Idaho National Laboratories
Idaho Falls, ID

Nuclear materials maintained in support of programs at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) require a high level of physical security.  In 2004 due to potential terror threats, the Department of Energy (DOE) increased their security standards. In order to meet the necessary requirements, INL issued a Statement of Work to procure Architect-Engineering services to support conceptual and final design for the INL Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC). This project provided upgrades and changes required to implement security systems in response to the DOE threat guidance.  Some of the major components included in this security upgrade are:

• A fixed continuous vehicle barrier was added to the perimeter of the complex with removable barriers to allow delivery/maintenance vehicle access.
• A 1,500 sf bullet resistant guard house was designed to process delivery vehicle and maintenance personnel into the facility.  The guard house included a metal detector portal, radiation monitor portal, and x-ray.  Due to the location of the guard house with the MFC, a septic system was included.
• Located near the guard house, a 5,000 sf vehicle search building was designed to house a vehicle x-ray machine that would support timely searches of vehicles for unauthorized personnel and explosives.
• To facilitate the separation distance required from the barrier to the complex, a new 300 stall parking lot and a diesel fueling station was designed.
• Short range and long range intrusion detection systems.  The short range detection system included radar and video cameras for day and night vision to assess potential threats.
• One of the essential components of this project was to include emergency power for the new and existing security systems at the MFC.  This was accomplished with backup generators that would automatically turn on with the loss of power.
• Aerial protection system was designed to eliminate helicopters from landing in certain areas at the MFC.

The contract was set up as a time and materials with a not to exceed value and to minimize the potential of terrorist threats a very aggressive schedule.  R₂H Engineering was awarded the contract the end of February 2005 and had to have the design completed by the end of May 2005.  R₂H was able to meet all schedule demands, even though during the design process there were significant change notices from the client, R₂H was able to complete the design at less than 90% of the contract value.