Designing, procuring, and installing complex monitoring and control systems are highly specialized skills.  Engineering for these systems requires experience and knowledge in the electronic (software and hardware) and mechanical (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) disciplines.  The UMCS Center is a part of the "Electronic Technology Systems Team" within the Corps of Engineers.  This team consists of highly skilled and experienced engineers in the field of electronic data acquisition systems.  They provide a consistent approach to UMCS throughout the government and provide technical assistance to the work of all Corps districts.

The UMCS Center develops and maintains design criteria, prepares designs, and reviews major design and procurement packages prepared by Corps districts.  It also provides technical assistance during source selections, reviews test procedures, and provides technical assistance during all phases of installation, testing, and commissioning.  And, it provides trouble-shooting services for solving system problems.

Any Government agency undergoing a facility improvement by utilizing an energy management system should contact the UMCS Center regarding UMCS technical and contracting services.  The requesting agency representative simply sends a request to the UMCS Center.  The team issues a request for proposal to one or more vendors under contract, depending on the project's specific circumstances.  A task order is issued to the vendor who offers the best technical approach and value under a fixed-price contract.  Using the UMCS contract streamlines and simplifies facility upgrades.  The UMCS Center can award a task order in most cases within 60 days.