Specifically Speaking

Specifically Speaking is a new column featuring a Q-and-A with a different security consultant every month. Consultants are provided to Security Systems News by www.SecuritySpecifiers.com

Name: Elliot Boxerbaum and Chad Parris

Company: Security Risk Management Consultants

What project are you currently working on?

SRMC is currently working with the Cayman Islands Government, Portfolio of Internal and External Affairs, providing assistance with the procurement and project oversight for the National CCTV Programme. When completed, the project will include almost 400 public safety and license plate recognition cameras at certain high-priority locations throughout the three Cayman Islands. The first phase of the project includes a limited number of cameras along with the implementation of network infrastructure and wireless and fiber connectivity. This “backhaul first” approach will ensure a robust and reliable infrastructure for future data and video. The system will be supported by the Computer Services Department which will also provide server-based storage for up to 60 days of video. Video monitoring and recording equipment using Genetec video management software and other supporting equipment are placed at a secure facility and district police stations.

When operational in 2011, the National CCTV Programme will support eight specific design objectives: Reduce the fear of crime; promote community safety; stimulate continuing economic growth; encourage the use of public and commercial facilities; assist in the reduction, prevention and detection of crime; provide high quality evidence to prosecute offenders; monitor road traffic circulation and improve road safety, and protect property.

Who's the integrator for the job?

The Security Centre Limited, a Cayman Island corporation, was awarded this project in conjunction with their partner, U.S.-based Avrio RMS Group.

What's the most challenging aspect of this project?

Perhaps the most challenging has been the bidding and contractor award process. The size and scope of this project drew international attention including proposals from several large companies. Under Cayman law, only businesses licensed as a “security company” by the Royal Cayman Island Police were eligible to sell security products in the Cayman Islands. In order to ensure high quality proposals by organizations with the requisite experience, licensed Cayman Island companies were permitted to partner with foreign manufacturers and integrators. The complexity of the proposals received, some several hundreds of pages long, required a fair, transparent, effective, and intensive evaluation process. Key steps in this effort included development of a short list, validation of information submitted through a Q&A process, award recommendation, and presentation of an evaluation process and recommendations to the government's Central Tenders Committee. 

What do you find the most interesting/rewarding about this project?

Undoubtedly, working with the key Cayman Island Government stakeholders and other National CCTV Programme Committee members has been most rewarding. Members welcomed Security Risk Management Consultants into this effort as an integral member of the National CCTV Programme Committee. They have worked tirelessly towards a well-defined common vision. Without exception, each of these individuals displayed a high level of professionalism, commitment, and expertise.

Key stakeholders include the Deputy Chief Officer of Portfolio of Internal and External Affairs, representatives of the Royal Cayman Island Police, and the Cayman Island Computer Services, Legal, and Emergency Communications and Electronic Monitoring Departments. The Central Tenders Committee also includes a member of the private sector. Security Risk Management Consultants is honored to have been selected for this endeavor.

I know you both worked as end users early in your career. How does this inform how you work with integrators?

We've seen instances where, at the end of a project, the integrator is surprised by the extent of the commissioning. [By working closely with them all along the process] we can ensure that they understand the nuances of the commissioning process ... we provide them with a checklist early on of what we're going to test and how we're going to test it. We do a 100 percent verification of the function of the system and it has to comply with every part of the specifications. As long as we all know this ahead of time, there are no surprises.