SELECTED PROJECTS
Tangiers - Mediterranean Special Agency (TMSA)
Location: Tangiers, Morocco
Project: Mega Port Safety and Security Study
As Key Sub-Contractor, ECSI executed a task order to provide a complete Safety and Security Study for Tangier Med, the new deep-sea and containers harbor in Tangier, Morocco.
Project Description
ECSI executed a task order to provide a complete security study for Tangier Med, the new deep sea and container harbor in Tangier, Morocco to achieve the following:
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Define the security and safety programs specific to the p0I1 complex and compliant with the International Ship and POl1 Security (ISPS) Code and other regulations, including the development of a strategy for the acquisition and payment of such equipment and services
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Define the security programs consistent with U.S. requirements such as the Container Security Program (CSI) and the CustomsTrade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT).
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The development of technical tender documents designed to help procure security and safety equipment and services
Project Execution
Phase I – Information Gathering and Risk Analysis
During the information and risk analysis phase, ECSI first reviewed selected historical documents, including existing studies and plans, and identified all appropriate safety and security requirements. In accordance with the Terms of Reference, ECSI completed these tasks in order to prepare a risk analysis report.
Task 1: Review of Existing Studies and Documents Upon completion of this task, ECSI prepared a summary report describing the documents reviewed and the results of analysis. This summary report was provided separately to TMSA upon completion of this task, and was also included in the first interim report.
Task 2: Risk Analysis ECSI prepared a summary report containing a comprehensive, prioritized li st orthe potentials risks affecting the security and safety of the port complex. This report was prepared in such a manner as to ensure that it complied with the security assessment requirements in the ISPS Code and other appropriate security regulations. This repolt was provided separately to TMSA for review and comment prior to holding a workshop.
Task 3: Moroccan and International Safety/Security Regulations ECSI's risk analysis ensured that all safety and security needs were addressed as required to comply and conform with both national and international regulations, including but not limited to, Moroccan, International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labor Organization (lLO) standards. ECSI took into account both import and export requirements, as well as safety and security concerns created by the interim arrangements and the permanent arrangement.
Task 4: U.S. – Specific Security Requirements ECSI evaluated the security needs of the port complex against the requirements associated with various U.S. based security initiatives, including the Container Security Initiative (CSI) and the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPA T).
Task 5: Other Safety and Security Requirements ECSI closely coordinated its risk analysis activities with TMSA to ensure all appropriate safety and security risks and needs were evaluated. Additional areas to be covered included information and communications integration and exchange within the port community, as well as other areas designated by TMSA.
Task 6: Interim Report and Workshop ECSI submitted an interim report in the form of a comprehensive and detailed Power Point presentation, and conducted a one day workshop to brief TMSA and other stakeholders. The interim report was revised based on comments received from the workshop. The amended report was submitted to TMSA for final approval.
Phase III – Action Plan and Recommendations
Concludes ECSI’s portion of the project with the submission of a Final Report and presentation.
In the last phase of the Technical Assistance, ECSI prepared a comprehensive set of documents that ensured TMSA was positioned to move forward with implementation of the established security and safety strategy as effectively and efficiently as possible.
During the action plan and recommendations phase, ECSI completed the following five (5) tasks, each of which required the preparation of a specific pl an, assessment or other related document.
Task 1 - Safety and Security Action Plan
A detailed action plan was necessary to ensure that TMSA was fully prepared to begin implementation of the selected safety and security strategy. This plan included procurement of equipment and related technical services, hiring and training of personnel, and application for port and facility certification under the ISPS Code. The plan was based on the recommendations prepared during Phase II.
Task 2 - Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment
ECSI prepared a Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment and submitted an initial draft report separately to TMSA for review and comment. Upon receipt of comments from TMSA, ECSI rev ised its final draft as appropriate. A final draft of the Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment was included in the Final Report.
Task 3 - Financial Implementation Plan In order to assist with the financing of equipment, as well as related installation and training costs, ECSI assisted TMSA to identify alternate financing sources in the USA and Europe, such as export incentives, vendor financing, concessional loans, bilateral grants, and other types of debt and equity financing. In addition to financing options, ECSI identified potential revenue streams, such as end-user fees and other value-added services, that may have been able to offset some of the security- related costs.
ECSI also identified opportunities for outsourcing some security services based on a benchmarking of international port practices.
Task 4 - Host Country Developmental Impact Assessment
A comprehensive assessment of the port's developmental impact on the region, including identification of the necessary conditions for maximizing foreign investment, was provided to TMSA and other interested parties with a broader view of the Project's potential effects on the Moroccan economy.
Task 5 - Procurement Plan and Preliminary Tender Documents
This task helped to answer the following questions:
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What is the complete range of equipment alternatives, and what is the most effective method to mitigate risks?
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Which equipment purchases should have the highest priority, and which purchases may be delayed without added risk to the port complex?
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How can the port effectively manage its long-term capital investment plan in order to ensure that security-related purchases do not exceed its allocated budget?
ECSI compiled separate reports addressing Non-Intrusive Inspectional (NII) (scanning) equipment to present alternatives for meeting the Non-Intrusive Inspectional (NII) requirements of the ISPS Code and the CSI.
ECSI prepared a Technology Functionality Matrix for comparing various active systems versus passive systems. It provided recommendation rationales, proposed NII quantities, equipment location, and estimated pricing/financial impact in order to achieve NII requirements.
In addition to establishing prioritized procurement strategies, the development of high quality tender documents was essential for ensuring that TMSA receives exactly the goods and services required, at a competitive and favorable price.
Task 6 - Final Report
The Final Report was a comprehensive summary of the results of all analysis and designs accomplished as part of the project Terms of Reference. The Report was prepared in accordance with the Grant Agreement, and was aimed for optimum specifications and characteristics for the Project.
In addition to other requirements, the Report identified prospective U.S. sources of supply for the security equipment recommended in the procurement plans.
Project Evaluation
Quality – ECSI utilized its ISO 900 I methodology to plan and execute the security study. As a result ECSI was able to deliver a quality report that was well received by the customer. In particular, the budget portion of the financial plan and the procurement plan and specifications were used in the tender for the solicitation to bidders
Effectiveness of Management / Business Relations / Timelines – At the outset of the project, ECSI prepared a manpower plan to ensure that the project was appropriately staffed with the required subject matter experts. This planning and staffing effort was effective in ensuring that schedule commitments were met.
Timeliness – Due to ECSI’s detailed site survey and acceptance testing during fabrication in New Jersey, the risks for this program were considered low, the primary risk being timely receipt of material and equipment. ECSI used a freight forwarder or dedicated truck to ensure that all shipments were received in time and in good condition. Equipment delivery was consistent with ECSI compliance with ISO 9001:2008, including purchasing, manufacturing, assembly, packaging and shipping tightly controlled under the ISO system On-site ECSI personnel provided quality oversight of installation and completed the integration, testing, commissioning and testing of all systems.
Compliance with Labor Standards – ECSI had a local in-country support group that complied to local labor standards.
Compliance with Safety Standards – ECSI complied with all safety requirements and participated in daily safety meetings while on site.
Small Business Utilization – ECSI, as a small business subcontractor, self-performed 95% of its scope under the Prime Contractor. Specialty contractors were hired to supplement our efforts as required.
Challenges Encountered / Corrective Actions Taken
Challenge: Language and cultural barriers.
Solution: ECSI assigned one of its Engineers who is fluent in Arabic to be the liaison between ECSI and the customer.