Which agency provides standards and oversight for NBIS, and which entity typically conducts inspections?

• A. FHWA provides standards and oversight; state DOTs perform inspections using trained bridge inspectors
• B. AASHTO provides standards; private firms perform inspections
• C. FHWA provides standards and oversight; federal inspectors perform all inspections
• D. Local governments oversee NBIS; volunteers perform inspections

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that FHWA sets the rules and keeps check on how NBIS is implemented, while the actual bridge inspections are carried out by people at the state level. FHWA provides the standards, procedures, training requirements, and oversight to ensure every state follows a uniform approach. The day-to-day inspections, including the evaluation of bridge condition and recording of findings, are performed by qualified inspectors employed by the state department of transportation (or by private firms under contract to the state). Federal inspectors aren’t responsible for conducting all NBIS inspections; FHWA’s role is to oversee and ensure compliance, with the state DOTs doing the inspections on the ground.