In the realm of Saudi Aramco, a Schedule Q audit signifies a rigorous Quality Assessment. This audit is pivotal in construction ventures, offering a critical examination of the design, procurement, and construction phases. Evaluations are strategically conducted at two crucial junctures—when the project reaches 15% and 60% completion. These assessments are entrusted to proficient independent auditors, whose role is to ensure unwavering compliance with the explicit stipulations detailed in the contract schedules.
As a global titan in oil production, with its headquarters nestled in Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saudi Aramco’s Oil and Gas construction project contracts are meticulously directed by Schedules of requirements. It is incumbent upon contractors to align with these schedule mandates. In accordance with Schedule D and Q, contractors are obligated to undertake comprehensive Quality and Safety assessments of their ongoing projects, executed under the scrutiny of a qualified independent third-party auditor.
Schedule Q represents the foundational quality benchmarks for Aramco contractors. It encompasses a comprehensive suite of standards, including quality management system protocols, documentation mandates, management responsibility, resource management, and the intricacies of project realization and execution. This schedule is the cornerstone of our commitment to upholding the highest quality standards in every facet of our operations.
Quality audits are essential to verify and assess the efficacy of the quality management system processes. These audits are meticulously scheduled at pivotal completion milestones—specifically at the 15% and 60% thresholds of the design, procurement, and construction stages. The audit schedule must be presented to ARAMCO within 21 working days for thorough review and endorsement. Subsequently, contractors are required to furnish ARAMCO’s Company Representative with a copy of each audit report, ensuring submission within a timeframe of fourteen (14) calendar days following the audit’s finalization.
An NCR (Non-Conformity Report) signifies a breach of ARAMCO’s established standard procedures and project specifications. Contractors are obliged to submit records of all identified non-conformities to ARAMCO within 48 hours of detection. It is imperative for contractors to conduct a thorough root cause analysis of such non-conformities and to implement Corrective Actions promptly, aiming to forestall their recurrence within a maximum span of seven (7) days from the date of issuance. Should an NCR recur within a six-month period, it necessitates elevation to the ARAMCO NCR committee for further action.
Special processes necessitate the company’s meticulous review and/or approval of operational methodologies and personnel credentials. Among these critical processes are:
Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) procedures
Bolt-tightening and gasket installation
Hot tapping
Positive Material Identification (PMI)
Hydrostatic testing
Heat treatment, and more.
Inspection levels, as delineated in SAEP-1151, are categorized into five distinct tiers: Level 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Level 0: This level does not necessitate third-party inspection. A site inspection suffices, accompanied by all requisite documentation such as Purchase Orders (PO), Material Test Certificates (MTC), etc.
Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4: These levels mandate third-party inspection. It is essential to formulate an Inspection Assignment Package (IAP) and submit it to the Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirements (SAIR) at least 21 days in advance to secure approval for any material corresponding to the levels.
The Schedule Q audit is a pivotal element of ARAMCO’s contractual framework for construction and repair initiatives, serving as a cornerstone for quality assurance and control. The audit’s advantages are manifold:
Contractors undertaking construction and maintenance endeavors with Saudi ARAMCO are subject to the Schedule Q ARAMCO audit. This audit is integral to the contractual obligations, delineating the foundational requirements of the contractor’s Quality Management System. Adherence to these stipulations is imperative to ensure that the contractor’s operations align with ARAMCO’s stringent benchmarks for quality assurance, oversight, and evaluative procedures.
In the execution of their duties, contractors are mandated to conform to the relevant SAUDI ARAMCO Engineering Standards and Construction Specifications. Furthermore, compliance with the SAUDI ARAMCO Construction Safety Manual is non-negotiable. Contractors must also observe all pertinent SAUDI ARAMCO Material System Specifications (SAMSS), Engineering Standards (SAES), and any additional ARAMCO protocols and guidelines.
QMet stands as a beacon of certification excellence, with a rich history of involvement in a diverse array of management system certifications, inspections, calibrations, testing, and personnel qualifications. Our journey towards accreditation is in full swing, aligning with esteemed bodies such as the Gulf Accreditation Center, Saudi Accreditation Center, SASO, Saber, and SFDA. This strategic move is in accordance with the standards set by the International Accreditation Forum and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation. Since our inception in 2005, QMet has been at the forefront of industry innovation. Our dedicated team has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to grasp the intricate needs of the industry, crafting reliable and robust solutions that cater to a wide spectrum of requirements.
