Quality Assurance and Material Testing Program – Cook County, Illinois

The Quality Assurance and Material Testing (QAMT) Program at Chicago’s two primary airports represents a comprehensive construction oversight initiative focused on maintaining the highest standards of quality, compliance, and performance. As ongoing capital improvements and infrastructure upgrades take place, strict adherence to technical specifications and regulatory requirements is essential to ensuring long-term durability and operational reliability.

This program provides independent verification, materials testing, inspection services, and survey oversight to confirm that construction activities meet established standards. Through structured quality control processes and detailed documentation, the initiative supports safe, compliant, and efficient project delivery across both airport campuses under the direction of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA).

Delivering Independent Assurance and QA/QC Oversight
DB Sterlin serves as a contractor under the OMMAP program, performing survey work to assess existing site conditions prior to and during construction. Services include independent assurance (IA) of construction layouts and as-built documentation as requested by CDA.

Field verification activities include review and confirmation of subgrades, frost protection systems, asphalt and concrete pavements, underground utilities, and structural elements. All work is conducted in accordance with contract technical specifications, construction drawings, and CDA standards.

As an independent assurance contractor, DB Sterlin evaluates project plans and specifications to confirm compliance with applicable codes and requirements. The team conducts regular inspections, performs quality assurance testing, and audits contractor survey procedures to validate accuracy and methodology.

Comprehensive reporting documents findings, verifies adherence to QA/QC standards, and provides recommendations for corrective actions when necessary. This structured oversight ensures that construction activities align with approved plans and performance criteria.

Supporting Capital Improvements at O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport
The QAMT Program supports large-scale construction projects managed by CDA at both airport facilities. Work includes materials and field testing, inspection services, survey layout, and audit reviews of contractor survey personnel and procedures.

The consultant team collaborates with the Program Management Office (PMO) to review and refine QA/QC and survey protocols, establish final construction quality requirements, and maintain documentation of the overall quality management process.

Responsibilities include:

• Materials and field-testing coordination
• Construction inspection and verification
• Independent assurance of layouts and as-built surveys
• Audit and review of contractor survey methods
• Establishment and documentation of QA/QC procedures
• Survey support as requested by CDA and the PMO

Through these services, the program strengthens construction accountability and reinforces compliance across all phases of work.

Advancing Construction Quality and Compliance
By combining independent oversight, technical review, materials verification, and survey validation, DB Sterlin helps safeguard the integrity of aviation infrastructure projects across Chicago’s airport system. The QAMT Program enhances transparency, minimizes construction risk, and ensures that improvements are delivered in full compliance with contractual and regulatory standards.

This commitment to rigorous quality assurance supports safe, resilient, and high-performing airport facilities that serve millions of travelers each year.