The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is ramping up its efforts to enhance building security and efficiency by advancing Building Automation Systems (BAS) and connectivity initiatives across its properties. This move is part of a broader strategy to bolster cybersecurity while improving federal buildings’ sustainability and operational management.
The GSA Public Buildings Service (PBS) has approved an enterprise-wide BAS solution, integrated through Niagara Framework technology, after conducting extensive market research and releasing a Request for Information (RFI). This initiative will affect BAS installations in new construction, upgrades, and replacements of outdated systems as they reach the end of their useful life. The five-year implementation, which is expected to cost approximately $85 million, will be incorporated as a standard across GSA’s extensive building portfolio.
Reducing Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities
The core of this BAS initiative is reducing cybersecurity risks. GSA recognizes that its current systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks due to the diversity of BAS products and the challenges of maintaining multiple disparate systems. The new BAS solution will integrate all systems into one enterprise-wide platform, enhancing security and efficiency.
According to the Class Justification and Approval (J&A) document, this project aims to mitigate several risks associated with GSA’s current operations. Disparate BAS systems pose considerable cybersecurity risks, especially with many products connected to the Building Systems Network (BSN) that require constant monitoring and updates. The new BAS will address these vulnerabilities by streamlining system maintenance and reducing the need for multiple software tools, some of which do not meet modern IT security requirements.
The J&A highlights that the Niagara Framework is the only solution fully meeting GSA’s stringent cybersecurity and operational needs. With over one million instances in use globally, Niagara is the leading choice due to its non-proprietary nature, scalability, compliance with key government cybersecurity standards like IPv6 support, and reduction of server licensing costs in line with OMB Memorandum M-19-19.
Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability
Beyond cybersecurity, the GSA’s BAS upgrade is also geared towards improving operational efficiency and sustainability. The initiative will be aligned with GSA’s Smart Buildings Program and broader goals, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting net-zero energy consumption across federal buildings.
The enterprise-wide BAS will streamline Operations and Maintenance (O&M) contracts, provide more uniform training opportunities for staff, and reduce overall costs by procuring long-term Software Maintenance Agreements (SMAs). The system will also support advanced metering, which is key to energy management efforts across GSA’s portfolio of buildings.
Supporting Small Businesses and Competition
Although the GSA’s choice of the Niagara Framework limits the scope of potential BAS providers, the initiative opens new doors for small business contractors. The framework allows for installation, programming, and support by a wide range of vendors, including small businesses, thus ensuring opportunities for competition in the installation and maintenance contracts.
To promote competition further, GSA plans to publish an RFI annually and review market conditions to determine whether new entrants have emerged that could meet the requirements of the enterprise-wide BAS solution.
Conclusion
The GSA’s advancement in building automation and connectivity represents a significant step in modernizing federal building management while enhancing cybersecurity and sustainability. By adopting the Niagara Framework, the GSA ensures that its buildings are equipped with the latest technology to address current and future needs, all while supporting small businesses and promoting competition in the federal marketplace.