Security

1. What security services does FPS provide to protect Federally owned or controlled buildings?
2. What communication facility does FPS use to protect Federal facilities against criminal activity?
3. Do I pay for security enhancements?
4. What is a Building Security Committee (BSC)?  How does my agency participate in the BSC?
5. How often should a BSC meet to ensure security standards are adequate?

Security

1. What security services does FPS provide to protect Federally owned or controlled buildings?

The Federal Protective Service (FPS) delivers integrated security and law enforcement services to all Federal buildings - including office buildings, courthouses, border stations and warehouses - that we own, control, or lease. Our customers reimburse us for these services through direct billing.

We deliver integrated security and law enforcement services to all Federal buildings - including office buildings, court houses, border stations, and warehouses, that we own, control or lease. Our customers reimburse us for these services through direct billing.

Our services include:

• Providing a visible uniformed presence in our major Federal buildings.
• Responding to criminal incidents and other emergencies.
• Installing and monitoring security devices and systems.
• Investigating criminal incidents.
• Conducting physical security surveys.
• Coordinating a comprehensive program for occupants' emergency plans.
• Presenting formal crime prevention and security awareness programs.
• Providing police emergency and special security services during natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and major civil disturbances-as well as during man-made disasters, such as bomb explosions and riots.

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2. What communication facility does FPS use to protect Federal facilities against criminal activity?

We use communication and dispatch networks, called Megacenters, to provide uninterrupted emergency communications for police business and for our customers. Megacenters can:

• Handle police communications and dispatching.
• Monitor security alarms, such as intrusion, duress or hold-up alarms.
• Communicate during elevator emergencies.
• Monitor alarms for environmental and building hazards, such as temperature or pressure.
• Administer alarm and dispatch activities.
• Back up regional radio dispatches.

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3. Do I pay for security enhancements?

You pay for security enhancements as part of Rent or by submitting a reimbursable work authorization (RWA) to us. Security enhancements result in building specific additional Rent charges. Individual agencies are responsible for the costs associated with their desire for security over and above the level determined for their building. You'll pay for additional security charges through RWA's.

The services included in the basic service charge are control center dispatch and alarm monitoring, criminal investigations, and protection activities. Security assessments, occupant emergency plan development, coordination of Building Security Committees, and crime prevention assessments and presentations are included in protection activities.

The types of services included in the building specific portion of a tenant's Rent are security guards and maintenance of security systems. Costs vary by location and only locations with contract guards and/or security systems are charged. Charges include administrative and overhead costs. Building-wide capital expenses are currently paid for through RWA's.

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4. What is a Building Security Committee (BSC)?  How does my agency participate in the BSC?

Since security needs vary by location, even among facilities at the same security level, the DOJ Vulnerability Assessment of Federal Facilities established the BSC as a formal mechanism for addressing security concerns at each facility under GSA control.  The BSC should consist of representative(s) from each of the Federal agencies occupying the building.  We also designate an FPS Physical Security Specialist (PSS) or Law Enforcement Security Officer (LESO) to assist your BSC and to evaluate the building using the DOJ standards.  The BSC then sends us its recommendations and cost estimates for changes to meet these standards.  Your BSC also ensures that people follow proper security practices in your building and that employees receive training on your Occupant Emergency Plan and security awareness.  If you are uncertain if your agency has BSC representation, you can contact our local FPS regional office.

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5. How often should a BSC meet to ensure security standards are adequate?

The BSC must continually evaluate standards to make sure they protect your facility.  Normally, our Physical Security Specialists conduct routine security assessments and then share, discuss, and validate findings with the BSC during a regular meeting.  But the BSC should meet whenever tenants or your agency's mission changes.

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