Frequently Asked Questions

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What services does Aftermath Company provide?

Aftermath Company provides independent Quality Assurance (QA), Title II inspection, submittal review, specification compliance analysis, and federal construction oversight services.

We represent the owner’s interests and verify that construction is executed in strict accordance with contract documents.

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What is the difference between QA and QC?

Quality Control (QC) represents the contractor. QC builds quality into the project by inspecting their own work and managing testing, documentation, and daily reports.

Quality Assurance (QA) represents the owner. QA verifies that QC is functioning properly and that the work complies with the contract requirements.

QC builds the work correctly.
QA verifies it was built per contract.

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Do you perform contractor Quality Control (QC)?

No. We do not act as contractor QC.

We provide independent QA oversight and compliance review. Maintaining separation between QA and QC protects project integrity and avoids conflicts of interest.

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Do you have experience with USACE projects?

Yes. We support projects administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and operate under USACE Quality Management principles, including:

• Three-Phase Control System (Preparatory, Initial, Follow-Up)

• RMS documentation requirements

• Submittal register tracking

• Contract hierarchy and governing specification enforcement

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Are you familiar with USACE 3-Phase Quality Control?

Yes.

We understand the structure and intent of the Three-Phase Control System and verify that contractors properly execute Preparatory, Initial, and Follow-Up inspections in accordance with contract requirements.

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Do you review submittals?

Yes.

We conduct compliance-based submittal reviews focused on:

• Controlling specification sections

• Governing tables and schedules

• Referenced standards

• Certification and qualification requirements

• Internal consistency within the contract documents

Our review posture is conservative and audit-defensible.

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How do you handle discrepancies between drawings and specifications?

Federal construction contracts follow a defined hierarchy. When discrepancies arise, specifications typically govern over drawings unless otherwise stated.

We evaluate conflicts against contract clauses and ensure resolution is documented and defensible.

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Why is independent QA important on federal projects?

Federal infrastructure is long-life, publicly funded, and subject to audit scrutiny.

Independent QA:

• Reduces compliance risk

• Verifies contractor QC effectiveness

• Protects public funds

• Strengthens documentation defensibility

• Identifies deficiencies before they become claims

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What types of projects do you support?

We primarily support federal civil works and vertical construction projects, including:

• USACE vertical 

• DoD facilities

• VA projects

• BIA/BIE facilities

• Infrastructure and public-use structures

We are currently supporting a DoD Title II project in Misawa, Japan and USACE vertical for St. Cloud VA Healthcare. 

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Do you travel?

Yes. We support domestic and international federal projects.

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Are you a certified small business?

Yes. Aftermath Company is an ISBEE and certified MBE in Minnesota.

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Do you support prime contractors pursuing federal work?

Yes.

We provide compliance advisory support, submittal review assistance, and quality management guidance to primes seeking to strengthen their federal performance posture.

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Where do federal construction projects most commonly fail?

Common failure points include:

• Inadequate contractor QC implementation

• Incomplete or noncompliant submittals

• Misunderstanding of contract hierarchy

• Poor documentation discipline

• Failure to identify controlling requirements

Early identification and disciplined oversight significantly reduce these risks.

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What makes Aftermath Company different?

We approach every project with a conservative, contract-first mindset.

If it is not clearly authorized in the contract documents, we do not assume it is permitted.

Our focus is compliance, defensibility, and long-term performance — not shortcuts.

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Still have questions?

Contact us to discuss your project requirements.

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