Our Process
At Motorola Solutions, every BDA and DAS project follows a proven, customer-focused process designed to deliver reliable, code-compliant in-building communication systems. From the first customer inquiry to final system acceptance, our team combines technical expertise, precise engineering, and proactive project management to ensure each solution meets the highest standards of safety and performance.
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While the following steps represent the typical process for a Motorola Solutions BDA/DAS project, every deployment is unique, and the sequence or scope may vary to meet specific building conditions, customer requirements, and local jurisdictional standards. Regardless of complexity, every stage—planning, design, installation, and certification—is guided by one goal: providing dependable, mission-critical connectivity that protects people, property, and operations.
Pre-sales
Customer Inquiry
Motorola Solutions takes a customer-focused approach to every BDA and DAS design — ensuring each system is tailored to the unique requirements of your facility. Our engineering process considers every detail, from building layout and signal environment to compliance standards and long-term reliability. The result is a code-compliant, mission-critical communication system that delivers dependable coverage today and stands ready to perform for years to come.
Customer Sends Drawings
Once the initial inquiry is received, customers provide facility drawings or floor plans so our engineering team can begin the preliminary design process. These documents help us understand the building’s structure, materials, and layout—critical factors that influence radio signal performance. By reviewing your drawings early, Motorola Solutions can accurately plan survey routes, identify potential coverage challenges, and ensure the proposed BDA or DAS solution is engineered precisely for your environment.
Determine AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
We work closely with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to confirm all applicable codes and standards— including NFPA 72, NFPA 1225 (formerly 1221), IFC, and ICC—ensuring your BDA or DAS solution is fully compliant with all local fire and life safety regulations.
Quote for RF Survey
Motorola Solutions provides a detailed quote outlining the scope and objectives of the on-site RF (Radio Frequency) survey. This proposal defines how our engineers will evaluate existing signal conditions, identify potential coverage gaps, and gather the data needed for a compliant system design. The quote ensures transparency from the start—so customers understand the process, deliverables, and next steps before the survey begins.
RF Survey Report Generated
Motorola Solutions compiles the findings from the on-site RF survey into a comprehensive report that serves as the foundation for system design. The report includes baseline testing results, floor plan overlays, signal strength measurements, and identification of potential impairments or coverage gaps. This data-driven approach ensures that every proposed BDA or DAS solution is engineered to meet performance expectations, code requirements, and the unique characteristics of the facility.
If Facility Failed, BDA System Design
If the RF survey results indicate that the facility does not meet minimum signal strength or coverage requirements, Motorola Solutions initiates a comprehensive BDA system design. Our engineering team analyzes the survey data, floor plans, and building materials to develop a customized solution that addresses all deficiencies. The resulting design ensures code compliance, optimal signal distribution, and long-term reliability—bringing your facility into full alignment with public safety communication standards.
MSI BDMs Work with Customers on Design
Throughout the design phase, Motorola Solutions Business Development Managers (BDMs) collaborate closely with customers to align technical solutions with operational needs and compliance goals. Our BDMs serve as your single point of contact—coordinating between engineering, sales, and project management teams to ensure every system design delivers the right balance of performance, code compliance, and value. This partnership-driven approach ensures the final BDA or DAS solution fully supports your organization’s safety, communication, and reliability objectives.
Statement of Work
Once project discussions begin, Motorola Solutions develops a detailed Statement of Work (SOW) to clearly define project requirements, objectives, and deliverables. This document establishes the technical scope, performance expectations, and key milestones—ensuring every stakeholder has a shared understanding of the path forward before work begins.
RF Survey / CW Testing
Following the SOW, our engineering team performs an on-site RF Survey and Continuous Wave (CW) Testing to measure propagation characteristics, identify interference sources, and validate building materials that may impact signal performance. These measurements provide the foundation for accurate link budgets and a reliable, data-driven system design.
MSI Engineers Create Detailed Design
Once preliminary data and requirements are established, Motorola Solutions engineers create a detailed system design using the RF survey findings and customer specifications. This stage includes the development of RF link budgets, initial antenna and cable layouts, and a comprehensive Bill of Materials (BOM)—ensuring precision in both performance modeling and cost forecasting. Each design is engineered to deliver optimal coverage, minimal interference, and full compliance with NFPA and IFC standards, setting the foundation for a seamless installation and long-term reliability.
