Materials Competency Matrices

Core Curriculum Matrix Development

NOTE: The Materials Competency matrices are designed to be used in combination with the Safety and Employee Development matrices.

Subject Areas:

Soils Testing
Aggregates
Treated & Untreated Bases
HMA Field Testing (Virgin Mix &/or RAP)
Recycling: Field In-Place (Hot or Cold)
HMA Production & QA Labs (Including Mix Design)
Cementitious Material (Low Density Fill, Shotcrete and Other Cementitious Materials)
PCC Pavement Field Testing
PCC Bridges & Minor Structures
PCC Production & QA Labs
Miscellaneous
Quality Assurance
Geotechnical Testing

Soils Testing

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Bulk Disturbed Sampling	Assists in obtaining sample	Performs sampling techniques in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards
Bulk Disturbed Sampling	Assists in preparing samples	Reduces samples in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards
Moisture-Density Relationship for Fine Soils	Prepares material for testing in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM test methods	Performs testing in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM test methods	Makes recommendations to project personnel to adjust jobsite processes based on varying moisture conditions	Performs as QC/QA program manager responsible for jobsite quality of work
Moisture-Density Relationship for Fine Soils		Conducts QC or QA testing		Authorizes corrective action when required on a jobsite specific basis
Moisture-Density Relationship for Coarse Soils	Prepares material for testing in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM test methods	Performs testing in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM test methods	Makes recommendations to project personnel to adjust jobsite processes based on varying moisture conditions	Performs as QC/QA program manager responsible for jobsite quality of work
Moisture-Density Relationship for Coarse Soils		Conducts QC or QA testing		Authorizes corrective action when required on a jobsite specific basis
Geotechnical Exploration, Sampling & In-Situ Testing		Determines water levels in borings	Operates drilling equipment without supervision	Authorizes corrective action when required on a jobsite specific basis
		Operates drilling equipment under direct supervision	Reads plans	Supervises standard subsurface exploration boring, coring, sampling, visual description and logging crew operations
		Assists in performing basic subsurface exploration crew soil boring, coring, sampling tasks	Locates borings	Performs specialized geotechnical field and insitu testing
			Performs standard subsurface exploration boring, coring, disturbed and undisturbed sampling, SPT, visual description/field classification and logging tasks and proper sample storage/transport	Installs specialized instrumentation (e.g. vibrating wire piezometers, pressure transducer piezometers, tiltmeters, etc.)
			Installs common (e.g. stand pipe piezometers, screened wells, inclinometers) instrumentation
Documentation	Selects correct sample forms and test reports for type of material to be tested	Completes sample forms and test reports	Interprets completed documentation	Conducts trends analyses of all test results on a program basis
	Assists in completing documentation	Collects preliminary sample data as required by test method	Documents corrective action based on an individual test result	Documents corrective actions at a program level
		Performs mathematical calculations	Checks documentation for accuracy
		Submits test results for review	Enters data into a statistical program

Aggregates

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Sampling	Determines aggregate size	Performs Proper Sampling Techniques in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards	Conducts visual inspections of stockpiles for contamination	Makes recommendations for corrective action
	Identifies the different methods for building stockpiles	Reduces samples in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards	Ensures proper stockpiling practices	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
	Explains what is meant by a "designated stockpile"	Reduces samples in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards	Ensures proper stockpiling practices
Field Testing	Identifies the different types of field sampling equipment and how it is used	Performs testing in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM Test Methods	Interprets test methods and test results	Interprets data
Field Testing	Procures test samples in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards		Determines corrective action based on an individual test result	Makes recommendations for corrective action
Lab Testing	Recognizes the AASHTO/ASTM Standards relevant to laboratory testing	Performs testing in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM Test Methods	Interprets test methods and test results	Interprets data
Lab Testing	Recognizes the different types of laboratory testing equipment and how it is used		Determines correct steps to take based on the test results and as required by test method to address problems	Makes recommendations for corrective action
Documentation	Selects correct sample forms and test reports for type of material to be tested	Completes sample forms and test reports	Interprets completed documentation	Conducts trends analyses of all test results on a program basis
	Assists in completing documentation	Collects preliminary sample data as required by test method	Documents corrective action based on an individual test result	Documents corrective actions at a program level
		Performs mathematical calculations	Checks documentation for accuracy
		Submits test results for review	Enters data into a statistical program

Treated & Untreated Bases

Untreated Bases are bases in which only the addition of water has been made to the original material. Treated bases can have the addition of cement, lime, calcium chloride, etc. to control moisture, aid in compaction, etc.

