Technical Competence

So-Deep is recognized for its technical competence in every area of its business.
So-Deep has provided over $100,000,000 worth of subsurface utility engineering deliverables since 1981, with zero professional liability claims.  No other provider of Subsurface Utility Engineering Services matches the breadth or depth of experience that So-Deep brings to our clients.  However, we realize that to continue to be the leader of our profession, we must continually improve our level of service and advance the profession.

Field Operations

In getting this profession started and accepted, we have accepted many of the most difficult utility designating and locating projects that our clients could find in order to prove the validity of our services.  This involved mapping utilities in secure government sites, DOE facilities, military bases, old industrial sites, and old East Coast cities.  Our field technicians are long-term employees, with an extensive in-house training and certification program.

Designating Technology

So-Deep maintains contacts and participates in national efforts to develop better technology. We provided field testing for many of the standard pipe & cable locators now in production. An on-going example is our requested participation in a special U.S. study by our National Laboratories to use classified military technology for utility imaging.  Another example is our selection as technical reviewer of a Purdue University graduate student’s thesis on surface geophysical techniques for utility designating.  A third example is our selection by the chairman of the Civil Engineering  Professional Development Department of the University of Wisconsin to present bi-annual lectures on surface geophysical techniques.  There are many more examples.

Locating Technology

So-Deep’s pioneering advancements in the early 1980s in vacuum excavator design served as the model for many of the vacuum excavation models now produced. Positive displacement blowers, tilt body, cyclone separators, mechanical filtering, and other advancements were innovations first utilized or developed for subsurface utility engineering by us. So-Deep continues to research and develop advancements in its vacuum excavation systems at its manufacturing facility in Manassas Park, VA.

Survey & CADD Technology

On a regular basis So-Deep has upgraded our computer systems and acquired the latest versions of CADD and surveying software to take advantage of improved technology.  Our field data collection and office processing procedures incorporate these advancements to assure the most reliable work product possible.  Additionally, we utilize Real Time GPS equipment to extend project control to our specific work areas. This enables us to reduce the time our crews spend in the roadway and minimizes our impact on traffic flow.  So-Deep uses ArcView GIS system for some clients.

Administrative Functions

So-Deep has over sixteen years of experience in developing fair and accurate pricing of subsurface utility engineering services.  Indeed, both Virginia and North Carolina DOT auditors have stated that So-Deep’s internal accounting procedures and data are among the best of any of their state consultants in any discipline.

Utility Coordination

When the FHWA’s National Highway Institute wanted to update its course in Highway Utility Issues, they turned to So-Deep to be on its review and development panel.   A nationwide search for the most competent and knowledgeable instructors for this course resulted in a So-Deep principal being selected as one of six national instructors for this course.  So-Deep was selected as the first consultant to ever provide utility coordination services for the Virginia DOT.  We have held that contract continuously since 1989.  Our success has been a model for other state DOTs and public agencies to begin their own out-sourcing of this service.

Standard of Care

So-Deep remains committed to leading the profession into the future.  We remain active participants of the American Society of Civil Engineers Construction Standards Council and the National Standards Committee on utilities.  This committee developed standards for the depiction of underground utility on design plans (ASCE/C-I 38-02).  We belong to, and participate in, many other professional groups and trade associations that are stakeholders in utility issues. 

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