Supporting District Technology Initiatives

As technology continues to evolve and is incorporated into more aspects of education, the need for reliable, modern, infrastructure is more important than ever. By designing and integrating quality telecommunications systems our low voltage technicians can help your district build and maintain the infrastructure needed to support digital learning, improve communications, and provide reliable security far into the future.

FAQ

What kinds of services are you offering?

Along with E-rate qualified services such as installing new data drops and wireless access points, we are also offering expanded low voltage options typical of a private low voltage electrical contracting business with in essence, at-cost packages. These services include:

Design
Design structured cabling systems for new builds and integrating existing infrastructure with new systems. Create overview plan layouts for installation teams including all necessary documentation for a well-planned system.

Installation, Maintenance, Replacement, and Repair
We can provide the project planning, support, labor, and materials for new installations and servicing of existing systems. We also provide rack cleanup, rack or cabinet swaps, and abandoned cable removal as well.

Audits, Consulting, and Estimating
Provide multiple levels of site surveys. Provide support and experience with low voltage systems and infrastructures such as project final audits before signing off contractors. Provide project planning and estimating for labor and material requirements before starting the RFP process. Ensure complete state and local compliance with applicable codes, permitting, licensure, and industry standards. Provide an installation standard for Oregon K-12 public schools.

What types of equipment can you install?

We can install most typical systems and equipment similar to other low voltage electrical contractors but with government procurement prices and at-cost services. These are typical systems that we install:

• Data and voice cabling
• Network cabinets, racks, and structured cabling systems
• Cameras
• Paging
• Wireless access points
• IP clocks
• A/V equipment

While we strive to provide a comprehensive program, there is a small set of services that we will be working on providing in the near future.

Can you install conduit?

We absolutely install conduit and prefer a well-planned infrastructure system that will last, is easily serviceable, and as cost-effective as possible.

Are you licensed?

We are a fully licensed, insured, and bonded Oregon electrical specialty contractor that is authorized to perform limited energy work on all commercial buildings which covers all educational facilities. We are also fully certified and compliant on relevant OSHA/ANSI trade safety programs with continual training.

What sort of levels of auditing do you offer?

The primary function of each audit program is to find and offer resolutions (if desired) for certain criteria within the network infrastructure of your district. At the most basic level we offer an equipment and telco space breakdown. The basic audit includes all of the MDF and IDF locations and rack layouts along with the existing equipment at each location. This helps gather an overview of the infrastructure for planning and initial documentation.

We also offer additional audits including a full breakdown of telecommunication systems, copper and fiber cabling, diagrams, photos, and other documentation allowing for a complete, unabridged synopsis of the network infrastructure along with any deficiencies found. We also provide a network physical security audit, and finally a project final audit and verification.

Project finals are site walks verifying contractor work and verifying permits, fire, electrical, ORS code compliance, and quality of workmanship. We work on behalf of the district network administrator to ensure project scope completion.

Do you have a preferred type of manufacturer?

We do have some preferred manufacturers for certain infrastructure systems. While we prefer certain systems, we will tailor each installation to the needs of the project and any preferences of each district. For infrastructure we lean towards Panduit and for cabling we prefer Belden. Ultimately we still prioritize need, serviceability, and costs over preferences.

What are some of the systems you can repair?

Anything that we install we can also service and repair. These systems include but are not limited to:

• Data and voice cabling
• Network cabinets, racks, and structured cabling systems
• Cameras
• Paging
• Wireless access points
• IP clocks
• A/V equipment

Along with the services that we openly offer to districts, we also are able to service and repair existing access control devices and intrusion detection devices.

What kinds of documentation would be included in a well-planned system?

Detailed documentation is a necessary step in ensuring the serviceability in an appropriately installed network system.

As-Built Diagrams
These are either generated in the field at the time of installation or back in the office after technicians have completed the project. They can be hand drawn with rudimentary diagrams illustrating where cabling and devices were installed. Better yet, they are computer aided diagrams with detailed notes and illustrations. Either way they ensure future technicians have the means to properly troubleshoot systems without first having to spend hours figuring out the layout of each system.

Cable Cut Sheets
Cut sheets are generally a spreadsheet created at the time of installation that outlines where each cable in located with the label of the cable and the device or room it serves and any additional notes of significance. Cut sheets help to reduce troubleshooting times and organize cabling infrastructure.

Asset Worksheets
Asset worksheets provide network administrators a full breakdown of the new equipment that is installed. The information should include the device manufacturer and model, serial numbers, MAC addresses and static IP addresses if available.

Rack Layouts
Just as an as-built diagram helps to document where devices and cabling run through a building, a rack layout helps to document where and how equipment is installed within each rack. This can aid administrators in future planning to identify if rack expansion will be needed before having work done.

Room and Telecommunication Space Diagrams
Equipment room and space diagrams help to get an overview of how each space is utilized, the location of equipment in those spaces, and if there is any room for future installations. These diagrams also aid in spotting discrepancies with code compliance and physical security of network equipment which can apply to FERPA and HIPPA regulations.

Do you install fiber?

We are able to provide fiber installation, termination, and maintenance services.