Primary Department: Fire Marshal
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Laurie L. Christensen, Fire Marshal
Managing Department: Fire Marshal
Managing Department Head/Elected Official: Laurie L. Christensen, Fire Marshal
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Investment Memo
Investment Memo Type: Final Investment Memo
Project Name: Enhanced Security Technologies at 1001
Project ID (if applicable): TBD
Vendor Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Achievement (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Incremental Authorization Requested: $494,564
Total Estimated Project Cost: $494,564
Request Summary:
title
Request for approval of a Final Investment Memo for the Enhanced Security Technologies at 1001 Preston St., for $494,564 and initial commercial paper funding in the amount of $495,000.
end
Project Description:
This project proposes the enhancement of building security through the installation of integrated access control and surveillance infrastructure. Specifically, the project includes:
• Access control on the elevators and stairwells: Installation of proximity card readers on existing elevator cars to restrict floor access based on individuals with valid credentials can access specific floors, as well as adding proximity card readers on the stairwell access doors to not allow the re-entry to floors without authorization, thereby improving operational security and reducing unauthorized movement within the building.
• Security camera installation: Procurement and installation of approximately forty-five (45) security cameras throughout the facility. These cameras will support post-incident investigations, and some real-time monitoring as needed, significantly enhancing situational awareness and overall facility security.
• Construction of security check-in station: Development of a designated security check-in station on the south side (front entrance) of the building. This station will serve as the primary access point for visitors, providing controlled entry, check-in services, and directional assistance. It will also support the verification of appointments or business purpose, while maintaining a digital log of all visitors to ensure accountability and assist emergency response efforts when necessary.
Project Scope:
This project will implement enhanced security measures at 1001 Preston St., Administration Building, through three key components: (1) installation of access control systems on all elevator cars and stairwell re-entry to limit floor access to authorized personnel via proximity cards; (2) installation of approximately 45 security cameras to improve surveillance and incident response capabilities; and (3) construction of a staffed security check-in station at the building’s south entrance to manage visitor access, ensure proper check-in procedures, and maintain accountability during emergencies.
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Vehicle/Equipment |
Estimated Cost |
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Access Control for elevators and stairwells |
$251,170 |
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Security cameras |
$178,434 |
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Construction of check-in station |
$20,000 |
|
Contingency (10%) |
$44,960 |
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TOTAL |
$494,564 |
Anticipated Project Expenditures and Timeline:
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Project Scope Breakdown |
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Estimated Cost |
Estimated Completion |
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Access Control for elevators and stairwells |
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$251,170 |
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Security cameras |
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$178,434 |
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Construction of check-in station |
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$20,000 |
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Contingency (10%) |
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$44,960 |
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- |
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Total |
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$494,564 |
- |
Justification & Alternatives:
The Administration Building serves as a central hub for county government operations, housing numerous departments that engage directly with the public, including those responsible for financial transactions and sensitive services. With elected officials and staff working in an open and accessible environment, it is essential to balance security with public accessibility. This project will support that balance by introducing discreet yet effective security measures that do not impede the public’s ability to conduct business, but instead guide visitors through a more organized and accountable entry process.
The installation of elevator access controls, additional surveillance cameras, and a dedicated visitor check-in station aligns with widely accepted security strategies and industry recommendations. According to ASIS International's Facilities Physical Security Measures Guideline, layered access control and visitor management systems are essential elements in protecting personnel and critical assets while maintaining public service functions. Similarly, the Interagency Security Committee (ISC) notes in its Design-Basis Threat and Physical Security Criteria for Federal Facilities standards that "restricting vertical movement via elevator control is a common and effective method of managing floor-specific access in multi-tenant public facilities."
These measures represent common practice across local, state, and federal government buildings nationwide, particularly those that serve the public daily. DHS’s Best Practices for Planning and Managing Physical Security Resources further emphasizes that “technology-enabled solutions, such as electronic access control, can often reduce staffing requirements while improving overall security posture.”
By implementing these enhancements, Harris County will follow established best practices to protect sensitive government operations and personnel while maintaining an open, service-oriented environment. Leveraging proven security strategies and technology will reduce the long-term need for additional personnel, improve emergency preparedness, and create a safer, more efficient experience for both the public and county employees.
Alternatives and Engagement:
If the proposed security enhancements are not implemented, unrestricted access to all floors of the Administration Building will remain in place, leaving sensitive areas, including those occupied by elected officials and departments handling financial transactions, such as the Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office, vulnerable to unauthorized access. In the absence of these improvements, the County may be required to increase the number of security personnel assigned to the facility, resulting in higher long-term operational costs.
By contrast, the proposed project leverages technology to enhance access control and surveillance, reducing reliance on personnel-based security measures. This approach not only helps contain future staffing costs but also allows existing security staff to focus on higher-value tasks such as response and coordination, improving the overall effectiveness of the building security.
Anticipated Impact on Other Funds (If Applicable):
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Description |
Estimated Cost |
Funding Method (Existing or Future Budget Request Required) |
Estimated Date of Needs |
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Total |
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$- |
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County Strategic Plan Goal: 1. Make Harris County safer and more just.
County Strategic Plan Objective: A: Reduce violent crime across the County.
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): A4: Improve safety through targeted pursuit of violent crime suspects.
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): Choose an item.
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): Choose an item.
Health Initiative (Goal 4): Choose an item.
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): Choose an item.
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): Choose an item.
Decision Analysis Matrix Score (rubric on last page): 16
Previous Court Action:
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Action Taken |
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Address: 1001 Preston St., Houston, TX 77002
Precinct(s): Countywide
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Funding Sources |
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Existing Budget |
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$ |
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Total Current Budget |
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Additional Budget Request |
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Commercial Paper |
$ |
$495,000 |
$495,000 |
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Total Additional Budget Request |
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$495,000 |
$495,000 |
$ |
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Total Funding Request |
$ |
$495,000 |
$495,000 |
$ |
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Personnel (Fill out section only if requesting new PCNs) |
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Current Position Count for Service |
- |
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Additional Positions Request |
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Total Personnel |
- |
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Anticipated Court Date: 8/7/2025
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): Click or tap to enter a date.
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or ARPA related item
Legal funding compliance confirmed by: Paige Abernathy, Special Assistant County Attorney, 7/22/2025
Department Approval by: Chief Laurie Christensen, Fire Marshal
OMB CIP Team Approval by: William McGuinness, Director-Capital Projects & Infrastructure, 7/23/2025
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Commercial Paper Request (For OMB use only):
Receiving Department: Fire Marshal
Project PeopleSoft ID: TBD
CP Series Description: Commercial Paper A-1 is used to (1) pay contractual obligations incurred or to be incurred for the construction of and the purchase of fixtures, equipment and machinery for or in connection with the County's criminal and civil justice centers, the County's firefighter training facility, (2) pay contractual obligations incurred or to be incurred for the purchase of automobiles and other vehicles, equipment and machinery, including computers, materials and supplies for the operations of the County precincts and departments and other authorized needs and purposes including services provided by engineers, architects, attorneys, auditors, financial advisors.
Commercial Paper is being requested for Enhanced Security Technologies at 1001 Preston project and is expected to be repaid within the next three fiscal years either through bonds, budgetary means or pay-as-you-go sources.
Note: Commercial Paper is issued in increments of $5,000 and the excess is not available to be spent by the department.
OMB Financial Management contact: Amy Perez, Deputy Executive Director, Office of Management and Budget