Building Automation Systems

The DoS is installing BAS systems in New Embassy Compounds (NEC's) around the world. Currently there are 100 NEC's with BAS systems installed by a variety of third party vendors. The implementation of the BAS is providing many challenges for DoS oversight and management; examples of the challenges faced include: varied skillsets among FM's responsible for BAS operations; inconsistent power supplies at embassy compounds; varying skill levels among LES responsible for BAS oversight; limited resources for BAS support; limited vendor availability, responsiveness and support; language barriers impacting the ability to train LES responsible for BAS management; limited protocol for emergency response when BAS systems fail; lack of knowledge on how to modify BAS parameters for new space allocation or other NEC facility modifications; no best practice strategies for troubleshooting BAS problems; lack of a plan/process for upgrading BAS software that is outdated; and minimal knowledge of how manual overrides or modifications of BAS parameters impacts overall facility operations. These are in addition to the challenges related to a lack of basic BAS operational knowledge. The types of systems installed at NEC's involve, at a minimum, seven different BAS vendors as well as an undetermined number of third party contractors responsible for the system installations, support, and knowledge transfer.