This page is dedicated to helping contractors on our projects achieve a successful result. Below are a few things we think you’ll enjoy. Check them out then go to the contractor tools pages and pick up the Resources. Take a minute to visit our “Contact” page and record all of our contact information so you can easily reach us with problems and issues. If you have questions or encounter problems, there is an RFI (Request for Information) process defined for this project and we want you to follow it so that our responses are properly recorded to protect you later.
First, a little contractor humor. The photos below serve as an example of what to do or not to do.
Good wire management and workmanship!
Bad Wire Management
Less than Optimum Choice of Locations for a Security Closet
We are not perfect, either.
From time to time changes are made to projects that consultants are never informed of or we simply miss the significance of. We ask that if you see something that looks like it might not be quite up to snuff, that you bring it to our attention. We are often very distant in miles from the job site so our inspection visits are limited and timely discovery of problems result in money savings. You are the only security experts on site throughout the project in our absence so we need your input if you think we, or someone else, made a mistake. Below is an example of just the type of thing we rely on the contractor--as expert--to notify us of as early as possible.
OOPS!
When the spec says that items mounted on the ceiling will be securely held in place, this is not what we mean.
This is not what we mean when we ask that rack mounted equipment be properly cooled by fans.
PLEASE VISIT THESE RESOURCES FOR OUR PROJECT CONTRACTORS
Welcome Contractor Document Contractor Checklist Reply Form Background Check Form
Glossary
Shop Drawings: Instructions from the engineer in the office to the installer in the field as to exactly how a system is to be installed. They are required on EVERY project we do and they must be detailed and thorough due to insurance requirements.
As-Built or Record Drawings: Shop drawings modified in the field then re-drafted in the office showing conditions as actually built. These, too, are required on every project so be prepared to mark up shop drawings on a day to day basis showing field changes then convert them to as-built drawings at the end of the project.
RFI: Request for Information. This is an orderly process where the contractor asks questions of the architect and his design team including the security consultant to help assure a satisfactory installation and to resolve field problems. It’s formality protects the contractor.
Final Acceptance Test: At the conclusion of the project we will visit for as many days as necessary and test every aspect of project. We will visually inspect each device or components. We will test each device’s performance. We will check how devices report on the system and check the programming. This is a very extensive test defined in the bid documents. It results in a punch list and if necessary a re-test. A good final acceptance test is often required by insurers of facilities with high value assets and they may be present to observe.
Contractor: A gambler who never gets to shuffle, cut or deal!
Bid Opening: A poker game in which the losing hand wins.
Low Bidder: A contractor who is wondering what he left out.
Architect's Estimate: The cost of construction in Heaven.
Project Manager: The conductor of an orchestra in which every musician is in a different union.
Critical Path Method: A management technique for losing your shirt under perfect control.
Delayed Payment: A tourniquet applied at the pockets.
Completion Date: The point at which liquidated damages begin.
Liquidated Damages: A penalty for failing to achieve the impossible.
Examples of EXCELLENT wire management:
http://royal.pingdom.com/2008/01/24/when-data-center-cabling-becomes-art/