Look before your Leap  Intrusion Detection Systems and the UL 2050 Standard

Contractors in the National Industrial Security Program often require safeguarding on a large scale than the normal GSA approved safes.  This usually entails a closed area that will allow the contractor to openly store classified information and hardware in an open area (outside of a safe).  The National Industrial Security Program allows for this type of storage but requires the contractor to employee supplemental controls for an added level of security.  In most cases, the supplemental control is an Intrusion Detection System.  The National Industrial Security Program requires a system that is certified to the underwrites Laboratory (UL) 2050 Standard.  The contractor should rely on no other system other than UL 2050 and there are several items a FSO should be aware of before signing a contract.  The first step to alarming a closed area is contracting with an alarm company that has been certified by UL as a provider for the UL 2050 Standard.  Included in this article is a list of alarm companies that have service centers that are UL Listed for the National Industrial Security Systems in Florida.  It is a good idea to make absolutely sure the contract provides for system installations, equipment, service, maintenance, and monitoring that comply with the UL 2050 Standard.  One of the major problems faced by contractors installing a new system is that the alarm company states that they did not know that the system was supposed to be UL 2050 certified.  It is also important to be sure that the system will be certified under UL's "National Industrial Security System Category".  The FSO should also make certain that the specific areas should be certified individually so that multiple closed areas are not certified under the same certificate.  It is important to clarify as much as possible before entering into a contract.  It is possible for alarm companies to "add on" items to a contract that may be specifically prohibited by the NISP.  The most common example is the "add on" of listening or audio monitoring devices that are not in accordance with NISP regulations.  It is best to clarify any and all aspects of your contract and system before you enter into the contract.  A properly certified intrusion detection system will surely bring an added level of security that in turn will allow a great level of productivity at your facility.  If you have any concerns or questions the answers are only as far away as your Defense Security Service Representative.

Ft. Walton Beach (ADT does the monitoring)

Honeywell Inc.