Participate

How Participation Works

Participation in the Damage Prevention Institute is voluntary for CGA members at no additional cost. CGA membership is required for DPI participants as a component of demonstrating commitment to advancing safety.

Participating in the DPI translates into seeking DPI accreditation and fulfilling data submission and peer review responsibilities. While some stakeholders may choose to require those they contract with to participate in the DPI, CGA will not require participation of any organization.

Participation & Membership

CGA Membership Rates

Type of Membership	Annual Dues	Number of Individuals Included
Platinum	$100,000	50
Gold	$50,000	40
Silver	$25,000	30
Bronze	$11,000	20
Corporate	$2,500	8
Association	$3,000	12
Government/Municipality	$1,000	4
Small Business (less than 10 employees)	$1,000	4

Benefits of Participation

Influence the work being done by CGA committees (Including Data Reporting & Evaluation, Educational Programs & Marketing, Best Practices, and Technology)
Ensure your stakeholder group is well represented
Demonstrate your commitment to damage prevention
Gain exposure to new and emerging damage prevention technologies
Access CGA materials, reports, and program information exclusive to association members
Benefit from member pricing on CGA publications and events

How to Participate

Step 1

Be a CGA Member.

If you were a current member of Gold Shovel, you will be automatically rolled over to be a member of Common Ground Alliance. Please do not initiate a new CGA membership, go directly to Step 2.

CGA membership is open to all damage prevention stakeholders dedicated to reducing damages to critical underground infrastructure. Participation in the DPI is included with your CGA membership. Several membership levels are available for corporations, associations, government entities, municipalities and small businesses.

Click below to see if your organization is on our list of accredited organizations based on your standing with Gold Shovel in December 2022.

Accredited Organizations

Step 2

Complete the DPI enrollment form.

The enrollment form requests profile information and a leadership commitment to the DPI for:

Damage reporting
Metrics reporting
Whistleblower and stop-work authority
Investigation and corrective action
Compliance with laws and regulations
Implementation of applicable CGA Best Practices

Apply to DPI

Step 3

Submit damage data to the DPI Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT).

DPI-accredited organizations enter their damage data and monthly metrics in a specific version of DIRT called the DPI DIRT.
To ensure that you register for the correct version of DIRT, please use the DPI DIRT registration link that you will receive via email on Feb. 13, 2023.
The DPI DIRT Field Form indicates the data that will be collected and can be used in the field.

DPI DIRT Field Form

Who can participate in the DPI?

All DPI participants must be member of the CGA. There is no additional cost to participate in the DPI for current CGA members.

Participation in the DPI is voluntary for CGA members. While some stakeholders may choose to require those they contract with to participate in the DPI, CGA will not require participation of any organization.

Participants will primarily be from four stakeholder groups: locators, facility owner/operators, excavators, and 811 centers (one call centers). DPI participants can register as members of more than one stakeholder group (e.g., a facility owner/operator can register as an excavator and/or a locator if those services are in-house).

How much does it cost to participate in the DPI?

There is no additional cost to participate in the DPI for CGA members. CGA membership dues cover the cost of participation. Additional details regarding the transition of GSA members to CGA will be provided in future communications.

What are the requirements for participation in the DPI?

All DPI participants must:

Be accredited and comply with the policies of the DPI.
Submit complete and accurate damage data.
Agree to participate in the peer review process.

Additional details will be provided on participation requirements as we progress.

How will current Gold Shovel Association members be transferred to CGA?

Current GSA members will officially become CGA members on January 1, 2023. CGA will honor fees paid to GSA and will communicate with its members about the transition process in the coming months.