Job Order Contracting (JOC) for Public Safety Projects

Job Order Contracting (JOC) is an efficient and flexible construction procurement method that enables organizations to complete many projects with one competitively awarded contract. Responsible for tens of thousands of projects and $4 billion in construction volume every year, Gordian’s Job Order Contracting solutions are the go-to delivery method for various types of work. In keeping with our mission to build better communities, some of the most important projects are those that bolster public safety. Let’s look at a few recent examples.

Cook County (IL) Quickly Upgrades Firing Range

There is perhaps no greater trust bestowed on law enforcement than the safe use of firearms. As such, state agencies and individual public safety departments mandate that officers qualify and re-qualify to carry them. Central to these qualification mandates are reliable and functional firing ranges.

The range used by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office was originally built in 1977. Since its construction, the facility underwent only minor upgrades to extend its useful life. While this practice was successful for a time, as technologies and needs changed, it proved cost-prohibitive.

In August of 2024, Cook County endeavored to make a wave of necessary improvements. However, public officials faced a serious hurdle: The work had to be completed by early November, or no officers would be able to complete firearms qualifications until mid-April of the following year. Suffice it to say, the renovations needed to be completed as quickly as possible to maintain public safety. With that goal in mind, Cook County accessed its Gordian Job Order Contracting program.

JOC was ideal for this public safety project because it accelerates the construction procurement cycle by as much as 25%, according to a report by NIGP and Gordian. This incredible speed is achieved by a unique solicitation process wherein competitive bidding is done one time at the beginning of the contract and used for many projects. One contract for many projects: That is the essence of JOC.

JOC empowered Cook County to accelerate procurement time from 140 days to a tidy 40 days, a reduction of more than 70%. Awarded contractor F.H. Paschen began working on October 1. Work included removing lead-lined wall panels, the furnishing and installation of 68 new light fixtures and safer, low-voltage circuits to 18 shooting booths. All work was completed on November 1, ahead of the county’s deadline. Cook County’s firing range upgrades, which came in at approximately $196,000, allowed the county to maintain its qualification schedule and improve an important facility.

Orange County (CA) Sheriff’s Department Completes Punch List With JOC

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) recently completed construction on a 330,000 square foot, state-of-the-art correctional facility that places greater emphasis on treatment and rehabilitation than punishment. As the county neared the end of the $350 million project, a series of issues arose during the “punch list” period, when minor fixes are necessary. This is typical, as large projects can include thousands of punch list items. Looking for a quick way to complete this work before receiving a Certificate of Occupancy, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department opted to complete many of the remaining items utilizing its Job Order Contracting (JOC) program.

Work concluded on time and within budget, thanks in large part to JOC. According to Greg Yi, Senior Manager at OCSD, “JOC is efficient and cost-transparent. It allows the owner the ability to take control of punch items rather than wait on the original contractor.”

Looking ahead, the Sheriff’s Department plans to use Gordian JOC to install new water heaters, upgrade electrical wiring, build a nurse’s station, paint a facility and install two new emergency generators.

Job Order Contracting is just one service Gordian offers to local government entities like sheriff’s offices. Check out this page to learn more.

Miami Beach Police Department Sheriff’s Installs Security Cameras

Seeking to enhance security for residents and visitors, the Miami Beach Police Department installed closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) along Ocean Drive, a popular thoroughfare. Further, MBPD also redesigned the security monitoring system within Lummus Park, a major point of interest for locals and visitors, as part of a broader initiative. To execute this important public safety project, MBPD turned to Gordian’s Job Order Contracting.

The project was awarded to area contractor South Florida Electrical Consultants, who began work in May of 2020. Between that time and when the project finished in early 2022, South Florida Electric installed 50 new security cameras with fiber communications for the new CCTV system, which acts as a hub connecting MBPD’s mobile command with the police station.

The new cameras not only enhance public safety, but they also set up the MBPD for future connectivity. Said Detective Roland Aragunde of the MBPD Technical Operations Unit, “What we have done will provide the foundation for future growth, improving telecommunication across the city and enabling the Police Department to use all the technologies available to provide world-class public safety.”