Utility
Mapping Services Inc.
UMS SUE Capabilities
The intent of the SUE effort includes systematically obtaining and depicting comprehensive subsurface utility data for planning, design, utility coordination, and construction purposes. Acquisition and depiction of buried utilities is accomplished through designating and locating activities as directed by MDT and the designer using standardized methods set forth by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) subsurface utility engineering publications, American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE) CI/ASCE 38-02 standard guidelines and MDT CADD standards. The results of the SUE field investigation will be utilized for planning, design, utility coordination and construction bidding. With regard to utility coordination the contracted SUE firm is to conduct utility conflict workshops to complete Preliminary Utility Information Sheets (UIS). UIS completion includes the following activities for the subsurface utility engineer:
- Coordinate and conduct utility conflict identification
- Propose resolutions for utility conflicts through joint effort with the designer and utility owners
- Conduct utility conflict workshops to determine necessary utility relocates and negotiate resolutions
- Prepare utility relocation cost estimates
The SUE provider will assist in identifying impacts and beginning the Master Utility Agreement process for each of the utilities located within the project corridor.
The goal of the SUE project is ultimately to save the public money by reducing construction costs and downtime claims, utility damage, public disruption, and unnecessary relocates. Utilizing SUE as part of the design process is responsible engineering, as it transforms utility conflict scenarios from potentially nightmare-like construction situations to controlled engineering issues that can be resolved during design, well in advance of construction through concerted efforts involving the designer, utility coordinator, MDT and utility owner.
With the SUE data the designers and utility coordinators can:
- Mitigate conflicts by optimizing preliminary alignments and design specifications
- Perform value engineering to evaluate utility relocate costs verses protect-in-place schemes and alternative design options
- Accurately identify utilities likely to be relocated and derive engineering cost estimates for executing the relocates
- Initiate conflict resolution procedures with utility companies to ensure relocates are negotiated and coordinated to avoid impacting mainline construction activities
In addition, with the data obtained through the SUE investigation contractors can:
- Prepare tighter bids for their work as contingency costs for unknown utility issues will no longer be necessary
- Confidently, plan construction work amidst existing utilities
SUE also promotes utility owner support and cooperation, facilitating design and construction of a project and lessening the potential for litigious situations, a further benefit to the public.
Another goal achieved through utilizing a SUE firm is the transfer of risk associated with the acquisition and depiction of buried utilities toward the SUE firm in charge of this task. The responsibility for providing accurate buried utility data consequently weighs heavily upon the SUE firm; poor performance could result in contractor downtime claims, resulting in potential litigation and claims against the SUE provider’s professional errors and omissions insurance.
UMS is fully aware of the responsibilities, expertise, specific tasks, equipment, quality assurance measures, documentation, reporting and depiction standards required to systematically perform SUE in a productive, efficient, and correct manner. The methodology proposed for this project has evolved from years of experience with successfully completed SUE contracts performed across the country.
UMS QA/QC Program consists of the following related components:
- Assignment of Responsibilities – Only UMS principals have the responsibility and authority to implement and modify the QA/QC Program. Roles and authorities are clearly defined. Staff members at all levels have responsibilities under the program.
- Training and Development – Staff and technician level personnel are trained in operations and continuously mentored by senior personnel.
- Written Policies and Guidance – UMS maintains standard operating procedures for regular SUE Phase I Designating and Phase II Locating work activities.
- Client Service Surveys and Interviews - Project meetings and client feedback interviews are a part of routine communications with UMS clients.
- Quality Assurance Audits – UMS offices and projects are subject to unannounced internal audits to assure project procedures including QA/QC review are followed.
- Work Process Analysis - Efforts to introduce new technology and simplify work processes, while maintaining high quality standards, are ongoing.
A Project Manager is assigned to each project and has line management responsibility and authority to affirm all facets of SUE operations are conducted in accordance with guidelines and standards as established by UMS, Mn/DOT, FHWA, and ASCE. In addition, each field and office component of the SUE investigation is required to perform specific QA/QC actions.