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"We think it’s a good value because the audit, the recognition and the hands-on real time demonstrations that you get from their people. They are good at putting techs at ease."

Bowser-Morner, Inc.

Jim Fletcher, Vice President, Director of Laboratory Services Construction Services Division

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DSA Special Inspection Program (SIP)

In collaboration with the California Division of the State Architect (DSA), we offer an evaluation program for laboratories providing special inspection and/or structural testing services to the DSA. The Special Inspection Program (SIP) is specifically for laboratories seeking to meet or maintain DSA’s Laboratory Evaluation and Acceptance (LEA) program requirements. 

Assessment Scope

The SIP assessment, or audit, applies to laboratories performing the following Special Inspection (SI) and Structural Testing (ST) disciplines for DSA’s Laboratory Evaluation and Acceptance (LEA) Program:

  • Batch Plant (SI)
  • High-Strength Bolting (SI)
  • Nondestructive Testing (ST)
  • Post-Installed Anchors (SI)
  • Post-Installed Anchors (ST)
  • Prestressed Concrete (SI)
  • Reinforced Concrete (SI)
  • Shotcrete (SI)
  • Soil and Earthwork (SI)
  • Spray Applied Fireproofing (SI)
  • Structural Masonry (SI)
  • Structural Welding (SI)

Laboratory-related structural testing disciplines are not included in the scope of the DSA Special Inspection Program.

Assessment Criteria

The SIP assessment criteria are based on requirements specified in the following:

  • The 2025 California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 24:
    • Part 1 (California Administrative Code).
    • Part 2 (California Building Code).
  • DSA Interpretation of Regulations (IR) located on DSA’s Publications webpage.
    • IR 17-1, Special Inspection Program (SIP) provides technical requirements and guidance for special inspection and structural testing laboratories.
  • ASTM E329 (Standard Specification for Agencies Engaged in Construction Inspection, Testing, or Special Inspection)
  • Other criteria as specified by the LEA Program.

Participation in the SIP

Effective July 1, 2024, all laboratories seeking DSA acceptance or currently accepted in the DSA LEA program that perform special inspection and/or structural testing for any of the disciplines listed in the scope are required to participate in the SIP assessment.

Effective July 1, 2026, a remote assessment format will be offered for SIP evaluations.

Remote Assessment Process


Notification and Preparation
Laboratories will receive notification of their upcoming assessment and be provided with a one-month preparation period. New laboratories shall apply for DSA LEA prior to receiving a SIP assessment.

During this time, an AASHTO re:source representative will contact the laboratory and an initial email will then be sent to the laboratory’s primary contact, SIP contact, and engineering manager requesting completion of the following items:
  • Review and update all applicable documents in DSA Box
  • Complete and sign the intake form
  • Provide written consent to initiate the remote audit request
The fee for each remote assessment is $500.

Performing the Remote Assessment
Following the conclusion of the one-month preparation period, an AASHTO re:source assessor will complete the assessment remotely using the information provided on the intake form and the documentation uploaded to DSA Box. Assessors will evaluate the laboratory for conformance to the SIP program requirements associated with the applicable disciplines, including:
  • quality management system documentation
  • personnel qualifications and records
  • availability of field equipment and related calibration or verification records
  • special inspection and structural testing procedures/field practices

After the Remote Assessment

  • Results of the SIP assessment will be included in the final report.
  • All responses and corrective actions related to the SIP assessment shall be submitted directly to DSA for review and acceptance.

AASHTO Accreditation and DSA Laboratory Acceptance

  • The SIP assessment does not result in formal AASHTO Accreditation, however, participation in the SIP is required to meet the criteria established by the DSA LEA.
  • All decisions regarding laboratory acceptance will be made solely by the DSA and not AASHTO re:source or the AASHTO Accreditation Program (AAP).

For questions regarding scheduling a SIP remote assessment, please contact LAP@aashtoresource.org.

For questions regarding DSA LEA program administration, the SIP evaluation process or requirements, please email DSALEAProgram@DGS.CA.Gov or reach out directly to the LEA Program at (916) 445-2193.

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