The Beginning
Building a Strong Foundation
Incorporated in 1968 as a national construction company,
Barlows began as a multifaceted general contractor serving
commercial and government clients.
Its early capabilities included general building construction,
Design/Build delivery, commercial interiors, office
renovations and airport construction.
Quality workmanship, dependable service and efficient project
delivery became the foundation of the Barlows name.
Beyond General Construction
A Full-Service Contractor
As Barlows grew, the company expanded beyond general
construction into complete electrical contracting for
commercial, industrial and government projects.
Its services included electrical distribution, power
conditioning, computer-room infrastructure,
telecommunications, alarms and access-control systems.
An in-house engineering and design group further expanded the
company’s capabilities through architectural design, space
planning, technical consultation and specialized facility
development.
A Changing World
Protecting Sensitive Information
As computers, telecommunications and electronic information
systems became increasingly important, organizations faced a
growing need to protect classified and sensitive information.
Barlows responded by expanding into information-security
construction and shielding systems designed to reduce radio
frequency emissions, electromagnetic interference and the risk
of unauthorized electronic surveillance.
This marked an important transition from conventional
construction into specialized secure-environment engineering.
From Concept to Completion
Engineering Secure Facilities
Barlows developed complete turnkey capabilities for secure and
RF-shielded environments, coordinating architecture,
engineering, fabrication, construction, installation, testing
and certification.
Its work included Sensitive Compartmented Information
Facilities, TEMPEST-related environments, shielded rooms,
welded steel enclosures, aluminum shielding systems and
specialized government facilities.
Systems could be engineered to meet applicable government
requirements, including NSA 65-6 and NSA 73-2A when specified
by the project.
The BARSHIELD™ Systems
Innovation Through Engineering
Barlows developed specialized shielding solutions designed to
provide dependable RF performance while remaining practical
for construction and long-term facility operation.
These solutions included the BARSHIELD™ Seamless Steel System,
the BARSHIELD™ Aluminum System, aluminum-foil shielding,
shielded doors, RF cabinets and custom secure enclosures.
Depending on project requirements, these systems could be
incorporated into new construction or installed within existing
facilities.
Beyond Installation
Testing and Certification
Barlows expanded beyond design and construction by providing
inspection, measurement and testing services for secure
facilities and shielding systems.
Its capabilities included RF and EMI field surveys, shielding
effectiveness testing, TEMPEST-related measurements,
calibration, certification support and technical
troubleshooting.
Maintenance services were also available to help preserve
shielding performance throughout the operational life of a
facility.
Education and Collaboration
The Barlows Conference Center
Barlows established a dedicated conference center where
clients, architects, engineers, consultants and government
representatives could meet with technical specialists.
Visitors could experience shielding technologies, review
project requirements, attend seminars and gain a better
understanding of the systems available for secure
environments.
The center reflected Barlows’ commitment to technical
education, collaboration and customer service.
More Than Five Decades
A Legacy of Building and Innovation
From its beginning in commercial construction, Barlows evolved
into an integrated construction, electrical, engineering,
fabrication and secure-facility organization.
Its history demonstrates an ability to respond to new
technologies, changing security requirements and increasingly
complex project demands.
Barlows continues to build on a legacy of technical innovation,
skilled craftsmanship and dependable project execution.