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Sampling/ Testing	Determines aggregate size	Performs Proper Sampling Techniques in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards	Conducts visual inspections of stockpiles for contamination	Makes recommendations for corrective action
	Identifies the different methods for building stockpiles	Reduces samples in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards	Ensures proper stockpiling practices	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
	Explains what is meant by a "designated stockpile"	Reduces samples in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards	Ensures proper stockpiling practices
Field Testing	Identifies the different types of field sampling equipment and how it is used	Performs testing in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM Test Methods	Interprets test methods and test results	Interprets data
Field Testing	Procures test samples in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards		Determines corrective action based on an individual test result	Makes recommendations for corrective action
Lab Testing	Recognizes the AASHTO/ASTM Standards relevant to laboratory testing	Performs testing in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM Test Methods	Interprets test methods and test results	Interprets data
Lab Testing	Recognizes the different types of laboratory testing equipment and how it is used		Determines correct steps to take based on the test results) and as required by test method to address problems	Makes recommendations for corrective action
Mix Design	Recognizes basic mix design development	Explains how varying the percentage of components in a mix design affects the overall performance of that mix design	Designs and approves basic mix designs	Reviews, adjusts and approves changes to a mix design
Mix Design	Recognizes basic mix design development	Performs preliminary mix design testing in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards	Designs and approves basic mix designs	Reviews, adjusts and approves changes to a mix design
Documentation	Selects correct sample forms and test reports for type of material to be tested	Completes sample forms and test reports	Interprets completed documentation	Conducts trends analyses of all test results on a program basis
	Assists in completing documentation	Collects preliminary sample data as required by test method	Documents corrective action based on an individual test result	Documents corrective actions at a program level
		Performs mathematical calculations	Checks documentation for accuracy
		Submits test results for review	Enters data into a statistical program

HMA Field Testing (Virgin Mix &/or RAP)

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Sampling/ Testing	Explains proper sampling techniques	Procures representative samples from continuous production at the point of placement in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards	Determines corrective action based on an individual test results	Makes recommendations for corrective action
	Identifies equipment used to procure representative field samples	Performs field tests as required in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards		Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
	Assists in the conduct of sampling and testing activities
Asphalt Binder Testing	Assists in sampling and testing	Performs binder sampling and testing procedures in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards	Performs equipment maintenance, calibration and setup	Takes action to suspend producer QC Plan for deficient materials
Asphalt Binder Testing	Assists in sampling and testing		Determines corrective action based on an individual test results	Makes recommendations for remediation of binder problems for project use
Documentation	Selects correct sample forms and test reports for type of material to be tested	Completes sample forms and test reports	Interprets completed documentation	Conducts trends analyses of all test results on a program basis
	Assists in completing documentation	Collects preliminary sample data as required by test method	Documents corrective action based on an individual test result	Documents corrective actions at a program level
		Performs mathematical calculations	Checks documentation for accuracy
		Submits test results for review	Enters data into a statistical program

Recycling: Field In-Place (Hot or Cold)

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Sampling/Testing	Explains proper sampling techniques	Procures representative samples from continuous production at the point of placement in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards	Determines corrective action based on an individual test results	Makes recommendations for corrective action
	Identifies equipment used to procure representative field samples	Performs field tests as required in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards		Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
	Assists in performing sampling and testing of In-Place Recycling of HMA
Documentation	Selects correct sample forms and test reports for type of material to be tested	Completes sample forms and test reports	Interprets completed documentation	Conducts trends analyses of all test results on a program basis
	Assists in completing documentation	Collects preliminary sample data as required by test method	Documents corrective action based on an individual test result	Documents corrective actions at a program level
		Performs mathematical calculations	Checks documentation for accuracy
		Submits test results for review	Enters data into a statistical program

HMA Production & QA Labs (Including Mix Design)

