CERP GUIDANCE MEMORANDA and SOPs for the Quality Assurance Oversight Team (QAOT)

Overview The Quality Assurance Oversight Team (QAOT) is responsible for providing guidance on, and evaluating the implementation of, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) Quality Systems through the Quality Assurance Systems Requirements (QASR) and CERP Guidance Memorandum (CGMs). This responsibility includes developing and providing guidance on procedures, QA/QC requirements and data validation for CERP monitoring activities. The QAOT is the forum to develop consistency regarding data quality and QA/QC processes among the various entities involved with hydrological, meteorological, water quality, and biological monitoring activities for CERP. Purpose This memorandum provides guidance to the staff of the Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), members of the Program [including REstoration, COordination, and VERification (RECOVER)] and Project Delivery Teams (PDTs) on the establishment and administration of a Quality Assurance (QA)/Quality Control (QC) and Data Validation program for Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) environmental data. In addition to providing guidance, other responsibilities of the QAOT include: Develop and implement data review criteria and quality assessment procedures. Standardize electronic data deliverables. Establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) when they do not exist. Oversee the approval process for alternative procedures for sampling and analysis as described in the QASR. Implement a QA audit program for CERP monitoring activities. Oversee the laboratory and field comparison studies program to assess consistency and comparability among agencies involved in CERP monitoring activities. Produce a QA report on CERP monitoring activities on a biennial basis, evaluating whether the QASR is being implemented by CERP projects and programs and/or their contractors. Review and provide guidance in the development of QA/QC procedures in Scopes of Work and Monitoring Plans for CERP projects and programs. Review program and project-level monitoring plans and scopes of work to ensure all required QA/QC protocols are addressed. Familiarize Project Delivery Teams (PDTs) and programs (such as RECOVER) with the requirements of the QASR. Provide guidance, if requested, for data quality objectives to PDTs and programs. Coordinate and/or Facilitate Relevant Workshops, Meetings and Coordination Activities Prepare and Update the Program Management Plan Provide a Link between QAOT and DCT QAOT Document Control QASR Preparation and Updates CGM Development and Updates Related to QAOT