Specifically Speaking with Tim McCord – ‘I enjoy applying the experience and lessons learned as an integrator to the benefit of our clients’

YARMOUTH, Maine—Tim McCord provides “TLC” in the physical security systems he helps design for his clients.

McCord serves as senior associate and senior technology project manager with TLC Engineering Solutions, a provider of engineering design, consulting, and energy services, based out of Orlando, Fla.

Founded in 1955, TLC Engineering Solutions offers expertise in diverse markets, from education to healthcare to aviation. TLC has 20 offices that span more than 10 states, including California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

TLC’s team of 450-plus professionals includes professional engineers, LEED-accredited professionals, and Associated Air Balance Council Commissioning Group- (ACG-) registered commissioning authorities, combined with specialists in acoustics, energy management, and technology who service clients from coast to coast.

“As a senior associate and senior technology project manager, I specialize in physical security for large-scale projects such as major airports across the U.S. and K-12 education facilities,” McCord told SSN.

As part of Security Systems News’ monthly column Specifically Speaking, the following is an exclusive Q&A with McCord:

SSN: What's your role and responsibilities at the company?

MCCORD: With extensive experience in electronic security system design, implementation, and project management, I design, procure, and specify bid development and work with my client to budget, schedule, and implement complex integrated security systems.

As a skilled transition planner, my work supports and connects legacy systems while new technology is brought online and validated. Over the years, I have worked on physical security and communications systems in various facility types, conducting facility surveys, risk assessments, security reviews, and developing mitigation strategies for the installation of new systems.

In addition, I have knowledge of various building security and control technologies, including closed-circuit TV (IP and analog), surveillance recording, network video recording distribution and deployment, perimeter alarm and detection technologies, interior space protection, card access, and biometric control.

SSN: What kinds of systems do you design/specify and what services does the company provide?

MCCORD: TLC Engineering Solutions provides the design of specialized security systems, including access control systems (ACS), duress alarms, perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS), intrusion detection systems, video surveillance, audio surveillance, emergency phone systems, intercoms, assistive listening systems (ALS), and public address systems.

TLC also provides a comprehensive range of engineering services including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, technology (audio-visual, voice-data, low-voltage special systems), fire protection, security, acoustics, energy, and commissioning.

SSN: What vertical markets does the company specialize in? Any interesting projects that you can mention?

MCCORD: Aviation, healthcare, education, government, entertainment, and commercial.

Some project highlights include:

a) SEA C-1 Building Expansion, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Seattle, Wash.  

The construction of four additional floors on the C1 Building, located adjacent to Gate C3 and between Concourses C and D. Redevelopment of the concourse level footprint to provide additional concessions, services, and amenities to the traveling public. Each new floor plate will be approximately 27,000 square feet. An additional 5,000 square feet will be added for the construction of a new loading dock.

The expansion will provide new airport dining and retail (ADR) options, new premium club spaces, and new ancillary office space for tenants. The expansion will also construct a post-security meditation room, and a nursing mothers’ room, build new restrooms, create circulation and seating, and expand the Gate C3 hold room. The project spans 238,715 square feet and has an estimated construction cost of $340 million. It is expected to be completed in 2027. Systems within TLC’s scope include audio-visual, voice-data, security, and special systems.

b) DEN Concourse A-West Expansion, Denver International Airport, Denver, Colo.  

The 12-gate/four-level expansion includes new hold rooms, a new international arrivals [Federal Inspection Services] FIS corridor to connect to the customs hall, a full basement, and gates for both domestic and international air carriers. The adjacent aircraft apron was also expanded. This project was part of an overall expansion to provide an additional 26 gates to the airport’s existing three concourses. The project spans 487,170 square feet and was constructed with a $540 million budget. The concourse expansion was completed in 2023. Systems within TLC’s scope included audio-visual, voice-data, security, and special systems.

c) DFW Integrated Operations Center (IOC), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, DFW Airport, Texas

A mission-critical facility located in the Southgate Plaza area of the airport. The project enhances the airport’s operational readiness in responding to airport performance and emergency issues in an efficient, effective, and timely manner. The facility houses personnel from over 23 agencies and departments including the FAA, TSA, CBP, NOAA, TxDOT, airport operations, emergency operations, Department of Public Safety/911, facilities maintenance, Energy Transportation and Asset Management (ETAM), and American Airlines.

The facility consists of an open office environment containing workstations on a raised access floor providing oversight viewing of surrounding work areas. A dual-feed power and communication network, including uninterruptable power systems with generator backup, was provided to ensure reliability and redundancy to maintain full facility functionality during a power outage.

This 40,000-square-foot project was an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Texas & Louisiana's 2021 Best Projects winner. It was completed in 2021 with a $31 million construction budget. Systems within TLC’s scope included audio-visual, voice-data, security, special systems, and fire protection/life safety.

SSN: How did you get started in security and designing/specifying?

MCCORD: I trained in the Air Force as an electronic warfare technician, where I was also exposed to the physical security required for Strategic Air Command facilities. When I left the military, I combined those two interests and began working as a security system integrator, working my way through the ranks as a service tech, project coordinator, and project manager. I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to join a startup integration company as a principal and director of operations. Thirteen years later, the company sold, and I gravitated toward the consulting side of the industry. That was eight years ago. I enjoy applying the experience and lessons learned as an integrator to the benefit of our clients. There is no substitute for experience.

SSN: Can you talk about what new or emerging technologies you are seeing or specifying today?

MCCORD: The use of facial recognition is broadening and will expand exponentially in the coming years as technology and use cases evolve and mature. It is in daily use at TSA checkpoints all over the country. That application and others rolling out around the world will drive innovation. We will see facial recognition used in unique and powerful applications in the future.

SSN: What is your view on the industry moving forward?

MCCORD: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the security arena is just starting in earnest. AI will contribute to other emerging technologies, including facial recognition, access control biometrics, video surveillance, etc., to predict potential bad acts.