How Megaprojects Reshape the Role of FLS Contractors

Megaprojects expand the scope of fire life safety work across the entire build. FLS teams engage from preconstruction through turnover, coordinating with AHJs, aligning to the FPP, sequencing with other trades, managing temporary systems, and documenting compliance by zone. The challenge centers on orchestration, timing, and control across a constantly moving site.

What changes when you scale up

• Start earlier and stay on longer. FLS planning begins in preconstruction and continues through final turnover.
• Manage more of everything. Device counts, zones, documentation, and inspections all increase.
• Commission in sequence. Verify and reverify systems zone by zone as construction progresses.
• Coordinate across more teams. Multiple trades, systems, and dependencies add complexity.

“[Large-scale] projects push the boundaries of what’s possible in data center design. Our role is to make sure innovation and safety advance together.” — Bryan Douglass, Principal Fire Protection Engineer, TERP Consulting

Proving You’re Built for the Job

Megaprojects demand control, not just manpower. GCs and owners want proof you can plan the work, track it accurately, and close it out clean. Field execution, documentation, and coordination must stay in sync to avoid delays, rework, or failed turnover.

Operating standards for mega project FLS work

Planning and sequencing

• You plan and permit temp systems early, including inspections.
• You sequence around other trades with clear phasing and access plans.
• You use FHA to guide scope and testing on high-risk projects.
• You use tailored workflows for phased installs, ongoing service, and final turnover, not a one-size-fits-all process.

Execution and tracking

• You track work by system, zone, and crew each day.
• You log all inspections, as-builts, and signoffs digitally and in real time.
• You track equipment history and past work to prevent rework and missed scope.

Testing and verification

• You pretest before inspections to catch issues ahead of witness tests.
• You test full system responses—HVAC shutdown, BAS triggers, and door release—before final inspections.
• You close the loop from inspection to repair by moving deficiencies directly into quoting, scheduling, and compliance updates.

Closeout and delivery

• You build turnover packages as you go so they’re verified and ready at handoff.
• You bring experienced leads who know large-scale FLS delivery.

Staying Synced With Other Trades

FLS work depends on other trades, including mechanical, electrical, and controls. Mega projects multiply those dependencies across zones and timelines. Success depends on constant coordination and clear handoffs from start to finish.

Where FLS syncs or slips

• Missed mechanical tie-ins. Smoke control, damper logic, and relays fall through without cross-trade reviews.
• Conflicts during final trim. Ceiling access, device locations, and finishes clash without early layout checks.
• Poor system integration. Fire alarms must sync with BAS, security, and elevator controls across teams.
• Backtracking by other trades. Rework forces you to reverify or recommission already tested gear.
• Unaligned inspections. Your system can’t pass if other scopes or trades aren’t ready.
• Missing temp protection planning. FLS coverage is often skipped when not built into access and phasing plans.
• AHJs apply different standards. When inspection timing or criteria vary, you lose days across zones.

Managing Tight Timelines and Late-Phase Pressure

FLS work stacks toward the final phases when trades overlap, access narrows, and priorities shift by the hour. You’re testing systems in active zones, coordinating out-of-sequence handoffs, and racing against the schedule under real pressure. Execution becomes harder, stress runs higher, and the cost of mistakes climbs fast.

How tight schedules strain FLS contractors

• Responsible for the final signoff, so occupancy hinges on FLS systems passing on time
• Commissioning systems while ceilings go in and trades finish around you
• Repeating inspections, testing, and turnover packages for every zone
• Coordinating out-of-sequence handoffs across phased turnovers
• Adjusting plans daily as access, scope, or trade sequencing shifts
• Absorbing fire watch costs when activation timelines slip

Avoiding Costly Mistakes at Scale

On megaprojects, small errors carry big consequences. A missed inspection, mislabeled device, or undocumented fix can delay occupancy, trigger rework, or create lasting liability. Avoiding that risk means building systems that catch issues early and documenting every resolution.

Operational risks and fixes

• Custom systems installed before testing or approval: Test and approve custom assemblies before install; coordinate with AHJ and document results in TSRs
• Disconnected inspections, deficiencies, and repair tracking: Sync inspections directly to deficiency tracking, repair scheduling, and compliance records
• Mismatched or unapproved firestop systems: Verify UL system selection per penetration; document and photo log all installs
• Unverified or outdated testing documentation: Update TSRs by zone; track testing, surveys, and reports in real time
• Unmet local code requirements not shown on contract drawings: Verify AHJ-enforced code requirements beyond issued drawings 
• Unverified temp systems: Treat temp installs like permanent: inspect, document, and track
• Damage to completed work during ongoing construction: Protect installed gear; schedule re-verification before closeout

Legal and financial risks and fixes

• Liability from unlogged deficiencies: Log all inspections, deficiencies, and resolutions in a centralized system
• Rework due to undocumented changes: Update field changes in real time; tie to system layout and as-builts
• Failed occupancy sign-off due to integration gaps: Pretest all system tie-ins (HVAC, BAS, access control) before witness tests
• Contract disputes over scope gaps: Define FLS roles in commissioning early; align with AHJ and GC from the start