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Sampling/Testing	Assists in performing QC/QA tests in the laboratory and on the project	Performs sampling and testing of PCC samples in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards	Determines correct steps to take based on the test result(s) and as required by test method to address problems	Makes recommendations for corrective action
	Identifies the different types of lab equipment and how each is used	Calibrates/inspects equipment	Compares QA results against Producer's QC results	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
	Recognizes if the appropriate sampling and testing techniques are used	Applies proper lab testing techniques	Makes recommendations to correct Project or Production Facility problems
		Performs basic mathematical calculations	Interprets test methods and test results
		Reports out test results	Interprets test methods and test results
HMA Mix Design	Recognizes basic mix design development	Performs preliminary mix design testing	Designs and approves basic mix designs	Reviews, adjusts and approves mix designs
HMA Mix Design	Recognizes basic mix design development	Explains basic mix design development and how varying the percentage of components in a mix affects the overall performance of that mix design	Designs and approves basic mix designs	Reviews, adjusts and approves mix designs
Asphalt Binder Testing	Assists in sample preparation for testing	Performs binder test procedures in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards	Performs equipment calibration, set-up and maintenance	Takes action to suspend producer QC plan for deficient materials
Asphalt Binder Testing	Assists in sample preparation for testing		Reviews test results for acceptance or corrective action	Makes recommendations for remediation of binder problems for project use
Mix Verification	Recognizes basic mix design development	Performs checks of a production facility's mix designs by running laboratory or field mixes to verify mix properties	Designs and approves mix designs	Reviews, adjusts and approves mix designs
	Recognizes basic components of PCC Mix Designs	Checks submitted mixes for accuracy	Compares QA results against producer's QC results
			Assesses results and takes action to correct processes to meet applicable standards
			Determines correct steps to take based on verification tests to address problem
			Makes recommendations to correct those problems on a project or production facility basis
Documentation	Selects correct sample forms and test reports for type of material to be tested	Completes sample forms and test reports	Interprets completed documentation	Conducts trends analyses of all test results on a program basis
	Assists in completing documentation	Collects preliminary sample data as required by test method	Documents corrective action based on an individual test result	Documents corrective actions at a program level
		Performs mathematical calculations	Checks documentation for accuracy
		Submits test results for review	Enters data into a statistical program

Cementitious Material (Low Density Fill, Shotcrete and Other Cementitious Materials)

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Sampling/Testing	Identifies proper sampling techniques and equipment used to procure representative field samples related to low density fill and shotcrete	Procures representative samples at job site in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards	Determines corrective action based on an individual test results	Makes recommendations for corrective action
	Assists in performing sampling and testing	Performs field tests in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards		Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
	Identifies products from Qualified Products List (QPL)	Determines need to perform additional testing to verify tests not meeting specifications
Documentation	Selects correct sample forms and test reports for type of material to be tested	Completes sample forms and test reports	Interprets completed documentation	Conducts trends analyses of all test results on a program basis
	Assists in completing documentation	Collects preliminary sample data as required by test method	Documents corrective action based on an individual test result	Documents corrective actions at a program level
		Performs mathematical calculations	Checks documentation for accuracy
		Submits test results for review	Enters data into a statistical program

PCC Pavement Field Testing

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Concrete Delivery	Checks delivery tickets for correct concrete mix and assists in inspecting delivery vehicle that all gauges are in working condition e.g., water, revolution counter	Rejects loads not meeting specification requirements	Recommends corrective action based on individual test results	Determines corrective actions at a program level
Concrete Delivery		Rejects loads not meeting specification requirements		Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
Sampling/Testing	Explains proper sampling and testing techniques relevant to components of PCC	Procures representative samples from continuous production at the point of placement in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards	Determines corrective action based on an individual test results	Documents and follows-up on corrective actions
	Assists in the conduct of sampling and testing activities	Conducts field tests		Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
	Assists in the conduct of sampling and testing activities	Inspects equipment
Smoothness	Assists in laying out roadway sections to be measured for smoothness	Monitors work	Recommends corrective action based on visual inspection and results of smoothness tests	Elevates smoothness problems to the attention of Engineer, QC Manager or IA Team
			Interprets printouts of smoothness readings	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
			Calculates pay factors for incentive/disincentive where appropriate
Documentation	Selects correct sample forms and test reports for type of material to be tested	Completes sample forms and test reports	Interprets completed documentation	Conducts trends analyses of all test results on a program basis
	Assists in completing documentation	Collects preliminary sample data as required by test method	Documents corrective action based on an individual test result	Documents corrective actions at a program level
		Performs mathematical calculations	Checks documentation for accuracy
		Submits test results for review	Enters data into a statistical program

