MEP & Building Automation Systems Consulting
Specialized technical expertise for MEP projects—deep building automation and mechanical systems knowledge without traditional overhead costs
Technical Expertise That Prevents Expensive Problems
MEP contractors and facility managers face a common challenge: projects requiring specialized building automation expertise that general project managers simply don’t possess. When BAS integration fails, HVAC controls don’t perform, or mechanical systems aren’t properly commissioned, the cost of fixing problems in the field is 10-20 times higher than catching them during planning.
We don’t provide general construction project management. We deliver specialized MEP and building automation systems consulting—the deep technical knowledge that ensures complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems actually work as designed.
With 20+ years managing university infrastructure projects, government facilities, and commercial MEP installations, we’ve developed the expertise and remote coordination processes that prevent costly technical failures before they occur.
20+
Years MEP & BAS Experience
$50M+
in Projects Managed
30-40%
Cost Savings vs. Full-Time Technical Staff
Building Automation Systems (BAS) Consulting
Our Primary Specialization—Where We Deliver Exceptional Value
BAS System Assessments & Audits
$8,000 – $15,000 per building
Comprehensive evaluation of your existing building automation infrastructure:
- Complete system documentation and architecture review
- Niagara/Tridium Framework analysis and optimization
- Legacy system compatibility and integration assessment
- Control strategy evaluation for energy efficiency
- Cybersecurity vulnerability identification
- Modernization roadmap with budget estimates
BAS Integration Planning
$5,000 – $12,000 per project
Multi-system integration architecture for new or retrofit projects:
- HVAC, lighting, security, energy management coordination
- Communications protocol evaluation (BACnet, Modbus, LON)
- Phased implementation strategies for occupied facilities
- Vendor selection guidance and technical specifications
- Integration testing and commissioning planning
System Modernization Planning
$10,000 – $25,000 per facility
Strategic planning for building automation upgrades:
- Current state assessment and gap analysis
- Technology migration planning from legacy to modern platforms
- Multi-year implementation timeline with budget development
- Risk mitigation and business continuity planning
- ROI analysis and energy savings projections
MEP Technical Coordination
Specialized Oversight for Complex MEP Installations
MEP Contractor Technical Support
$4,500 – $9,500/month per project
Technical coordination specifically for MEP scopes (not general construction PM):
- Submittal review for HVAC equipment, controls, and mechanical systems
- RFI response and technical clarification for MEP installations
- Coordination between MEP trades and building automation contractors
- Quality assurance during installation phases
- Integration between mechanical systems and control strategies
- Weekly progress reporting with technical issue tracking
What’s included: Video coordination meetings, cloud-based document review, technical specifications guidance, commissioning oversight coordination
What’s NOT included: General construction scheduling, architectural coordination, overall budget management (we focus on MEP technical coordination)
Technical Consulting (Hourly)
$175 – $225/hour (4-hour minimum engagement)
Expert consultation for specific technical challenges:
- Building automation system troubleshooting
- HVAC system performance optimization
- Energy management strategy development
- Steam and chilled water system evaluation
- Laboratory ventilation control strategies
- Technical specifications review and development
- Independent review of contractor proposals
Commissioning & System Verification
Ensuring Systems Perform as Designed
MEP Commissioning Oversight
$6,000 – $18,000 per project
Technical oversight of commissioning activities:
- BAS points verification and functional testing coordination
- HVAC system startup and balancing oversight
- Integration testing between mechanical systems and controls
- Operational performance verification against design intent
- Training coordination for facility operations staff
- Post-occupancy system optimization and fine-tuning
Specialized Services
Utility Monitoring & Energy Analysis
$3,500 – $8,000 per evaluation
- Energy consumption pattern analysis from BAS data
- Utility chargeback system development
- Real-time monitoring system specification
- Anomaly detection and efficiency opportunity identification
Campus/Multi-Building Coordination
$8,000 – $20,000 per campus assessment
- Central plant optimization and distribution analysis
- Campus-wide BAS consolidation planning
- Inter-building system coordination and integration
- Infrastructure planning for steam, chilled water, utilities
- Deferred maintenance prioritization for MEP systems
Who We Serve
MEP Contractors
Small to mid-size firms ($5-50M annual revenue)
Your Challenge:
You need specialized BAS expertise for modern building automation but can’t justify full-time technical staff
Our Solution:
We provide the deep Niagara/Tridium Framework knowledge and MEP coordination expertise you need, only when you need it—enabling you to take on more sophisticated projects confidently
Typical Engagements: Monthly retainer for project duration, BAS integration planning, commissioning oversight
Facility Managers
Commercial, institutional, healthcare facilities (100,000+ sq ft)
Your Challenge:
Aging building automation systems need assessment or modernization, but you lack internal BAS expertise for vendor evaluation
Our Solution:
Independent technical assessment of your systems and contractor proposals, plus strategic planning for modernization without vendor bias
Typical Engagements: BAS system audits, modernization roadmaps, energy optimization studies
Educational Institutions
Universities, community colleges, K-12 districts
Your Challenge:
Multiple buildings with varying automation systems, limited technical staff for specialized coordination
Our Solution:
Campus-scale MEP expertise with deep understanding of institutional facility constraints and budgeting
Typical Engagements: Campus BAS consolidation planning, utility monitoring programs, deferred maintenance prioritization
What We DON’T Do
Setting Clear Expectations
We focus exclusively on MEP and building automation systems expertise. We do NOT provide:
General Construction Project Management
We don’t manage overall construction schedules, budgets, or general contractor coordination
Architectural Coordination
We focus on MEP and controls, not architectural or structural systems
Non-MEP Trade Coordination
We don’t coordinate sitework, concrete, masonry, or other non-MEP scopes
Full MEP Design Services
We provide technical consulting and review, not complete engineering design (though we coordinate with design engineers)
24/7 On-Site Supervision
We provide strategic technical oversight and remote coordination, not daily field supervision
How Remote Coordination Works
Our Remote-First Approach
Initial Project Setup (Week 1-2)
- Comprehensive document review (drawings, specifications, submittals)
- Virtual site assessment via video walkthrough with your team
- Existing system documentation review and analysis
- Project coordination plan development with clear deliverables
- Communication protocols and reporting schedule
Ongoing Technical Coordination (Weekly)
- Weekly video coordination calls with MEP contractors and stakeholders
- 48-hour turnaround on submittal reviews with detailed technical feedback
- RFI response and technical clarification provision
- Cloud-based document management for drawings and specifications
- Progress tracking against technical milestones
- Quality assurance checklist review
Strategic Site Visits (As Needed)
- BAS system startup and commissioning observation
- Integration testing and functional verification
- Punch list walkthrough for MEP systems completion
- Training session observation and technical verification
Note: 90% of coordination work happens remotely through video calls, cloud collaboration, and digital documentation. Site visits are strategic and planned for activities that genuinely require physical presence.
