b'SECURITYDAB 51Updating the AOCThe project also moved and reconfigured the Airport Operations Center (AOC) and included various office space renovations, which enabled the airport to co-locate several key operational functions that were previously isolated. The original AOC was very compartmentalized and located in a space that was not ideal for this type of facility, notes Martino. Because of the facilitys limited size, there wasnt adequate room for large numbers of security personnel to work together in it when an event occurred. Joshua Raver, airport security coordinator, explains that the airport previously operated Airport Control and an AOC in separate areas. When there was an emergency, everyone who needed to be involved couldnt fit into either area. Messages were exchanged between the two centers using emergency radios and employees movingJOSHUA RAVERbetween the spaces.The relocation and expansion allow for a more advanced design and collaborative work environment that can accommodate eight to 12 individuals. By eliminating certain hallways, Faith Group was able to gain an additional 900 square feet of space for new furniture, workstations and a separate conference room next to the AOC. The facility was also fitted with low-profile access flooring, which procurement process to maximize the design for multi-platformraised the floor off the concrete but minimized the depth needed integration while maintaining cost efficiencies and leveragingfor cable raceways to maximize the centers ceiling height.innovative design concepts.The new airport operations center is fitted with a state-of-Integration was necessary at the software and network the-art audio/visual system that provides visual displays of the layers between multiple third-party systems, says Monindercomplex integrated system for situational awareness, Birdi says. Birdi, president of Birdi Systems Inc., which handledThe A/V system integrates the displays in the AOC and the local construction, installation and systemsconference room.integration for the project. The completed project allows both departments to operate In May 2021, DAB held a series offrom the new AOC. So, when theres an emergency, the AOC workshops with Faith Group, an engineeringhas direct communication with all control staff, Raver says. and consulting firm, to review its security needs in detail. Once we got through theThe enhanced security system also included civil and site work design phase, we went through a fundingto move vehicle gates, modifications to the perimeter fence line, phase and looked at what was availableLOU MARTINO and installation of new camera poles.in grants and other funding, says Project Coordinator Lou Martino. Then we put together a request for proposals and started making those designs come to life. The last phase resulted in a fully integrated system replacement, paid for in part with $14.5 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. The new security system includes an advanced access control system, biometric facial recognition cameras andPlanningvideo management, physical security informationDELTA AIRPORT Engineeringmanagement, an ID management and credentialingCONSULTANTS, INC. Environmentalsystem, perimeter intrusion detection enhancements,Industry Analysiswww.deltaairport.com Program Management and a programmable smart key solution.Construction AdministrationBusiness & Financial PlanningAirportImprovement.comJuly | August 2024'