PCC Bridges & Minor Structures

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Concrete Delivery	Checks delivery tickets for correct concrete mix and assists in inspecting delivery vehicle that all gauges are in working condition e.g., water, revolution counter	Rejects loads not meeting specification requirements	Recommends corrective action based on individual test results	Determines corrective actions at a program level
Concrete Delivery		Rejects loads not meeting specification requirements		Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
Sampling/Testing	Explains sampling & testing techniques relevant to components of PCC Mix Designs as specified by appropriate test methods	Collects samples of mix components in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards	Interprets results of tests on components of mix design	Determines corrective actions at a program level
	Identifies proper sampling techniques and equipment used to procure representative field samples related to PCC for field structures	Tests samples of mix components in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards	Determines corrective action based on an individual test results	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
	Assists in performing QC or QA tests for delivered concrete	Procures representative samples from continuous production at the point of placement in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards	Performs QC or QA tests in accordance with specifications
	Assists in performing QC or QA tests for delivered concrete	Performs field tests for quality assurance program using AASHTO/ASTM standards	Performs QC or QA tests in accordance with specifications
Smoothness (Bridge Decks)	Assists in laying out deck sections to be measured for smoothness	Observes or performs smoothness testing	Recommends corrective action based on visual inspection and results of smoothness tests	Determines corrective actions at a program level
			Interprets printouts of smoothness readings	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
			Calculates pay factors for incentive/disincentive where appropriate
Documentation	Selects correct sample forms and test reports for type of material to be tested	Completes sample forms and test reports	Interprets completed documentation	Conducts trends analyses of all test results on a program basis
	Assists in completing documentation	Collects preliminary sample data as required by test method	Documents corrective action based on an individual test result	Documents corrective actions at a program level
		Performs mathematical calculations	Checks documentation for accuracy
		Submits test results for review	Enters data into a statistical program

PCC Production & QA Labs

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Sampling/Testing	Assists in performing QC/QA tests in the laboratory and on the project	Performs sampling and testing of PCC samples in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards	Determines correct steps to take based on the test result(s) and as required by test method to address problems	Makes recommendations for corrective action
	Identifies the different types of lab equipment and how each is used	Calibrates/inspects equipment Applies proper lab testing techniques	Compares QA results against Producer's QC results	Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
	Recognizes if the appropriate sampling and testing techniques are used	Performs basic mathematical calculations	Makes recommendations to correct Project or Production Facility problems
		Reports out test results	Interprets test methods and test results
PCC Mix Design	Recognizes basic mix design development	Performs preliminary mix design testing	Designs and approves basic mix designs	Reviews, adjusts and approves mix designs
PCC Mix Design	Recognizes basic mix design development	Explains basic mix design development and how varying the percentage of components in a mix affects the overall performance of that mix design	Designs and approves basic mix designs	Reviews, adjusts and approves mix designs
Mix Verification	Recognizes basic mix design development	Performs checks of a production facility's mix designs by running laboratory or field mixes to verify mix properties	Designs and approves mix designs	Reviews, adjusts and approves mix designs
	Recognizes basic components of PCC Mix Designs	Checks submitted mixes for accuracy	Compares QA results against producer's QC results
			Assesses results and takes action to correct processes to meet applicable standards
			Determines correct steps to take based on verification tests to address problem
			Makes recommendations to correct those problems on a project or production facility basis
Documentation	Selects correct sample forms and test reports for type of material to be tested	Completes sample forms and test reports	Interprets completed documentation	Conducts trends analyses of all test results on a program basis
	Assists in completing documentation	Collects preliminary sample data as required by test method	Documents corrective action based on an individual test result	Documents corrective actions at a program level
		Performs mathematical calculations	Checks documentation for accuracy
		Submits test results for review	Enters data into a statistical program

Miscellaneous

Paint, Prestress/Precast Products, Reinforcing Steel, Steel, High Strength Bolting, Guardrail, Pavement Marking, Drainage Structures, Welding, Geotextiles, Joint Materials, Signing, Bridge Bearing, Landscape Materials & All Others

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Sampling/Testing	Assists in performing sampling and testing	Conducts sampling and testing in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM standards	Determines corrective action based on an individual test results	Makes recommendations for corrective action
	Describes proper sampling techniques	Determines need to perform additional testing to verify tests not meeting specifications		Recommends disciplinary action when corrective measures are not taken in a reasonable time frame
	Uses proper equipment to procure representative field samples	Describes process for placing material on the Qualified Products List (QPL)
	Identifies products from Qualified Products List (QPL)
Documentation	Selects correct sample forms and test reports for type of material to be tested	Completes sample forms and test reports	Interprets completed documentation	Conducts trends analyses of all test results on a program basis
	Assists in completing documentation	Collects preliminary sample data as required by test method	Documents corrective action based on an individual test result	Documents corrective actions at a program level
		Performs mathematical calculations	Checks documentation for accuracy
		Submits test results for review	Enters data into a statistical program

