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disputes. The QA Manager has sufficient technical, management expertise, and authority to provide
independent oversight of and assure the implementation of MERC’s quality system.
2.7.
Dispute Resolution
Disputes may occur in situations involving technical issues (e.g., audits and data quality assessments) and
management issues (e.g., QMP reviews, QAPP reviews, quality system reviews, and data usability
assessments). If disputes arise during conduct of a test, the Program Coordinator is responsible to resolve
the issue with the relevant vendors, reviewers, and/or stakeholders. Every effort will be made to address
concerns in a timely manner. If an audit finding or response creates a dispute that cannot be resolved by
the QA Manager and/or the Program Coordinator, the dispute will be elevated to the MERC Director for
resolution. The MERC Director is the final arbiter of disputes that cannot be otherwise resolved.
3.
MERC QUALITY SYSTEM COMPONENTS
The MERC quality system is planned, documented, and implemented to provide management and all
vested parties with assurance that test activities are planned and performed in accordance with approved
processes and requirements and that MERC test data are credible and reliable. The quality system is
described in this QMP and conforms to the specifications listed in:
•
ANSI/ASQ E4-2004,
Specifications and Guidelines for Quality Systems for Environmental Data
Collection and Environmental Technology Programs
;
•
EPA document:
EPA Requirements for Quality Management Plans
, EPA QA/R-2, March, 2001.
The quality system applies to all MERC activities, including program management; planning; training;
BWTS solicitations, application reviews, and selections; BWTS testing and data collection; report
approval; and program assessment and improvement.
3.1.
Quality System Description
The MERC quality system is comprised of the following components that support the quality policy:
•
organization/program quality system documentation, management assessments, systematic
planning processes, and training;
•
project-specific quality system documentation, and project and data assessments;
•
information quality.
3.2.
Quality System Tools
For each component used to develop and implement MERC’s quality system, MERC applies quality
management tools to assist in implementation. Table 1 outlines the components of the MERC quality
system, the tools for implementing each component, and responsibilities of management and staff. These
tools are described below; additional details of the procedures, requirements, and responsibilities for each
are discussed in subsequent sections of the QMP.
3.2.1.
Program Quality System Tools
The program quality system tools include documentation and processes that have a strategic focus and
broad application across MERC. There are four key tools: quality system documentation; annual reviews
and planning; system assessments; and training.