Requirements

The DQM Program establishes uniform requirements for collecting, transmitting, and managing operational dredging data across federally funded and permitted projects. DQM systems automatically record vessel positioning, operational status, and other key performance parameters at frequent intervals throughout dredging operations. This near-real-time data are collected onboard the vessel and transmitted in real-time to be validated, analyzed, and stored in the DQM Center's database.

Dredging data is transmitted in real time using the DQM Center's Web Service. Each dredge plant is provisioned with dedicated connection information, and the contractor's system transmits data messages in the specified format at a set cadence using one of the supported protocols.

The contractor is responsible for maintaining a fully operational transmission system, submitting daily state data through the Contractor Management Site, notifying the DQM Center at project start and completion, responding to QA notifications within 48 hours, and promptly repairing or recalibrating sensors when issues arise.

The contractor is required to have a current certification from the DQM Center for all dredge plants to be used under a contract. Certification is contingent upon the system's ability to continuously meet the performance requirements outlined in the specification.

The DPIP is the contractor-authored document that describes how a dredge plant's sensors, data systems, and quality-control procedures work together to produce the telemetry submitted to DQM.