Mark Simpson

Gamewell-FCI Earns Approval as GSA Schedule Vendor

Gamewell-FCI by Honeywell is now a GSA (General Services Administration) Schedule No. 84 supplier of advanced fire alarm and mass notification (a.k.a. emergency communications) systems.

Under GSA Contract No. GS-07F-0087X, Gamewell-FCI can supply government entities with state-of-the-art fire protection products, supported by its nationwide network of Platinum Associate Engineered Systems Distributors.

According to Steve Birdsall, the company's vice president of sales, the recently signed Local Preparedness Acquisition Act paved the way for more state and local government agencies to take advantage of the GSA Schedule.

"This could not have come at a better time, considering our challenging economy," stated Birdsall. "Many government facilities are either in need of a new system that's code-compliant or a required addition such as a mass notification system."

The breadth of the company's commercial fire alarm and mass notification products offered through the GSA Schedule fit virtually any size application, including small to high-rise buildings and large campuses such as military posts. Its E3 Series(r) Expandable Emergency Evacuation system's module design provides each job a custom fit with easy expansion, reconfiguration and networking capabilities.

For retrofit installations requiring updated fire alarm capabilities, the E3 Series can often repurpose existing fire alarm components, such as wiring, notification appliances, speakers and more.

Mass notification systems have become a major requirement for many large-scale government properties. The Department of Defense outlines requirements for mass notification systems throughout U.S. military installations in its Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) document 4-021-01. A combined fire alarm/mass notification system is described in the UFC as "the simplest and most economical approach."

"Becoming a GSA supplier was a very intricate process, but I think it will benefit both local and federal agencies," Birdsall said.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

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.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • 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.