Testing

Testing is usually performed on a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) basis, and tests not performed in the scope of work are not billed. Time for witnessing DOT tests is additional to the FFP contract, and is billed on a Time & Materials (T&M) basis. Time efficiency is increased for performing more than one test and/or testing more than one material. Test pricing is based upon the following factors:

1) Test location: SMS is able to travel to your test facility to witness tests performed, or you may ship the material to our test facility, where we will witness the tests. Shipments are not accepted at the test facility without a contract in place. SMS is not able to accept shipments of regulated materials at their business address.

2) Test(s) being performed and the Analysis required to interpret the results: The time requirements of individual tests vary in preparation, setup, performance, analysis, and cleanup. Tests often require use of a special apparatus or prefabricated materials, and occasionally require heavy lifting equipment (forklift or crane) for setup. The hazardous properties of the article or substance to be tested (toxicity, flammability, reactivity, sensitivity) may require additional safety precautions.

3) Type of test report: For standard tests, the test report includes a section for background, test description, test results, and conclusions. Additional time is required for DOT Classification reports, which require issuing a recommended classification in a recommendation letter.

Risk Management

Risk management pricing depends largely on the complexity of the process, facility, or area. Complex processes require more time to analyze and more extensive on-site and off-site efforts. In addition, the complexity of the process will directly determine the number of engineers needed to successfully complete the project.

Other factors that contribute to price determination include 1) whether an on-site visit is needed, and if yes, how many visits are needed, 2) whether the scope of the project lies within the boundaries of SMS expertise, 3) whether the project is a long term contractual agreement, and 4) timing required by the client. Several additional factors play a role in the final pricing, but the primary determinants have been listed.

While the timeline for completion of test and risk management projects vary greatly according to the schedule of the client, the backlog at SMS, and the complexity of the project, a general pattern has been generated.

For test projects, after the contract is in place and a Purchase Order has been received, SMS will coordinate with the client to finalize the delivery of the materials. This takes approximately 1-2 weeks. Once the materials have arrived at the test facility, SMS anticipates 2-4 weeks for the testing to be completed. SMS will then deliver a report approximately 1-2 weeks after the tests are completed.

Risk management projects usually require 2 weeks from receipt of the Purchase Order to coordinate any on-site visits required. On-site visits normally range from 2-5 business days, however, intensive and complex processes may require longer periods. Approximately 3-4 weeks following the site visit, the report is delivered to the client.