The unit functions as the liaison and information resource center for the MATT System, monitoring the overall operation and handling problems arising within the system. The Materials Standards Unit serves as a nationwide information resource center for DOTD qualified and approved products and materials, assuring that all products listed have met specification and policy requirements. These codes, necessary in all phases of construction, are used in MATT System data entry and are also published in the MATT Code Section of the MATT System Field Handbook . All of the above noted Materials and Testing Section manuals are used daily by Departmental personnel, as well as other governmental agencies, contractors, consultants, and product manufacturers and suppliers. The Materials Standards Unit maintains a distribution list of thousands of publication recipients.
Manuals are available to the public for a nominal fee.
The LA DOTD has the honor of being the first state laboratory to acquire national accreditation status through this federal program. The accreditation status must be renewed annually. The Materials Standards Unit is also responsible for the development, implementation, administration, and maintenance of the Section's Structured Training Program, including the publication of the Structured Training Program Manual . Also published and maintained by this unit is the Materials and Testing Section Operations Manual , as well as various other policies and procedures pertinent to the operation of the Materials and Testing Section.