Quality Assurance

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I^	Level II^^	Level III	Level IV
Quality Control		Explains the roles and responsibilities of the QC versus the QA Technician	Reviews Quality Control Plans for compliance as it relates to owner/agency specification requirements	Interprets data
		Explains the difference between a Quality Control Plan and a Quality Assurance Program	Performs basic QC statistical calculations	Performs analysis of quality control results
		Performs data entry	Recommends action based on QC data	Makes recommendations for corrective action on a program basis to managers
		Performs data entry	Recommends approval/rejection of Quality Control Plans
Quality Acceptance		Explains the roles and responsibilities of the QC versus the QA Technician	Analyzes quality control and acceptance results	Interprets data
		Explains the difference between a Quality Control Plan and a Quality Assurance Program	Performs basic QA statistical calculations	Writes acceptance specifications for HMA, Concrete and other materials
		Performs data entry	Reviews acceptance specifications for HMA, Concrete and other materials	Makes recommendations for corrective action on a program basis to managers
			Identifies the different types of quality acceptance programs (e.g., performance based and method specifications)	Applies pay factors for incentive/disincentive where appropriate
			Calculates pay factors for incentive/disincentive where appropriate
			Determines actions based on comparison data
Independent Assurance Audits			Performs follow-up assessments of technicians failing an IA audit	Develops yearly IA report for FHWA
			Checks equipment for calibration	Proposes program changes based on deficiencies noted in the yearly IA Report
			Determines that equipment is in good working condition
			Performs comparison tests on material based on quantity
			Enters IA data
			Assesses technician's proficiency in performing hands-on tests
PCC Production (Offsite and/or Jobsite Plant Inspections/ Approvals)	Assists in inspecting and approving offsite and jobsite batch plants, stockpiles, material shipments	Inspects and approves offsite jobsite batch plants and stockpiling of materials	Approves QC plan for PCC production	Determines corrective actions at a program level
		Verifies correct and approved materials when received on project	Recommends corrective action	Determines corrective actions at a program level

Level I^

Quality Control

The QC Technician would have been trained, performed hands-on testing and obtained certification in the material discipline for which they were performing QC prior to becoming a QC Technician. There would not be an entry level as we know it and as shown for that material discipline

Quality Acceptance

The QA Technician would have been trained, performed hands-on testing and obtained certification in the material discipline for which they were performing QA prior to becoming a QA Technician. There would not be an entry level as we know it and as shown for that material discipline

Independent Assurance Audits

The IA Technician would have been trained, performed hands-on testing and obtained certification in the various material disciplines prior to becoming an IA Technician. There would not be an entry level as we know it and as shown for the various material areas for this IA function.

Level II^^

Independent Assurance Audits

The Level II IA Technician would have been trained, performed hands-on testing and obtained certification in the various material disciplines prior to becoming an IA Technician. There would not be a Level II as we know it and as shown for the various material areas for this IA function. IA Tech should be at least comparable to a Level III.

Geotechnical Testing

Disciplines	Competencies by Skill Levels
Disciplines	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
General Geotechnical Laboratory	Assist in the performance of standard geotechnical laboratory tests	Conducts standard geotechnical materials laboratory tests	Administers specialized geotechnical materials laboratory tests	Oversees all geotechnical materials laboratory tests
General Geotechnical Laboratory		Conducts standard geotechnical materials laboratory tests		Recommends geotechnical materials acceptance and payment
Soil Sample Preparation	Assists in preparing samples for classification and Index Testing	Prepares samples for classification and Index Testing according to AASHTO/ASTM Standard test procedures	Extrudes undisturbed samples, evaluates sample quality, and prepares specimens for performance testing	Oversees proper sample preparation and enforces quality assurance procedures
Classification & Index Testing of Soils		Conducts standard geotechnical classification and index tests (i.e. Sieve analysis, #200 Wash, hydrometer, specific gravity, liquid limit, plastic limit, and moisture content determinations) according to AASHTO/ASTM standard test procedures	Conducts unit weight determinations on undisturbed specimens	Oversees geotechnical laboratory testing and enforces quality assurance procedures
Performance Testing of Soils			Conducts common geotechnical performance tests (i.e. Unconfined compression, triaxial shear (UU, CU, CD), direct shear, permeability (falling head, constant head), 1-D consolidation, and shrink/swell potential) after communicating with geotechnical design engineer on testing requirements	Oversees geotechnical laboratory testing and enforces quality assurance procedures
Geosynthetics Verification Testing			Verifies material strengths and engineering properties	Oversees material testing and verifies product specifications with respect to design requirements