Phase: Applied learning · Worked scenarios · Calculations · Audit findings · Document drills
Apply what you've read — scenario by scenario, calculation by calculation
NHS-mandatory field reviews, scope verification. Each exercise has a hidden solution — work through your answer before revealing.
I
Scenario 01
NHS project — is a field review required?
Setup
An LPA is proposing a federal-aid project to add a Class IV separated bikeway on a portion of an NHS-classified urban arterial. The project will include curb modifications, traffic signal modifications, and new pavement markings.
Question
Is a field review required? Who participates? What if it is skipped?
Solution
Field review: YES — required for significant LPA projects on the NHS. LAPM Ch 7 outlines the requirement. While field reviews are encouraged for all federal-aid projects, they are MANDATORY for "significant" NHS projects.
Participants: Per LAPM Ch 7, the field review typically includes:
• LPA project manager and responsible charge.
• Caltrans DLAE.
• Caltrans District Environmental Coordinator.
• Caltrans District Design/Operations staff if SHS impacts.
• Consultants (engineering, environmental, traffic).
• FHWA — if RBPI project or other reason for federal involvement.
If skipped: LAPM Ch 7: "If a field review is not performed, document on the field review form the reasons. A completed field review form is required for all Federal-aid projects." So even if no field review meeting occurs, the form must document why.
For this project, the bikeway with signal modifications and curb work on NHS qualifies as "significant" — a field review is essentially required. Skipping it creates an audit finding and complicates downstream PS&E procedure approval.
NHS-specific: PS&E procedures (standards, agencies, consultants, project management, specifications) must be discussed at field review and put in writing for Caltrans approval before final design is initiated.
Authority: LAPM Ch 7; LAPM Ch 2 §2.8
III
Audit Finding 01
Read the fact pattern — what's the finding?
Facts
An NHS project completed without a documented field review form. The construction contract was later subject to several change orders that arguably should have been identified at field review.
Analysis
What is the finding?
Finding · Citation · Corrective action
Finding: Failure to complete and document field review for a federal-aid project. LAPM Ch 7: "A completed field review form is required for all Federal-aid projects."
Consequence: While the project is not retroactively disqualified, the LPA carries:
1. An audit finding affecting future Pre-Award audit standing.
2. Potential issues if change orders that resulted from missed field review identifications are challenged for federal reimbursement.
3. For NHS projects, additional scrutiny on PS&E procedures that should have been approved by Caltrans in writing before final design.
Corrective action: Retrospectively complete the field review form documenting what review actually occurred (informal walkthroughs, design meetings) and what was identified. Going forward, conduct documented field reviews for all federal-aid projects, especially NHS, even if just a meeting with DLAE and key staff.
Authority: LAPM Ch 7
Applied learning · Companion chapter
These exercises apply the procedural framework presented in LAPM Chapter 07: Field Review. For the full chapter reference, glossary, and recall quiz, see the deep chapter file.