Services Offered

LTS provides its core design and engineering services in conjunction with the Architect and other members of a design team. These services include the design phases from Schematic Design through Construction Administration. Supplementary services such as studies, value engineering, commissioning, and advocate services are tailored to meet the needs of the client.

Security Systems Engineering:
We design and engineer electronic security systems for all building types. Our core client projects have included detention and correctional facilities which often include the typical systems installed in commercial and institutional facilities in addition to the industrial control systems often used in detention and correctional facilities. We provide a strong engineering approach to system design and documentation that results in systems that meet or exceed our client expectations.

Security systems for all building types must be designed to address the specific needs for the building type and be based on location, mission, operations and associated risks. These systems must be engineered for integration within a building and coordinated with other systems to attain an integral building security system.

For detention and correctional facilities, the security control systems must meet high reliability levels with minimum maintenance requirements. Thus industrial control and monitoring systems are often used to meet the needs of the building type for their reliability and durability.

Data/Com Infrastructure Engineering:
The demands of current and emerging technologies require infrastructure to be an integral part of building construction. Gone are the days when empty conduits were provided for data and voice communications cabling to be designed and installed after the building was completed, and before or during occupancy. Today's buildings require engineered solutions to provide adequate equipment space, structure cabling, power, back-up, redundancy and temperature control. This infrastructure must be delivered at the time the building is delivered so that the using agency or tenant may install the voice and data equipment in a plug & play environment.

Security Hardware:
LTS assists in the coordination and selection of door hardware to optimize security system functionality. Hardware selection must address the user agency operational requirements as well as security operations to maintain a safe, secure and efficient building.

Detention Equipment:
Where expertise with detention hollow metal, furnishings and hardware is needed, LTS provides support services. LTS provides assistance with specifications, equipment selection and detailing of this part of the work, allowing the architect to integrate and coordinate the work into construction documents. When desired, construction drawings for the detention equipment portion of the work can be provided. This service delivers the valuable expertise required for a successful detention or correctional project.

Study/Evaluation:
Many existing systems are outdated or near the end of their useful life. Through system enhancement and/or replacement, the owner will often realize increases in staff efficiency, safety, morale, and retention as well as reduced maintenance cost. LTS can provide an evaluation of existing control systems. This service includes an evaluation, recommendation and statement of probable cost for determination of further action by the Owner. We offer the follow-up design engineering services or can assist in developing a request for proposal for the work.

Peer Review:
When you need to determine the level of completion, exposure to bidding risk, and level of coordination, LTS is eager help. We can conduct a comprehensive review of construction documents related to security systems. The service can be in the form of value engineering, contractor advocate, owner advocate, or as an internal quality assurance measure. Documentation also includes suggestions for improving the efficiency of systems for cost, operation and maintenance where applicable.

Commissioning:
Commissioning has received substantial support as a means to establish the basis of design and the tools to verify that specified performance has been achieved. The increased emphasis on green building design and LEED certification has demanded it.

LTS offers its expertise in developing commissioning specifications for the bid documents along with detailed testing plans that can be used for initial commissioning plans as well as periodic re-commissioning that may be conducted at warranty expiration and service intervals.

Thorough testing of installed systems has become a necessity for the higher technology applications. Typical commissioning services may not normally include sufficient detail to thoroughly test electronic security systems in detention and correctional facilities, leaving the "testing" to what is discovered during initial operations.

LTS can develop test plans and organize testing teams using the User's staff to test the systems prior to occupancy. The commissioning process is ideal for integrating and training new staff. LTS has conducted commissioning events using facility operational staff (including trainees) in conjunction with transition team training.

The resulting Commissioning Report can be used to identify work to be finished to achieve final completion. It can also be used to periodically test the system or a portion of the system for support maintenance or training.

Owner Advocate:
When a design/build delivery method is used, or when there is a need for a representative of the owner to independently review the design, construction and installation of security systems, LTS can help.

LTS offers its expertise in security systems for detention and correctional facilities for those times when LTS is not part of the design team. We assist evaluation of proposed security applications and systems, provide additional options as appropriate, assist the operation staff in assessment of proposed application, review construction document, and assist with review of design, construction and associated documentation.

Construction Advocate:
Managing the construction of today's detention and correctional facilities is a challenge to both the novice and the veteran. Security systems in these facilities require a special knowledge of the materials, systems and scheduling constraints. Ambiguous contract documents, demanding schedules, and rigorous testing requirements pose a significant risk to the CM.

As an Advocate of the Contractor or Construction Manager, LTS can assist in the description of work for the security contractors, assist in the evaluation of contractor bids, review the contract documents and meet with the security contractor project management to develop detailed schedules of the work, discuss ambiguities in the design work, and develop/coordinate plans for clarification, monitor the submittals of the security contractors including performing CM review of such submittals where contract documents require such, organize and conduct submittal review meetings, monitor all submittal activities, periodically observe work in progress and verify security contractor progress, schedule and coordinate close out procedures including acceptance testing, training and final documentation.

Expert Services:
Sometimes things just go wrong. When it looks like it is coming or when it is done, LTS can sort through the documentation and analyze the results using its 20+ years of experience. Whether the information is needed for mediation, arbitration or litigation, we can sort through technical details, service delivery, personalities, and financial impacts to assist securing a quick and responsible settlement.