Model Systems Engineering Documents for Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Systems
Executive Summary
This guidance document for procuring Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Systems is the second in a series of Model Systems Engineering Documents. The first published set of Model Systems Engineering Documents was for Adaptive Signal Control Technology (ASCT) Systems, published in 2012 by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Over 100 adaptive systems have been implemented in the U.S. since 2010, a significant number of these procurements have utilized the model systems engineering document process. The model systems engineering documents provide a framework for agencies to clearly articulate their needs, and specify succinct and comprehensive system requirements to guide the procurement and implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
This guidance expands the concept to cover CCTV systems. This framework will support the alignment of an agency's over-arching objectives with their system operations strategies to guide the procurement of a system that best suits their needs within stated constraints. It will reduce the level of unmet expectations by stakeholders, improve the confidence of vendors that they will be able to verify compliance with stated requirements, and reduce the incidence of biased specifications.
These model documents will provide valuable support to agencies at two distinctly different stages of project development, the planning phase and the project phase.
Planning Phase
During the planning phase a feasibility analysis will clarify the agency's and other stakeholders' needs for a CCTV system. The analysis will explore how a CCTV system could enhance the ability of a CCTV System User to effectively monitor transportation conditions. This will provide sufficient information to clearly define a project with an appropriate schedule and budget.
Project Phase
During the project phase, a Concept of Operations will support documentation of system requirements to a level of detail that is sufficient to successfully procure a CCTV system. Verification and Validation will confirm the system meets the requirements and successfully meets the agency's overall objectives.
This guidance will support documentation of operations objectives and system needs and constraints by leading the reader through a series of questions that help extract this information from the stakeholder. Sample statements are provided to facilitate a response to each of the stakeholder questions. The sample responses should be tailored to address specific situations. The outcome of selecting and tailoring the sample responses will be a set of clear and concise statements to formulate the required systems engineering documentation. By following this guidance, an agency should be positioned to conduct an alternatives and procurement analysis and can expect to produce the following documents:
- Concept of Operation.
- System Requirements.
- Verification Plan.
- Validation Plan.
It is strongly recommended that CCTV systems not be procured using traditional low-bid process. Many studies and experiences have proven that Intelligent Transportation Systems, including CCTV systems, are complex and require sufficient integration and customization that are difficult to anticipate and manage effectively within a low-bid process.
When Federal funds are involved in a project, the systems engineering documents are subject to review by the relevant FHWA Division Office, and should be submitted according to relevant State procedures. The systems engineering documents must be approved prior to commencing the procurement process.
