on how the Department will operate under his leadership. The next meeting of this group is scheduled for October 11. MRPA also meets at least annually with Director Steudle to discuss specific issues relating to the CPM Program Pavement Seal Group.

In April the Association's Strategic Planning Task Force completed the new MRPA Strategic Plan for 2006-09. This plan includes a new goal for certification of CPM Pavement Seal contractors, expansion of the Association's education programs and an increase in promotion to Michigan Transportation agencies. MRPA's goals also include active recruitment of non-members and continuing its efforts to develop quality specifications and promote funding for the MDOT CPM Program.

MRPA has quarterly partnering meetings with the MDOT C & T staff and Region Engineer representatives to discuss specifications, technical and other CPM Program issues and ideas. Highlights of the August 7 meeting included changes in the special provisions of the pavement seal treatments for 2007, alternates for the use of truck-mounted attenuator trucks and the pending new special provision for the use of cones on CPM Projects. The next partnering meeting is scheduled for December 11th.