Not for the Faint of Heart

Not for the Faint of Heart

Providing security in the government sector is not for the faint of heart or the uncommitted. The government sector requires expertise in high-level security applications, advanced compliance requirements and the challenge of securing funding.

I’ve been working in the government sector for more than a decade and would say that these challenges are present constantly, though they change a bit from year to year, committee to committee and administration to administration. Thus, integrators must be fully staffed and trained on design, integration, installation and maintenance of physical security systems and solutions for government customers.

As I’ve done in the past, this year I found myself navigating the government procurement process, though it was a unique year due to the funding issues facing Washington. Many government clients did not have access to funding until late into the fiscal year because Congress was passing a series of continuing funding resolutions rather than a comprehensive budget that covered the whole year. Budgeting constraints such as these provide an especially important reason to stay close to government clients, because they cause clients to have to prioritize their needs.

We worked closely with end users to maximize their budgets and increase transparency. Also, our government program worked to enhance the existing customers’ security platforms in unique ways to maximize their investment.

When providing products and technology for the government sector, a balance of innovative and proven solutions must be delivered. Yes, the government sector in many instances is able to pay for the highest security products and technology and also tends to seek the newest, most innovative use of technology. However, just as with all security customers, the end result has to be a product and technology that is proven, reliable, stable and able to meet the demanding everyday use of government facilities.

Right now, we are working on an exciting new product technology offering for the government sector: an in-motion, at-a-distance, iris biometric management solution. It offers the highest level of identity management access control for areas, rooms, vehicle entry points and especially high-throughput gates.

The product is made by the Hoyos Group, and we are working with the company as an exclusive provider in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The government has already used the product, and we are working to secure approval for additional government agencies and applications.

The key to our success will be collaboration with government agencies on their compliance requirements for this innovative and game-changing technology.

Our government program works closely with decision-makers in Washington, D.C. For that reason, we have an office in Washington, so we can collaboratively interact with our government customers. Our national footprint allows us to work closely with the regional security decision-makers on their specialized needs, as well. Multiple contracting vehicles are helpful in developing government agency contracts that can quickly be completed as the government fiscal year comes to a close. One must understand that the speed of procurement, a tangible ROI and transparency are of the utmost importance. We work with our government end users to tailor solutions that fit their needs.

I have found that, in the same manner government customers balance innovative technology with proven products, government security end users are looking for a national provider with local resources—someone who can work with the government customer on unique application needs and local compliance requirements.

Forming strategic partnerships with government programs to develop services and solutions greatly decreases the turnaround time of proposal acceptance, installation completion and final project certification approval. A government program needs to focus on HSPD-12 and high-security solutions for our clients.

This article originally appeared in the October 2011 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Dan Myslewski is the vice president of the national accounts government program at Stanley Convergent Security Solutions Inc.

Featured

  • Report: Physical Security Market Turning to Cloud and Hybrid Solutions

    Genetec, a provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, today shared the results of its 2024 State of Physical Security report. Based on insights from over 5,500 physical security leaders worldwide (including end users and channel partners), the report looks at the security strategies organizations are putting in place to effectively navigate the realities of a changing industry. Read Now

  • A Future in the Clouds

    The cloud has become a pervasive term in everyone’s daily work and personal lives – from the explosion of content available on Internet streaming services to remote learning to social interactions. Everyone is living cloud-based lives. Read Now

  • A Rapidly Changing Realm

    Many retail operators continue to face a daily balancing act of maintaining both an online and in-person presence. The coronavirus pandemic accelerated our adoption of online shopping, and the expectation now is that every retailer needs to be proficient in both arenas. This places a heightened emphasis on secure operations that ensure a seamless experience for the customer no matter where they pull out their credit card. Read Now

  • Secure Your Home During the Holidays

    The most wonderful time of the year can easily transform into a nightmare. Being vigilant, while still enjoying the holiday season, is possible. The holiday season is the perfect time to start implementing security measures to protect one’s home and ensure security while out and about. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions. 3

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure. 3

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings. 3