WALLINGFORD, CT--(Marketwire - Sep 14, 2012) - Burns & McDonnell has been awarded a contract by Iberdrola USA to conduct a six-month on-site facility review of critical electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure. The review will include an update of existing policies and procedures for critical infrastructure protection (CIP) in compliance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) requirements. Burns & McDonnell is an international full-service engineering, architecture, construction, environmental and consulting services firm.
A team of Burns & McDonnell cyber security analysts and telecommunication engineers will conduct the review and make recommendations to improve procedures for day-to-day operations and build a framework for present and future compliance. Burns & McDonnell also has been awarded a contract to develop uniform operational standards, policies, and procedures that will apply to current work activities across all of Iberdrola USA's operational and management companies.
"Our team is eager to work with Iberdrola USA to ensure that its cyber security requirements continue to be ahead of the curve in today's ever-evolving climate," said Jarad Howard, Lead Telecommunications Engineer.
NERC has implemented a rigid compliance program to ensure that utilities and system operators follow practices that substantially reduce the possibility of electrical system outages and disruptions. As a result, utility companies across the country are continuously updating their operating procedures to meet NERC's evolving compliance standards and enable them to operate more efficiently. The Burns & McDonnell CIP team has conducted numerous security reviews of energy, water, technology, communications and transportation procedures for clients throughout the U.S.
Burns & McDonnell currently serves as Program Manager on the Maine Power Reliability Program, a $1.4 billion investment in Maine's bulk power transmission system undertaken by Iberdrola USA subsidiary Central Maine Power.
"We are excited to continue our working relationship with Iberdrola USA in this important undertaking," said Burns & McDonnell CIP Practice Manager Jerome Farquharson. "Our wealth of experience will enable us to develop a uniform set of standards that will result in increased efficiencies and benefits for customers and the environment for years to come."
About Burns & McDonnell:
The CIP group at Burns & McDonnell focuses on physical security, cyber security, structural security, operational procedures, critical infrastructure and regulatory compliance. The Telecommunications and Network Engineering group focuses on the design and implementation of utility and industrial local and wide area communications networks.
Founded in 1898, Burns & McDonnell is a 100 percent employee-owned, full-service engineering, architecture, construction, environmental and consulting services firm. Burns & McDonnell is currently the 23rd largest AEC firm in the Engineering News-Record Top 500 ranking. With the multi-disciplinary expertise of more than 3,500 professionals in more than 30 regional, national and international offices, Burns & McDonnell plans, designs, permits, constructs and manages facilities worldwide with one mission in mind -- to make clients successful. For more information about Burns & McDonnell, visit its website at www.burnsmcd.com
Contact Information:
For more information, contact:
Matt Watkins:
617-571-4582
Elise Holder:
203-284-8590