Challenge
A rapidly deployable physical security system was needed to protect critical national security assets that require the highest level of security. The system had to be capable of meeting Protection Level 1 requirements for high-level assets like nuclear weapons. There are other physical protection systems in use that met these requirements, but none are portable, where modular components could be installed, moved, or reconfigured easily.
“We are proud to have partnered with Sandia on the PIDS project—the latest in a long line of critical technical collaboration projects with Sandia’s world-class security professionals. Our shared passion for delivering mission- and policy-informed innovation to safeguard the nation makes this a rare and powerful partnership.”
Rick Gross
President & CEO
Prometheus Security Group Global
Solution
To meet these requirements, the scientists at the Sandia National Laboratories’ Physical Security Center of Excellence developed the Portable Intrusion Detection System. PIDS combines command and control, sensors, and cameras in a unified, mobile platform. After developing a workable system, there was a need to further refine the electronic and computer interface for alarm station operators who monitor the system from a command and control center, as well as finalize the design for manufacturability.
Collaboration
Sandia looked for an industry partner for PIDS to increase its technology readiness level so it could advance to manufacturing. They teamed with Prometheus Security Group Global, a leader in physical security solutions for the federal and critical infrastructure sectors. With a long history in physical protection, the company had the capability to work with Sandia to further develop PIDS so it could become a commercial-off-the-shelf system and get the required certifications from the National Nuclear Security Administration and the U.S. Air Force.
Impact
PIDS is planned to be used at all NNSA locations that require Protection Level 1 security. Sandia is collaborating with Prometheus to prove cyber compliance for PIDS in order for NNSA to achieve the required Enterprise Authority to Operate. The USAF is also interested in using PIDS.
PIDS is flexible, and can be scaled to protect any area, large or small. It ships prebuilt and preconfigured, and is more cost-efficient and quicker to deploy than traditional, permanent systems which have to be designed by engineers and constructed at each unique location. When finished, the PIDS can be packed up into its storage configuration, allowing it to be moved to another site if desired.
This partnership, which is tied to Sandia’s national security mission, has been very successful. The licensing agreement is an essential component to allow for continued availability of PIDS. Sandia and Prometheus are continuing to work together under a CRADA to continue to improve and add more capabilities to the system which is now available for both government and commercial customers.