Why Remote Delivery Works
Continuous Communication
Daily email availability, scheduled video calls, and real-time document review provide more responsive communication than traditional site visits limited to specific days.
Superior Documentation
All communications documented, plans marked up digitally, issue tracking in project management software. Digital record-keeping surpasses site trailer management for accuracy and accessibility.
Cost Efficiency
30-40% lower overhead than traditional on-site project managers. You receive senior-level expertise at competitive pricing because we’re not billing for commute time and site trailer costs.
Technology Leverage
Video site walkthroughs via smartphone, cloud-based plan review, digital photo documentation, and collaborative issue resolution. Modern tools improve communication quality beyond traditional methods.
Technical Capabilities
Building Automation Systems
- Niagara/Tridium Framework – Deep expertise in N4 platform implementation and optimization
- System Integration – Multi-vendor and multi-protocol integration (BACnet, Modbus, LON)
- Legacy Migration – Strategies for transitioning from Andover, Johnson, Siemens, etc.
- Energy Management – Optimization strategies and utility monitoring programs
- Cybersecurity – BAS network security assessment and hardening
Mechanical Systems
- HVAC Systems – Design review, commissioning, performance optimization
- Central Plants – Chilled water, steam, boiler systems coordination
- Energy Recovery – Heat recovery systems and efficiency optimization
- Lab Ventilation – Specialized exhaust and laboratory HVAC controls
- Building Pressurization – Critical environment pressure control strategies
Electrical & Plumbing Coordination
- Power Distribution – Emergency systems and backup generation coordination
- Lighting Controls – Energy management and daylight harvesting integration
- Plumbing Systems – Domestic water, medical gas, specialty process systems
- Life Safety Integration – Fire alarm and life safety system coordination with BAS
Industries We Serve
Primary Focus Areas
Educational Facilities
Universities, K-12 schools, research facilities, student housing—20+ years institutional experience
Commercial Buildings
Office buildings, mixed-use developments, tenant improvements
Healthcare & Research
Medical office buildings, research laboratories, specialized medical systems
Government & Institutional
Municipal buildings, government facilities, public infrastructure
Success Metrics
Our Quality Standards
Technical Accuracy
100% of submittal reviews completed within 48 hours with detailed feedback
System Performance
95%+ of coordinated systems pass commissioning on first attempt
Client Satisfaction
Maintain 4.8/5.0 rating on technical expertise and responsiveness
Schedule Impact
Zero technical coordination delays causing project schedule slippage
Cost Management
Client projects stay within 3% of MEP budget through proactive coordination
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide full MEP engineering design services?
No. We provide technical consulting, coordination oversight, and review services. For complete engineering design, we can recommend qualified MEP engineering firms and coordinate with them during your project.
Can you manage the overall construction project?
No. We specialize in MEP technical coordination and building automation expertise. For general construction project management including schedule, budget, and all trades coordination, you’ll need a general contractor or construction manager.
Do you work on-site daily?
No. We provide remote coordination with strategic site visits only when physical presence adds value (commissioning, critical testing, problem resolution). This remote-first approach reduces your costs by 30-40% while maintaining technical excellence.
What geographic areas do you serve?
Primary focus: North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, DC. We can serve projects throughout the Southeast region via our remote coordination model.
What size projects do you typically work on?
MEP scope: $500,000 to $10 million. We’re ideal for projects requiring specialized technical knowledge but not large enough to justify full-time on-site MEP coordination staff.
Do you represent equipment manufacturers or vendors?
No. We provide independent technical consulting with no vendor relationships or equipment sales commissions. Our recommendations are based solely on your project’s best interests.
Ready to Discuss Your Project?
MEP technical consulting is not one-size-fits-all. Your project’s building automation requirements, mechanical system complexity, and budget parameters require customized approaches.
Schedule a no-obligation consultation to discuss your project. We’ll provide an honest assessment of whether our specialized MEP/BAS expertise matches your needs and what engagement model makes sense.
Or contact Jamaal directly: jamaal@fcssllc.net