Mission: The mission of U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville's Electronic Security Systems Mandatory Center of Expertise is to provide worldwide expertise to deliver the highest quality electronic security systems projects.
Establishment: In December 1983, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters responding to concerns identified by the Department of the Army Physical Security Review Board, issued a memorandum establishing the "Intrusion Detection System Center of Expertise" at Huntsville Center. Over time, responsibilities expanded beyond intrusion detection systems to include access control and closed-circuit television systems, resulting in the current designation of "Electronic Security Systems - Mandatory Center of Expertise."
Policy Basis: The ESS-MCX is firmly grounded in both Army policy and USACE policy. AR 190-13, The Army Physical Security Program, tasks the commanding general, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to maintain the Electronic Security Center as a mandatory center of expertise for electronic security systems technical expertise to U.S. Army organizations. ER 1110-1- 8162, Design and Construction Policy for Electronic Security Systems, specifies services to be performed by the ESS-MCX and describes operating and reporting procedures.
Services: The ESS-MCX provides technical support services to the Army in two ways. First, the ESS-MCX provides direct support to Department of the Army Headquarters, Army Commands, Army Service Component Commands and Direct Reporting Units. Second, the ESS-MCX supports the Army through other USACE programs and projects. Services are summarized as follows:
- Establish and maintain criteria documents
- Participate in planning activities and design charrettes
- Perform technical reviews (DD-1391s, designs, etc.)
- Conduct site surveys
- Provide technical consulting
- Perform on-site quality verification and acceptance testing
- Provide support for contracting activities
- Conduct training
Personnel: The ESS-MCX consists of engineers, physical security specialists, and a project management specialist.
Contacts: Technical questions and requests for ESS-MCX services may be submitted via email to AskESSMCX@usace.army.mil. Phone numbers for key ESS-MCX personnel are as follows:
- Office Administration (256) 895-1748
- Branch Chief (256) 895-1175
- Technical Lead (256) 895-1403
- Program Manager (256) 895-1195
- Training Coordinator (256) 895-1740
Download the ESS MCX fact sheet (PDF) HERE.