AASHTO, CCRL, AMRL, COE, OPR… what do these acronyms have in common? Each is an organization or process in F&R's continuing commitment to quality. Whether it is our geotechnical, environmental, or materials testing services, the recommendations depend on the consistency and accuracy of measurable data. The measurements, in turn, depend on the methods, and our equipment and personnel. To assure the inter-related processes, the acronyms represent the organizations that F&R turns to.

Now what do they mean?

AASHTO: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
CCRL: Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory
AMRL: AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory
COE: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
OPR: F&R's Internal "Office and Peer Review" Program

F&R submits its laboratories to bi-annual inspections by the CCRL, AMRL, and the COE, including annual participation in reference sample programs. These inspections are a verification of equipment, methods, training and documentation.

Combined with F&R's "Quality System Manual", the resulting effort maintains F&R's accreditation by AASHTO and approval for work by the COE. These voluntary programs allow F&R to work with the U.S. Navy, State DOT's, the FAA, and the COE. Just as important, however, is the verification of quality processes on all projects and for all clients.

F&R's OPR program, in addition to ongoing internal quality assurance audits, actively monitors office procedures as they relate to our services. This review program is a random verification of the total process, from proposal to final report. These programs are voluntary and represent an annual direct cost expenditure in excess of $200,000. This amount does not include the hundreds of hours spent internally for preparation, continual training and monitoring. The costs, however, are minimal when compared to the benefit of knowing the validity and accuracy of our effort.

Those acronyms? To F&R, they are a commitment to quality service. To you, they are an assurance of that commitment.