GOVERMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL
Since its inception, acensium has provided superior support to the government and institutional sector as part of our portfolio of services. Our work is divided into four major groups:
» Government Services Provided by Acensium
» Healthcare and Institutional Technical Risk Services
» Industrial and Energy Technical Risk Services
» Technical Risk Solutions for Business
Government Services
Provided by Acensium
Our Government sector work is divided into two major groups:
- Public Works and Agency Design and Program Support
- Code Enforcement and Regulatory Support
Public Works and Agency Design and Program Support
acensium provides fire protection and safety design support, ranging from conventional design of automatic fire suppression systems and fire alarm/detection systems to life safety egress assessment and development. We work either directly as part of your Project Management Team or with your assigned Architect to ensure safe and code compliant facilities are achieved in a timely and efficient manner.
One of our most important services is Commissioning, where we provide the independent oversight. Our commissioning extends beyond the bid process to vendor/subcontractor plan review and coordination of the testing and acceptance phase to ensure what you sought is what you got.
We also offer a variety of tailored services to help your safety and fire prevention programs, including field evaluation and inspection services intended to assess potential safety hazards and risks and provide cost-effective solutions. We can work with your existing resources and staff to develop and deliver specialized training, perform hazards analysis, assist in emergency and contingency planning, develop and evaluate drills and training exercises, and prepare response procedures.
Our clients range from local municipalities to state government and federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Navy, and Air Force. From complex laboratory facilities and hazardous processes to detention and correctional facilities, from courthouse offices to public assembly areas such as athletic facilities and museums, acensium can provide a combination of the close team support and independent execution needed to bring any task in on a timely basis and as smoothly as possible.
Code Enforcement and Regulatory Support
Working with local authorities having jurisdiction has always been a part of our commitment to the code safety process. We recognize that it is difficult for any department to retain and train specialists in all areas of safety or fire protection, yet you are still responsible for maintaining public safety and code enforcement for the complex building projects and industry processes that enter your jurisdiction. Our staff maintain certifications as plans examiners and code inspectors in the Model Building Codes, as well as the new International Building Code provisions. In addition, we have considerable industry experience in the technical hazards and challenges of a broad range of facilities and operations. Supported by our extensive technical library, we are able to provide either general plan review and inspection support or special project review and oversight.
From complex smoke evacuation systems to the review of proposed performance-based designs, acensium will objectively and cooperatively work with your organization and that of the owner’s representative for a balanced project that meets your safety objectives.
Other services we provide in the area of Code enforcement include the development and promotion of local amendments to codes and ordinances, as well as evaluation and modernization of Fire Prevention Bureaus and Building Safety Departments.
Profiles of Our Service
The following are brief descriptions of projects and solutions acensium has already provided to its customers:
Flexibility and Support of Internal Resources Save Money and Expedite Safety Improvements at Juvenile Detention Facility
Challenge:
Facing severe budget constraints, the county engineering office and maintenance staff of a juvenile detention facility have recently discovered that a large number of institutional style sprinkler heads used in their facility are under recall, but the manufacturer replacement and reimbursement date have passed.
Solution:
Faced with a year-end funding dilemma and recognizing both the hazards and liability posed, acensium is asked to present a solution that can be executed within the time and funding limitations. A replacement sprinkler head suitable for the physical challenges of this institution is identified and selected and obtained through an existing Work Order with the fire system inspection contractor. acensium then provides a replacement procedure and training to the maintenance personnel, so that the staff can safely replace the effected heads during night time periods without interruption to security. Additional safety measures are presented and discussed with the team to ensure adequate precautions and supervision during the work. Special arrangements are made through the Certified Fire Protection Inspection Firm to inspect and conduct final testing with acensium to meet local qualification standards.
Existing Courthouse Facility Obtains Fire and Life Safety Upgrade While Continuing to Operate
Challenge:
A decision has been made to provide automatic sprinkler and fire alarms throughout an existing four-story courthouse. However, none of the existing functions and schedule can be impacted for the judicial or surrounding support agency offices.
Solution:
acensium was asked to provide both design and commissioning services for the project. As a result of the challenging schedule, it was decided that the technical specification would be developed around the unique schedule challenges of an operating facility. As a result, bidders were asked to prepare as part of their response packages a presentation on their installation approach to accommodate this challenge, subsequent to an orientation and walk-through presented by acensium. Once the successful bidder was selected, acensium worked with them to develop specific procedures and work phases for the installation and coordinated with the facility staff to resolve conflicts. Periodically through the project, acensium visited the site either by schedule or upon request to help in addressing unique situations. acensium then reviewed and worked with the contractor and local authority having jurisdiction to conduct acceptance testing and turn-over to the client.
Progressive Fire Department Evaluates and Improves Fire Prevention Bureau
Challenge:
A fire department in a rapidly growing community is faced with ever more complex building designs and industrial challenges. The fire chief and fire marshal decide that before making internal changes, a technical evaluation and plan should be completed.
Solution:
acensium developed a combination public service survey and technical audit process that could be completed within the department’s limited budget and time constraints, by training and using existing staff and resources where possible to prepare and collect information. With the assistance of acensium, valuable technical as well as process-improvement feedback was obtained. This was developed into a report and later a strategic plan with acensium facilitating staff review and involvement in the process. Later, acensium was asked to conduct training and provide procedure development skills, along with several follow-up evaluations to help in smoothly establishing changes.
How can we help you meet your technical risk objectives?
