CFedS boundary certificates

Among other things I'd worry about if that firm had a COA in the state in question, whether you are listed as the responsible surveyor on another COA, etc.

Then there is the matter of appropriate supervision, etc.

Sounds like a recipe for a potential disaster, if not a violation of CFED or State codes. How can you be in responsible charge after the fact?

I think Big Trouble.

If the other CFedS did the work (research, certifications, and survey), why is he not signing off on the work.

If the company did the work in-house and don't have a CFedS on staff or retainer, there's no telling whether what they've done is correct AND COMPLETE.

I would not touch this unless they give you complete authority to do the research and survey work which needs to be done. You have the option to accept their survey if it meets your and the BLM standards but I'd check everything - basically a re-do. I'd guess they are trying to avoid this.

Good Luck!

Tyler Parsons, CFedS #1001

Although my CFedS is temporarily suspended (I need CEU's) I think that the first two items are OK> That is simply reviewing documents as to the quality of description and whether it is sufficient to place on the ground. No field work is required, if I remember correctly.

Don,

Here's the certificate for the LDR:

Certification: This Land Description Review correctly represents the records and documents compiled by me or under my direct supervision in conformance with the requirements of the Department of the Interior Standards for Indian Trust Lands Boundary Evidence, of the tract(s) or parcel(s) of land identified above.

The COS certificate is exactly the same. My problem is the words ...compiled by me or under my direct supervision...

Doug

Thanks Tyler. They have no CFedS on staff. Your thoughts and mine match exactly 😉

I couldn't agree more. Thanks for the input.

I assumed that you would do that part of the review and research, just no field work.

I stand corrected.

Not sure what COA is but I assume it's the professional in charge of the office which they have. I'm a solo operator so I'm in charge of everything! Thanks for your input.

They tell me that they've done everything and just want me to review. I have a problem signing the certificate given that scenario.

Looks like the other surveyor just got some more work.

> They tell me that they've done everything and just want me to review. I have a problem signing the certificate given that scenario.

Sounds like it is time to go back to them and ask:

what part of

are y'all struggling with?

Unless and until you do or personally supervise the work described in the certificate, you shouldn't risk your license saying you did.

As for the Dave Ingram comment ... COA = Certificate of Authorization. AKA, properly licensed to do the work in that jurisdiction.

Sounds like you smelled this rat already and just needed some attaboy's. Trust your gut and be very wary.

Larry P

Yeah go get their own CFedS 🙂

> Sounds like you smelled this rat already and just needed some attaboy's. Trust your gut and be very wary.

You hit the nail square Larry. Thanks to all for responding.

This is an interesting problem.

Responsible charge is difficult to argue in this circumstance, and a overall issue for all surveyors to consider.

How can we deal with the situation of long term or legacy projects, and the retirement, death, or employment changes among key employees?

If you are one day from signing a 200 lot plat, and the one PLS in your engineering firm quits, are you going to check every corner and revisit every monument?

Not really on topic, but it seems the issue here isn't CFedS specific, really. Responsible charge is an issue and topic for us all.

David