Vital to a successful security program is the definition of tasks to be performed and the proper matching of background expertise to execute those tasks. In the highly specialized field of security consulting, project activities change as the building solution evolves. The skills provided by the security consultant should change with the nature of the activities. The major project phases in a comprehensive consulting service are:
SECURITY MASTER PLANNING
Through client interviews and investigation of operations and existing or proposed conditions, the initial requirements of a security program are defined. Assets are defined and classified according to importance; threats are identified and classified according to probability; using the asset/threat analysis, concepts and recommendations are developed and analyzed.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
General requirements are translated into specific design objectives by developing preliminary site plans and building floor plans. After performing a vulnerability analysis based upon the asset/threat definitions outlined in the above phase, a combination of physical, electronic and operational security measures will be proposed.
SYSTEM DESIGN AND DOCUMENTATION
The major system components and their inter-relationships are documented in drawings and written specifications in order to standardize the functional and operational requirements. Sufficient detail is required to minimize contractor interpretation and maximize bidding uniformity and competitiveness. Detailed engineering skills may be required on complex systems in order to define the exact component configurations and interface requirements. Industry experts are utilized to coordinate the detailed interface requirements of each sub-system.
SYSTEM PROCUREMENT/BID AWARD ASSISTANCE
The security system contractor is selected in this phase from a list of bidders that are pre-qualified by the security consultant; construction documents and specifications are issued for tender/pricing. A pre-bid conference is held to answer contractor questions. The bids are submitted to the owner/client or the security consultant. The bids are then reviewed and a thorough bid evaluation report is submitted to the owner. The security industry is a highly specialized group of manufacturers and engineering specialists. Most owner/architects inderstand the difficulties of evaluating the merits of these types of companies without the assistance of a security consultant.
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
The security contractor submits to the architect/project manager detailed engineering and manufacturer's submittals for review by the security consultant. On complex systems, a detailed review by engineering staff is necessary to ascertain that the functional and technical requirements of each sub-system have been satisfied. The security consultant acts as the owner's representative during the installation to coordinate the detailed interface requirements of the security system with the architectural/engineering components and monitor compliance with the construction documents and the approved submittals. Final acceptance inspection(s) would be performed to ensure all systems are operational and complete. And a letter of substantial completion will be issued to the owner/architect.