Security engineering

We develop the policy and requirements for building security used in the design and construction of GSA-managed buildings. We coordinate with firms for explosive testing, develop design tools, and provide technical assistance to project managers. 

For additional information, view the Whole Building Design Guide.

ISC risk management process

The Interagency Security Committee (ISC) developed the ISC Risk Management Process to ensure that security becomes an integral part of the planning, design, and construction of new federal office buildings and major modernization projects.

The ISC was established to develop long-term construction standards for locations requiring blast resistance or other specialized security measures. The ISC Risk Management Process incorporates technology developments, new cost considerations, the experience of practitioners applying the criteria, and the need to balance our security requirements with public building environments that remain lively, open, and accessible. 

Window vulnerability

The U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Marshall’s Service’s blast vulnerability assessment of federal facilities, responding to the threat of global terrorism, includes recommendations for improving the security and reducing the vulnerabilities of federal facilities. Consistent with these findings, we developed security criteria to provide performance-based guidance to designers, which have been incorporated into the ISC Risk Management Process.

The primary objectives of a blast vulnerability assessment study are:

• To determine potential structural and facade damage from a blast.
• To estimate the extent of loss or injury to people and assets.
• To explore hazard mitigation options such as possible site, structural, and facade upgrades/enhancements that meet the project-specific ISC Risk Management Process requirements.

Alternate path analysis and design guidelines for progressive collapse resistance

These guidelines [PDF - 7 MB] reduce the potential for progressive collapse in new and renovated federal buildings. They allow design and construction professionals to meet a consistent level of protection in the application of progressive collapse design and to align with the ISC Risk Management Process Criteria requirements.  

Contact

For more information on security engineering, the ISC Risk Management Process, or the Alternate Path Analysis & Design Guidelines for Progressive Collapse Resistance, contact Bill Earl (William.earl@gsa.gov).