"Port Freeport's project team researched several different system integrators and security technologies," said Rick Benavidez, Security Manager for Port Freeport. "We followed up with visits to the vendors who made the short list. Once completed, Port Freeport's project team reviewed the RFPs and decided the creative solution offered by CIBER's Enterprise Security Solutions (ESS) was the best value for the port. With the system provided by CIBER, we achieved our goal of improving waterside security and MDA."
CIBER's ESS solutions incorporate industry best practices and best-of-breed technologies to provide comprehensive, yet cost-effective security coverage. Features of the port security system implemented at Port Freeport include:
- Integrated security systems for video surveillance, intrusion detection, and access control
- "Intelligent" radar systems designed for small-craft coverage and swimmer detection within the harbor in order to provide situational awareness and security command and control
- Large vessel tracking within the harbor and up to 17 miles outside of the harbor
- A base station to track automatic identification system (AIS)-equipped vessels within the harbor and up to 30 miles outside of the harbor. AIS is a VHF transponder on ships over 300 gross tons, including towboats, tugs, and offshore supply vessels. It allows the port security system to track vessels' positions in real time and display vessel information and attributes including name, speed and schedules
- Patrol-boat tracking with mobile access to all video displays, command and control displays, and Web applications
- A secure Web portal component that provides the port and stakeholders in the region with an integrated approach to simultaneously enhance security, safety, and operational efficiency
- A waterside perimeter intruder detection and alert system, including a security zone management system
- A regional command and control (C2) situational display and common operating picture (COP) system
- A vessel notice of arrival (NOA) and scheduling system including pilot dispatching, port operations berth planning and invoicing system
"CIBER is proud to assist the port of Freeport on this mission-critical homeland security project," said Marcia Kim, President of CIBER's Federal Government Division. "CIBER team members worked with the port directors and the project consultant (Willis Mitchell) throughout the entire process, from system design through delivery, testing, training, and operational acceptance, in order to provide the port with this state-of-the-art security system. CIBER continues to work with the port in providing on-going service and support."
Port Freeport is the 13th largest port in the US in foreign cargo tonnage, and 23rd in the US in total tonnage, accommodating 33.9 million tons of cargo per year. It employs more than 11,000 people and has an economic impact on the region of more than $9 billion annually.
