Preparing for a USACE construction project requires more than having workers and equipment ready for mobilization. Contractors must also prepare their quality control program, safety procedures, documentation, project staff, and contract administration systems.

In 2026, contractors should pay particular attention to Contractor Quality Control (CQC), Construction Quality Management (CQM), EM 385-1-1 requirements, qualified QCM and SSHO staffing, and RMS 3.0. USACE is also preparing for the transition to its new Construction Management Platform (CMP), making it important for contractors to stay current with project management requirements.

Proper preparation can help reduce delays, improve communication, and keep construction activities aligned with contract requirements.

1. Review the Contract Requirements

The first step is to thoroughly review the contract documents before mobilization.

Your project team should understand the drawings, specifications, schedules, clauses, submittal requirements, and quality control provisions.

Pay close attention to requirements involving:

• Contractor Quality Control
• Quality Control Manager qualifications
• Site safety requirements
• Submittals
• Requests for Information (RFIs)
• Inspections and testing
• Three-Phase Control
• Daily reporting
• Progress payments
• Project schedules
• Record documentation

Understanding these requirements early gives your team time to address potential issues before construction begins.

2. Confirm Your QCM and QC Team

Qualified personnel are essential to a successful USACE construction project.

Contractors should confirm that their Quality Control Manager meets the qualifications and experience requirements specified in the contract.

The QC team should also understand its responsibilities for:

• Daily QC documentation
• Preparatory meetings
• Initial inspections
• Follow-up inspections
• Submittals
• Testing
• Deficiency tracking
• RFIs
• Subcontractor coordination
• Communication with the government QA team

Staffing these positions early gives the team more time to review project requirements and prepare for mobilization.

3. Prepare for Three-Phase Control

The Three-Phase Control System is an important part of USACE quality management.

The three phases are:

• Preparatory Phase
• Initial Phase
• Follow-Up Phase

The preparatory phase allows the team to review the requirements before work begins. This includes materials, workmanship, testing, safety considerations, and other project-specific requirements.

The initial phase confirms that the work starts correctly and meets the established requirements.

The follow-up phase ensures that acceptable quality continues throughout the construction activity.

A well-managed Three-Phase Control process can help identify problems early and reduce costly rework.

4. Review EM 385-1-1 Safety Requirements

Quality control is only one part of project preparation.

Contractors must also establish a strong safety program that addresses applicable EM 385-1-1 requirements.

Before mobilization, review requirements involving:

• Activity Hazard Analyses
• Site safety inspections
• Employee training
• Competent and qualified persons
• Fall protection
• Personal protective equipment
• Site-specific safety requirements
• Accident prevention procedures
• Safety documentation

The QCM and SSHO should also communicate regularly. Quality and safety issues can affect productivity, inspections, scheduling, and overall project performance.

5. Organize Project Documentation

Documentation plays a major role in federal construction.

Before work begins, establish a clear process for managing project records.

This may include:

• Daily reports
• Inspection records
• Testing records
• Submittals
• RFIs
• Deficiency reports
• Meeting minutes
• Progress documentation
• Project photographs
• Schedules
• Quality control records

Good documentation creates a reliable record of project activities and helps the team demonstrate compliance with contract requirements.

6. Prepare for RMS 3.0

Contractors working on USACE projects should ensure their project personnel understand RMS 3.0 and the functions required for their contracts.

RMS supports important construction management activities, including quality control, submittals, schedules, reports, and other contract administration functions.

Project personnel should be comfortable using the system before construction activity increases.

USACE Construction Management Is Evolving

Contractors should also be aware of the upcoming transition to the Construction Management Platform (CMP).

USACE has announced plans for CMP to launch in 2027 and replace the current RMS system.

For contractors, this makes it important to stay informed about future system requirements while continuing to use the systems required for current projects.

7. Coordinate Before Mobilization

A successful project starts with preparation—not when the first worker arrives on site.

Before mobilization, make sure the project team understands:

• Who manages quality control
• Who manages site safety
• Which activities require inspections
• When preparatory meetings are required
• What documentation must be submitted
• How deficiencies will be corrected
• How RFIs will be managed
• How subcontractors participate in QC
• What the project schedule requires

Early coordination helps reduce confusion once field operations begin.

8. Start Staffing Early

Contractors should avoid waiting until the last minute to find qualified construction personnel.

A USACE construction project may require personnel with specific qualifications, certifications, federal construction experience, or project-specific experience.

Depending on the contract, this may include:

• Quality Control Managers
• Site Safety and Health Officers
• Construction Superintendents
• QC Engineers
• Safety professionals

Starting the staffing process early gives contractors more time to identify qualified candidates and complete the required project onboarding.

9. Build a Strong Pre-Mobilization Checklist USACE Construction Project

Before mobilizing to the project site, conduct a final readiness review.

Your team should confirm:

• Contract requirements have been reviewed
• Required personnel are assigned
• QC responsibilities are understood
• Safety requirements are addressed
• Submittals are organized
• Required training is complete
• Inspection procedures are established
• Documentation procedures are ready
• Project schedules are coordinated
• RMS requirements are understood
• Subcontractors are prepared

This final review can help identify gaps before they affect field operations.