BOSTON, MA — Vanderweil Engineers, a major mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and telecommunications (MEP/FP/T) engineering firm here in Boston, has successfully completed the design for phases one through five to upgrade Boston Public Schools’ telecommunications and data infrastructure.

As part of the ongoing Technology Upgrade Program, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s goal is to reduce the ratio of students to computers from 63:1 to four students for every computer (4:1). The engineering firm’s Mission Critical Solutions/Communications Technologies Group (MCS/CTG) is also responsible for upgrading the electrical systems to support the new equipment requirements.

In October 1998, Boston became the first major urban school district to have all its schools connected to the Internet. Mayor Menino also established a “Teacher Technology Training” program. Working with corporate and business partners, the City of Boston created the first free training facility in the country to help teachers incorporate the new technology into their curricula.

Vanderweil Engineers was originally selected in 1998 based upon company qualifications for phases one, two, and three, and was then selected again in 2001 for the final two phases, winning out over several other engineering firms.

“It was a pleasure to work on such a rewarding project,” said Bill Leuci, VP and market sector leader for Vanderweil Mission Critical Solutions and Communications Technologies Group (MCS/CTG). “In these days of never-ending budget cuts affecting schools, teachers, and supplies, it’s refreshing to see that Mayor Menino is so dedicated to providing the best services possible to Boston students.

“While it was challenging to coordinate the number of schools, principals, and interrelated departments within the City of Boston” Leuci continued, “the project is on track to be completed on time and under budget. Our project managers and engineers, the Department of Neighborhood Development, the Public Facilities Department and the many principals and teachers all worked tirelessly toward the success of this project.”

“I want Boston Public School students to have the same opportunities as students in other communities,” said Mayor Menino. “That’s why I’m committed to wiring our schools for the Internet and reducing the computer-to-student ratio, giving our young people the tools they need to compete in tomorrow’s job market. And I’m happy to report that we are making significant progress toward that goal.”

MISSION CRITICAL SOLUTIONS/COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES GROUP

Led by mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineers (MEP) and Registered Communication Distribution Designers (RCDD) engineers, the Vanderweil MCS/CTG team has worked with companies, schools, government offices and other organizations to handle their mission critical systems, including:

  • Telecommunications;

  • Voice, video and data;

  • Bio-tech and pharmaceutical critical systems;

  • Satellite and wireless;

  • Advanced data centers; and

  • High-speed data networks.

    The MCS/CTG team offers specialized services, including:

  • Structural cabling;

  • PBX cabling;

  • LAN/WAN consulting;

  • Voice over IP (VoIP);

  • UPS (uninterruptible power source) system design;

  • Fire suppression design;

  • 24/7 cooling;

  • Wireless;

  • Security systems;

  • Standby power generation; and

  • Critical infrastructure design.

    Vanderweil says it has gained expertise in the following business sectors: academic/sports, commercial, healthcare, hospitality/entertainment, industrial, mission-critical solutions/communications technologies, power/utilities, and science/technology.

    Publication date: 08/12/2002