Staten Island, New York

Project at a Glance:

• Project scope was to study, design, and construct a multi-site distributed server and centralized server enterprise class integrated access control system with synchronized Open Database Compliance Structured Query Language (SQL) database.

The multi-server enterprise structure provides the Enterprise administrator with complete central control over the entire integrated access control system, and simultaneously allows each facility the capability to operate autonomously. The Authority was provided with a system that utilized one proximity access card for multiple facilities, with the option for unlimited scalability for the future. The scope also required specifying open architecture technology, which seamlessly integrated access control, alarm monitoring, digital video, CCTV, intrusion detection, credential production, and employee and visitor management into one system. A distributed intelligence network architecture allowed local decisions to be made at the Access Control Panel (ACP) level, which minimized network traffic and provided real-time actions. The user can monitor events and video displayed at any workstation on the network. The Staten Island Bridge project scope was broken down into three stages - the report, design, and construction administration stages, which are outlined as follows:

The scope of work for the report stage included an evaluation and risk assessment of the existing portals (man doors and overhead doors) at the Outerbridge Crossing, Goethals Bridge, and Bayonne Bridge and each facility had independent locations spanning Staten Island and New Jersey. The portal information was analyzed and the results of the study were provided by the Port Authority, along with recommendations on technologies and devices required to mitigate risk. Facility personnel were interviewed to establish operational functionality criteria and optimal ergonomic conditions in order to prepare several system recommendations for client evaluation. Existing security and surveillance technology was evaluated to determine operational functionality and modification options available. The existing communication infrastructure was studied for redundancy, reliability, and possible utilization for the access control system’s secure network. The communication methods available at the facility included a fiber optic backbone, T1, Ethernet network, and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), which is a broadband switching and transmission technology. In addition to the available communication paths available, alternate paths were also researched. The power delivery infrastructure was evaluated for redundancy and reliability. The facilities utilized a various combination of power redundancy such as generator-backed panels, UPS-backed panels and dual-service switchgear. The field information was analyzed and industry technologies were researched. The research methodologies utilized were to generate a detailed questionnaire, which was very specific to the unique conditions present at the client site and send them to all available security manufacturers within reason. The questionnaires were evaluated for compatibility of scope and called in for further clarification of functionalities and features. The options were developed in the form of a study/report with preliminary drawings and submitted to the Authority for review.

The scope for stage three included taking the preliminary report, with final input from the client, and designing an integrated multi-facility Enterprise Class Access Control and Surveillance System. An Enterprise Class DVR System was also requested and designed to eliminate the local DVRs utilized at the facilities and allow for longer storage times and more frames per second in storage capacity. The enterprise Class DVR system integrated with the Access Control System and allowed for digital video to be seen from any workstation on the secure network with proper user access level. The Access Control System was required to have a separate, secure communication network within the existing network umbrella. The existing ATM network was utilized with Cisco switches to lock out Access Control System IP addresses from the rest of the WAN. Several existing communication, PLC, DVR, local access control, and surveillance systems were integrated into one seamless system, which can be accessed from predetermined supervisory and security locations. The system consisted of portal monitoring, digital video recording, CCTV surveillance, and systematic fail over protocols. The primary criterion for the system was complete control of all portals in the event of a catastrophic event. The system was designed for complete distributed intelligence with minimal interaction required from any server at any given point and time. Additionally, the intelligent controllers were provided with 24 hours of power backup capacity to perform all operational functions. Controllers were provided with the capacity to retain items in memory for a minimum of ten years. The system software was to be designed in a modular fashion to allow for easy updating when new updates emerged.

The scope of work for the construction stage includes construction administration and design upgrade to meet September 11, 2001 security revisions and requirements. This portion of the project entailed taking the existing design and modifying it to meet new threats and guidelines. All questions surrounding the design and standard construction administration duties fall into the scope of responsibility.

Photo of Staten Island Bridge