Update Design
Based on the results of RF testing and site analysis, Motorola Solutions refines the preliminary design and updates the Bill of Materials (BOM) to reflect any required changes. This iterative process ensures that the system architecture, component selection, and coverage models are optimized for both technical performance and budget alignment.
Pre-Construction Survey
Before installation begins, our certified installation team conducts a Pre-Construction Survey to walk through the site, validate cable routes, confirm antenna and equipment locations, and identify any last-minute construction changes that may affect the design. This hands-on review ensures field readiness and eliminates potential installation conflicts.
Final Design
After the pre-construction survey, Motorola Solutions engineers issue the Final Design, incorporating any modifications or site adjustments identified during the walk-through. The final design package includes the approved system drawings, BOM, and installation details—ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with both customer expectations and AHJ requirements.
BDA System Proposal Delivered to Customer
Once the final design is complete, Motorola Solutions delivers a comprehensive proposal outlining the full BDA system solution. The proposal includes the engineered design package, equipment specifications, RF performance expectations, and a complete project scope with pricing and implementation timeline. Every proposal is built around transparency and technical accuracy—ensuring customers fully understand how the recommended system meets code requirements, resolves coverage challenges, and provides dependable, long-term in-building communication performance.
Pre-sales
Contract Award
Once the proposal is accepted, the project moves into the implementation phase. Motorola Solutions formalizes the agreement and assigns a dedicated project management team to oversee all aspects of the deployment. Clear communication, defined milestones, and structured timelines ensure a smooth transition from design approval to execution—keeping the project on schedule and within scope.
Pre-Implementation Site Walk
Before installation begins, Motorola Solutions conducts a detailed pre-implementation site walk with the customer, installation team, and project stakeholders. This step verifies all approved drawings, equipment locations, and cable pathways while confirming any recent building changes or site conditions. By addressing field variables early, we help prevent installation delays and maintain full design integrity.
Materials Ordered
Following the site walk, our logistics and procurement teams order all materials and components identified in the final Bill of Materials (BOM). We source exclusively from Motorola-approved vendors and verify each shipment against the project’s design documentation to ensure quality, compatibility, and timely delivery to the job site.
Permits Filed
Motorola Solutions coordinates with local jurisdictions to file all necessary permits and documentation required for system installation. This includes electrical, fire, and low-voltage permits where applicable. Our experience working with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) ensures compliance with all local building, safety, and communication codes before installation begins.
Material Delivery
Once permits are secured, materials are delivered to the installation site and inspected for completeness and condition. Motorola Solutions ensures secure staging and inventory verification prior to deployment -helping maintain schedule reliability and installation efficiency.
Installation
Our certified installers execute the system installation according to the approved Motorola Solutions design package. Every component—antennas, BDAs, cabling, and enclosures—is installed with precision and adherence to industry standards. Safety, code compliance, and workmanship quality are paramount throughout the process to guarantee long-term system reliability.
Pre-Testing
Before final commissioning, Motorola Solutions conducts comprehensive pre-testing to verify system performance, component connectivity, and alignment with design specifications. This phase includes cable sweep testing, signal verification, and functional checks to confirm that all system elements are operating within required parameters.
Commissioning
As the final technical phase before system acceptance, Motorola Solutions conducts comprehensive commissioning and performance validation to ensure the installed system meets all design and compliance standards. Our engineers verify signal strength, coverage quality, and system functionality across every frequency band—confirming alignment with NFPA, IFC, and AHJ requirements. All test results are thoroughly documented in a formal commissioning report, which is provided to the customer and retained for AHJ review. Once commissioning is complete, the system is ready for the final acceptance walkthrough and certification process.
System Acceptance
In the final stage, Motorola Solutions coordinates a comprehensive post-installation walk-through with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)—typically the Fire Marshal—to demonstrate full system compliance. During this inspection, our engineers validate signal performance, equipment labeling, power backup, and alarm functionality to ensure every requirement is met. Upon successful demonstration, the AHJ issues the Certificate of Occupancy (CO), confirming that the system satisfies all fire and life safety communication standards.
Our Commitment to Reliability
From initial site drawings to final system acceptance, Motorola Solutions delivers a seamless, code-compliant process built for performance, safety, and long-term reliability. With decades of expertise and a nationwide certified team, Motorola Solutions DAS ensures your facility is ready for every moment that matters.