Security Integrators

There is an interesting article over on SecurityInfoWatch.com by Ryan Laughin. He provides a brief overview of the CFATS program. Of course, plenty of people have been providing such overviews recently. What is unique about his article is that he provides a list of qualities that a facility needs to look for when hiring a security integrator. Security Integrator Security integrator is one of those interesting new terms than many people in the chemical industry are learning about due to the requirements for implementing complicated new security procedures because of the CFATS regulations. A security integrator is essentially a specialized contractor who deals with a wide variety of security system providers. A quick review of the Risk-Based Performance Standards Guidance document quickly reveals that there will be a wide variety of security measures required at high-risk chemical facilities to bring them within compliance. There are a number of different suppliers, dealers, and installers available for each of these measures. Not only will it be difficult for the facility security officer to select the best team for each measure, additional work will have to be done to make sure that all of the systems work together to effectively protect the facility. That is the job of the security integrator. Unfortunately, that is about all that I know about security integrators. Oh yes, and one other thing; in his article Laughin provides a list of ‘qualities’ to look for in an integrator. Those qualities are:

“A knowledge and understanding of CFATS. The integrator needs to know the background and have a good understanding of tiering and RBPS requirements. “Chemical-terrorism Vulnerability Information certification (CVI) – DHS has implemented restrictions to make sure that the information facilities have provided the department does not fall into public hands. An integrator with CVI certification has been pre-screened and instructed on what information needs to be kept private and how to keep it from getting into the public arena. “Safety Act Certification – This means that the integrator’s electronic security services have been certified by the DHS to limit the legal liability of the end-user if a terrorist act should occur.”

These three qualities seem to be self-evident and probably do not do too much to limit the choices available to the facility security officer. Certainly there should be more that one should be looking for in hiring for this kind of service. I know that there are at least a couple of security integrators among the regular readers of this blog. What other qualities would security integrators suggest?