Providing goods and services to government agencies comes with certain requirements. Since your activities impact the wider community, your continuing relationships with federal entities depend on your contractual compliance and how you protect stakeholder security. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) outlines how federal agencies conduct contracting, including security requirements. There may be more specific requirements depending on the work you do and its risk level.
Adopting advanced perimeter security solutions helps support compliance requirements for government contractors and vendors.
Perimeter Security Requirements of Government Facilities
Asset protection for government sites is essential, as criminals often target them, and successful break-ins can disrupt government services for the community. For instance, thieves may target police cars, emergency vehicles, and school buses to steal auto parts, then sell them for quick money. Malicious actors may also try to break in and steal equipment or access classified information.
If you’re a contractor working with classified materials, the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) requires you to adopt security solutions that deter and detect unauthorized access to these materials. You can leverage modern systems, such as an intrusion detection system, to support compliance.
Other perimeter security requirements for government facilities depend on the facility’s category and the agency responsible. For instance, the Interagency Security Committee (ISC) categorizes nonmilitary federal civilian facilities into Levels I-V, with Level I posing the lowest risk. Meanwhile, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) categorizes facilities into critical, essential, or ancillary.
Level III facilities require perimeter security solutions such as:
- Control of parking.
- Authorization procedures.
- Adequate lighting for parking areas.
- Emergency power backup for lighting systems.
It’s further recommended that these facilities have parking barriers and 24-hour video surveillance systems.
The VA may require illumination for parking areas and perimeter fences to support surveillance systems. Your level of protection should be proportionate to your need for controlling vehicle and pedestrian access. You can adopt more secure solutions to repel determined intruders, such as anti-climb fence designs, including electric fences. Other requirements may apply depending on the affected government facility.
Why Compliance With Federal Standards Is Necessary
Complying with security requirements for contractors protects the interests of employees, visitors, and facilities. Noncompliance compromises safety and impacts government operations.
Theft or property damage can also increase a facility’s insurance fees and result in costly repairs. Additionally, you’ll face reputational damage, which is harder to quantify but can be devastating to government operations.
How a Multi-Layered Defense Is the Optimal Solution
Regardless of your facility’s risk level, a multi-layered defense enables operations to continue. It also offers peace of mind for you, your stakeholders, and your staff.
The Electric Guard Dog® Fence Acts as a Visual, Physical, and Psychological Deterrent
Electric fences show potential criminals that you take perimeter security seriously. While criminals can easily cut through chain-link fences, The Electric Guard Dog® Fence responds to breach attempts with a medically safe but memorable shock that makes them think twice about their operations. The fence also comes with signs indicating its voltage level. For many criminals, that visual alone is enough to make them move on to another target.
Government standards for perimeter fences vary. For instance, campuses with at least two federal facilities may require a perimeter fence partnered with an on-site central alarm and video surveillance system. The ISC suggests that implementing perimeter security solutions may be more cost-effective than duplicating security measures in each campus building. Whether you adopt additional interior security measures or not, The Electric Guard Dog® Fence greatly reduces the risk of intruders entering the property.
Video Surveillance Systems Provide Criminal Evidence
Video surveillance systems provide visual evidence of the crime while enabling you to mitigate damage by responding promptly. Some providers let you access the livestream or footage from any device with internet access. When the surveillance system is linked to an electric fence and an alarm system, attempted breaches trigger the alarm, and cameras automatically record footage.
Depending on your provider, systems can store recorded footage for up to 30 days. This footage is useful for jurisdictions that require visual proof before law enforcement takes action. Some providers also offer a mobile app that lets you review, save, and easily send footage to law enforcement. This capability supports faster response to potential incidents.
Consider your specific requirements in determining where to include video surveillance systems. For instance, the VA requires patient and visitor parking areas to be monitored. This surveillance system must also be partnered with site lighting to ensure proper identification.
Intrusion Detection Systems Increase Protection from Third Parties
Effective intrusion detection systems in government facilities reduce the risk of external theft from offices, warehouses, and other buildings. While an electric fence provides sufficient perimeter security to deter third parties, unauthorized personnel can still enter facilities briefly after passing through proper channels, whether to make deliveries or perform other temporary work.
With intrusion detection systems, you’ll get immediate alerts for unauthorized activities. Advanced systems can have a detection range of up to 50 feet while minimizing false alarms, ensuring reliability. Some devices also detect when doors and windows are opened to alert you to potential breaches.
Some projects may require you to use intrusion detection systems. During risk assessments, the ISC suggests confirming that intrusion detection systems are functioning properly as a measure of a facility’s protection level.
How a Trusted Provider Builds an Effective Perimeter Protection Strategy
Maintaining a complex, multi-layered security system takes time, equipment, and expertise. It’s often best to work with a trusted provider who can take on the load for you. A good provider will help you build an effective perimeter security strategy, as they’ll:
- Offer a free risk assessment: Each government facility has its own requirements. You may also have unique clauses to comply with depending on your contract. Security experts can assess the risks specific to your site and determine what solutions you need. For instance, they’ll evaluate the terrain, access points, and potential lighting solutions to ensure you’re compliant with relevant standards. They can also reconfigure these solutions as your needs change over time.
- Handle the ongoing maintenance requirements: Some providers own, maintain, and repair their systems after installation as part of a long-term contract, so you don’t need to worry about damaged or outdated security equipment. They’ll fix any issues you may have and prevent equipment obsolescence, keeping your budget predictable and your protection consistent.
- Ensure a speedy deployment: Timely compliance is essential to protect stakeholders and your contractual relationships. A qualified provider can install an electric fence and have it operational within weeks.
AMAROK Makes Security Compliance Easy
Compliance with government security requirements is manageable if you partner with AMAROK. We’ll create customized solutions based on your needs and regulatory requirements. The Electric Guard Dog Fence is our primary solution that prevents 99% of external theft after installation. Partner with FORTIFEYE® for video surveillance and building intrusion detection systems to build a complete multi-layered defense solution.
Through our professional monitoring services, security specialists will monitor the property on your behalf and notify you of any intrusion attempt immediately. Partnering with us can provide peace of mind while you focus on your government contracting responsibilities. Plus, with our security-as-a-service model, you’ll pay one predictable monthly fee for premium protection.
If you’re ready to join over 9,000 happy customers, get in touch with your nearest representative today.
