Overview
P2S was contracted to prepare the Telecommunications Master Plan for Allan Hancock College (AHC) in Santa Maria, California. The campus consists of approximately 19 buildings. The building currently housing the existing MDF was set for demolition, so they needed to establish a plan to move. P2S prepared a master plan that combined using some of the newer existing conduit infrastructure with new conduit and cable infrastructures. Plus, the plan called for using the AHC’s existing data center as the new MDF for the campus.
Challenge
To establish a telecommunications master plan and gain an understanding of current and future usage, P2S had to investigate existing outside conduits and cables, review the technology infrastructure in all campus buildings and meet with various campus groups. The college was able to provide P2S with excellent records and documentation, which helped give us an accurate assessment of the existing equipment and infrastructure.
Allan Hancock College also wanted the plan to include a conversion to Voice over IP (VoIP), so P2S proposed additional conduit pathways and new fiber and copper. Ultimately, the P2S plan will allow AHC to consolidate its data center, MDF, the voice network and the minimum point of entry (MPOE) to a single location.
Action
As technology consultant, P2S was responsible for engineering, design and construction administration of the voice and data and audio/visual aspects of the project. Working with the prime consultant, Steinberg Architects and college representatives and other sub-consultants, P2S coordinated and fostered communication between teams and consultants to ensure for an optimal plan and design. Working with the civil engineer, P2S also designed and provided conduit and cabling for emergency phones and parking permit dispensers for the college parking lots and an electronic display sign at the entrance of the college. P2S completed design submittals on time and the project bid as scheduled.
Results
Allan Hancock College was pleased with the plan that P2S completed, which we completed on schedule and within the allocated budget. In fact, phase one of the plan has been constructed and the next phase will be incorporated into an upcoming building project.
