Nationwide Infrastructure Wiring IDIQ
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The Problem
Elements 5 (E5) was engaged to deliver comprehensive network infrastructure cabling and wiring services for all FDA locations, CONUS and OCONUS). The scope of work involved the installation and removal of wiring to prepare for the deployment of VoIP and Wireless LAN (WLAN) systems across all FDA sites. This effort ensured seamless connectivity and communication capabilities for FDA end users, enhancing the overall efficiency and functionality of their network infrastructure.
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has numerous field offices both within the continental US (CONUS) and overseas (OCONUS) that undergo major and minor renovation of existing office space and are often relocated to a new address or to new office space at their existing location. Therefore, there is a constant need for the installation of passive network infrastructure wiring, and associated hardware, to support the voice (VolP and legacy) and data networks, including various network resources.
The Solution
We began by credentialing, hiring, onboarding, and deploying both internal and external staff to build a skilled and effective team. Agile methodology was utilized to ensure continuous feedback and adaptability, allowing the team to address unforeseen challenges and remain flexible throughout the project.
The Impact
We have successfully installed 1,100 wireless access points, with this number steadily increasing. This installation covers over 100,000 feet (about 30.48 km) of network infrastructure across various office buildings and campus areas. In addition, over 250 voice and data connections have been either established or repaired. We are on track to complete an international network designed to support 5,000 FDA employees and 8,000 devices. Throughout the project, we have consistently upheld high standards of customer satisfaction while staying within budget constraints.
The project started with a comprehensive site survey to plan the installation of wiring infrastructure. This included gathering information on existing wiring systems, inspecting the condition of electrical systems, and evaluating accessibility features to determine the wiring requirements. Following this survey, we installed CAT6 and Fiber Optic cabling, optimizing cable routes to achieve the desired signal strength, quality, and transmission speeds.
Wireless Access Points (WAPs) were installed to ensure comprehensive wireless coverage throughout the site. The installation was strategically planned to maximize wireless connectivity and performance, supporting seamless access for all users. In addition to the cabling and WAPs, we set up phone lines to integrate smoothly with the network infrastructure. This ensured reliable voice communication and connectivity within the site.
We lastly implemented a detailed cable management approach. This involved organizing and securing cables to reduce clutter, protecting them from damage, and ensuring ease of maintenance. Accurate labeling of all cabling components was done to facilitate efficient tracking and troubleshooting.
Throughout the project, we adhered to industry standards such as TIA/EIA-606-A, which enhanced the network's performance and ensured that future upgrades and modifications could be carried out seamlessly. This thorough approach resulted in a reliable, high-performance network infrastructure that met all client requirements and was well-prepared for future enhancements.