iXP Conducts Comprehensive Security Assessment of Technology, Operations, and Facilities for Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Sector: University Campus
Focus: Facility and Operational Risk Assessment
Started: Fall 2007

Situation

The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University is a premier bioscience research facility with significant investment in equipment and intellectual property. Currently the Institute is comprised of 2 interconnected buildings with approximately 400,000 sq. ft. with plans to add 2 additional buildings with an additional 400,000 sq. ft. of advanced research space.

The Institute houses a Select Agent Program (agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety). Their security protocols are extensive and overseen by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The Institute engaged iXP to perform a comprehensive security assessment and review of the technology, operations, and facilities of the Institute. Particular emphasis was placed on assessment and examination of existing facilities to address unauthorized entries and other security risks.

Solution

The comprehensive security assessment established a baseline of how public safety and security was addressed at the Institute via operations; the existing private security force's policies and procedures and staffing model in conjunction with the life safety and security technologies in place; and the physical assessment of the facilities to support the service levels required. This information helped determine the resources and systems required to facilitate best-in-class security practices for facilities and personnel. Additionally, the assessment produced findings, risks, and recommendations regarding operational improvements and new technology solutions that the Institute could employ to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the operations of its facilities and its security force.

iXP assessed the internal and external facility threats and risks for the current Institute's facilities. iXP performed on-site evaluations of the facilities, documented the current findings, identified the existing risks, and recommended technology and operational improvements to increase the overall public safety and security of the two existing sites. We also prepared guidelines and standards that can be applied to the two future buildings.

Results

The Biodesign Institute started to implement many of the recommendations prior to the completion of the final report, especially those recommendations that dealt with facility vulnerabilities; which were pointed out by the iXP assessment team during the regular on-site visits. The Institute continues to implement many of the operational and technology recommendations to increase the security of the buildings and the public safety of the inhabitants and the surrounding communities.

Value Delivered. Problem Solved.