Protection Strategies Incorporated (PSI) conducted an in depth Security Analysis of the Security Program for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at the Parklawn Program Support Center located in Rockville, MD. The objective of the analysis, using industry standards and best practices, provided the Program Support Center with a cost-efficient plan for performing security services at the Parklawn complex.

The Parklawn Complex security guard force contract consists of more than 250 guards and supervisory personnel, approximately 50 posts including manned, unmanned, vehicular, and foot roving patrols. The “complex” consists of approximately 40 widely dispersed facilities, two of which have been designated “critical infrastructure”.

PSI’s Survey and Analysis Team reviewed the current and proposed guard contract Statements of Work (SOW) within the context of existing requirements for contract guard operations at Federal facilities. Members of the team analyzed the requirements for armed guards, their certification, training, and retention within the context of existing requirements for contract guard operations at Federal facilities. The Team also provided a comparative analysis of the requirements for armed guards at each post, the affect of personnel assignments, jurisdiction, and civil liabilities regarding use of force policies.

PSI team members reviewed access controls, contingency plans, physical security, and the tactical measures associated with force protection operations to mitigate identified hazards and impede penetration of protected areas by unauthorized personnel and/or vehicles.

PSI staff gathered data by researching available documents, conducting interviews, site inspections of the Parklawn facility and associated facilities comprising the “complex.” Security questionnaires were developed, distributed to the security force, and the results were analyzed and compared to existing procedures, orders, and policies. The PSI team provided recommendations to the HHS based on substantive information obtained during the Security Analysis. PSI subsequently conducted random interviews to confirm the validity of information provided by members of the contract security guard force.

The PSI Security Analysis Team scrutinized the current post orders for guards (including emergency duties) to assess their adequacy in communicating protective force requirements at the designated post.