The forecast for surveillance cameras at Olympic venues ballooned by almost $15 million just before the Games, but the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit now claims it will end up costing $3.5 million more than budgeted.
A Jan. 31 RCMP report obtained by 24 hours shows a $13.5 million “pressure” for perimeter intrusion detection systems that pushed the estimate up to $44.9 million.
“We were anticipating it could’ve been substantially higher, up to $45 million, we still brought it back to $34 million, which includes system removal and site remediation,” Supt. Kevin deBruyckere said.
Honeywell’s Burnaby office got the $30.5 million contract in May 2009 to supply and install 900 camera and sensor units at venue fences. Honeywell subcontracted work to Richmond-based MDA for $4.8 million and hired Science Applications International Corporation of McLean, Va., as an advisor.
The Greek government accused $10.8 billion U.S. military contractor SAIC of failing to deliver a similar security system in time for Athens 2004.
Honeywell spokesman Aaron Parker said costs rose to $34 million because of RCMP-requested additions and modifications.
“Variations in scope were often the result of adjustments in the design of the facilities we helped secure, the need for changes to the perimeter once the project was underway and the like,” Parker said via email.
DeBruyckere conceded there were other indirect costs, such as networking. The document said fencing costs were expected to double to $4.6 million.
bob.mackin@sunmedia.ca
