Authorization

The Dredging Quality Management (DQM) Program was formally authorized in 2006 when the Director of Civil Works directed HQUSACE Operations to implement the Silent Inspector (SI) program across the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Through a series of memoranda and guidance, the program established a standardized, automated approach to dredging quality assurance and monitoring nationwide. Although the program name evolved from Silent Inspector to DQM in 2010, its mission remained the same: provide consistent, objective, and reliable documentation of dredging operations.

Since its initial authorization, additional memoranda have expanded requirements to include multiple dredge plant types, strengthened monitoring standards, and extended implementation to regulatory projects requiring Department of the Army permits. Today, DQM is embedded in Corps policy and contract specifications, ensuring uniform oversight and accountability across civil works and regulatory dredging activities nationwide.

Authorization Documents

DQM Now Mandatory for All Dredge and Scow Types Civil Works

December 19, 2025

USACE Headquarters (CECW-CO) directs mandatory implementation of the National DQM Program for all in-house and contracted dredging — every dredge and scow type, including mechanical, agitation/water-injection, and small dredges, with no exceptions.

View Memo

RGL 23-01: DQM Required for Dredging Under DA Permits Regulatory

May 10, 2023

Regulatory Guidance Letter 23-01 establishes DQM as the automated monitoring technology for dredging under Department of the Army permits, rescinding and replacing RGL 08-01. If a permitted project is constructed with a dredge, DQM is generally required unless the District Engineer documents a justified exemption.

View Memo

DQM Required on All Unrestricted Pipeline Contracts Civil Works

November 12, 2019

HQUSACE makes DQM monitoring mandatory, effective immediately, on all future unrestricted (Full and Open Competition) pipeline dredging contracts. All contractors — including small businesses — must meet DQM pipeline specifications when bidding on unrestricted contracts; restricted contracts remain exempt.

View Memo

DQM Expanded to Pipeline Dredges Civil Works

April 22, 2014

After years of successful DQM operation on hoppers and scows, HQUSACE directs a phased expansion to pipeline dredges — beginning July 2014 with government-owned pipeline dredges and then expanding in 2015 to industry contracts.

View Memo

Silent Inspector Implementation Guidance Civil Works

October 2, 2006

Implementation guidance issued under the April 2006 directive, establishing the national support team at the Mobile District and detailing SI capabilities, dredge certification, district points of contact, training, and the "always-on" monitoring model for hopper and scow dredges.

View Memo

Automated Dredging Monitoring Mandated Corps-Wide Civil Works

April 17, 2006

USACE Director of Civil Works directs Corps-wide implementation of automated dredging quality-assurance monitoring using the Silent Inspector (SI) system. Effective immediately, all hopper and scow dredging contracts must incorporate SI monitoring.

View Memo