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Specifications and Estimates
Question 1: What is the Qualified Products List (QPL) and where can it be found?
The QPL is an inventory of products that have been submitted, reviewed and found to meet the QPL acceptance criteria for that particular product as defined in Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) specifications, standards or other specified criteria (#12 below). If you need help navigating this list, see # 5 below. The QPL can be found at this link:
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/SpecificationsOffice/ProductEvaluation/QPL/QPLIndex.shtm
Question 2: What is the Approved Products List (APL) and where can it be found?
This is the list of the Department's approved Official Traffic Control Signal Devices (and related ancillary equipment or materials) used during the construction and/or maintenance of a signalized intersection. This list is maintained by the Traffic Engineering and Operations Office. The APL can be found at this link:
http://www3.dot.state.fl.us/trafficcontrolproducts/
Question 3: What is the process for listing products on the QPL?
Applicants wishing to have a product reviewed for placement on the QPL must summit an application accompanied by any documentation as defined in Florida Department of Transportation Specification, Standards or other specified criteria (see # 12 below) associated with that product. This is not for NEW products as described in # 8 below. Additional testing documentation must be from an independent source. The application and a flow chart for this process can be found at this link:http://www.dot.state.fl.us/specificationsoffice/ProductEvaluation/QPL/SubmittalProcess.shtm
Question 4: What is the process for RE-QUALIFICATION of products that are currently on the QPL?
Products listed on the QPL are required to be re-qualified based on the original approval date (see # 7 below). This re-qualification exercise involves a minimum requirement of a NOTARIZED letter stating that no changes, unless approved by the Department, have been made to the product since it was originally approved or last re-qualified. This means ANY changes. Failure to fulfill this obligation will result in deletion from the QPL. Other re-qualification criteria may be required depending on the type product. Samples of products for re-qualification should NOT be sent to the Product Evaluation Office unless requested. Samples to be sent to our State Materials Office must use the packing slip found at this link:
Re-qualification criteria for products listed on the QPL can be found at the following link:
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/specificationsoffice/ProductEvaluation/QPL/ProEvalReqOther.shtm
Question 5: How are the products listed on the QPL (or how do I find one)?
The products are listed by specification, product then type. An example of this is would be epoxies. Clicking on the type will produce the list of approved products of this particular type.
Question 6: What is a CONDITIONAL APPROVAL?
Some products are to be tested and meet specification requirements for a lengthy period of time (2-5 years) on a Test Deck before approval. A conditional approval is an avenue for products to be placed on the QPL before the time required by specification. Depending on the type of product, after initial test recordings are made meeting requirements, conditional approval may be given. This conditional approval allows for a conditional warranty between the Department and the manufacturer that allows the manufacturer to sell their product. It warrants the product until final testing and approval with the manufacturer's promise to replace all product sold if it fails on the test deck, within the allotted time frame, at the manufacturer's expense.
Question 7: What do the terms COMMENTS and LIMITATIONS mean on the QPL?
The comments and limitations found on the QPL are additional usage or conditions based on specification changes, testing, size, color, etc. An example of this would be an ADA Detectable Warning Mat that was submitted for review for placement on the QPL for the color yellow only. That contractor cannot use red or black mats made by this manufacturer on sidewalks where QPL products are required. Changes to specifications can sometimes create a temporary limitation for letting and use. An example of this is more stringent design characteristics on steel lighting structures. A Highmast Light Pole approved in June of 2006 cannot be used on lettings after January 2008 due to changes in the Department’s Design Standards calling out for higher wind speed requirements.
Question 8: What is a NEW PRODUCT and what is the process for submitting an application?
A NEW product is a product not called for by a specification or the Design Standards Index. Generally this type product is new technology that has not been reviewed for use by the Department. A technical expert will review the application and give a recommendation as to the use, if any, for the Department. The application can be found at this link:
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/specificationsoffice/ProductEvaluation/QPL/ProEvalNewProduct.shtm
Question 9: What are QUALIFIED MATERIAL/PRODUCERS?
These are manufacturers that produce materials, commonly used by the Department, that are required by FDOT specifications to have a Quality Control (QC) program in place that has been approved/accepted and monitored by the State Materials Office. This list is updated once every 24 hours and can be found at the following link:
Question 10: What are CONSTRUCTION (DCE memos)/MATERIALS Bulletins?
These are memos generated by the Construction or Materials sections of the FDOT that address modifications made to current specifications or policy. These lists can be found at the following links:
Materials Bulletins:http://www.dot.state.fl.us/statematerialsoffice/
Materials Bulletins:http://www.dot.state.fl.us/construction/memos/Current_Memo/CurrentMemos.shtm
Question 11: What are FLORIDA METHODS (FSTM)?
Florida Sampling and Test Methods (FSTMs) are methods created by the State Materials office for sampling and testing materials. The test methods are somewhat unique and are intended to address performance issues meeting the Department’s needs (corrosion, UV exposure, etc.). Some of the products submitted for review for listing on the QPL will have to present documentation of this testing as required by the specification they are submitted under. They can be found at the following link:
Question 12: What are "STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS and IMPLEMENTED MODIFICATIONS"?
This is the compilation of regulations, methods and specifications covering all aspects for new road and bridge construction done for or by the Department. Click on the title to view the standard specification. Please, when looking up a specification, click on the supplemental “Squiggly” for the latest implemented modification to the specification being researched.
A hard bound copy of this publication can be purchased at this link:
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/mapsandpublications/
An electronic version of this book can be found at the following link:
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/specificationsoffice/Implemented/SpecBooks/2010BK.shtm
The current Workbook with the latest implemented modifications can be found at this link:
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/Specificationsoffice/Implemented/WorkBooks/Default.shtm
An archived list of previous Workbooks can be found at this link:
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/specificationsoffice/Implemented/Archives.shtm
The Department's Design Standards and Structures Manual can be found at this link:
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/structures/
Question 13: What is an ALLEDGED DEFICIENCY?
An alleged deficiency is an apparent failure of a product listed on the QPL to perform as required. Any such failure should be reported to the Product Evaluation Office immediately using the Notification of Alleged Deficiency form. This form can be found at this link:
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/specificationsoffice/ProductEvaluation/QPL/AlledgedDeficiencyForm.doc
