Mike Underwood, Kidwell’s Low Voltage Project Foreman, helped lead the expansion and renovation of the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory Facility — a secure law enforcement and forensic services building that supports evidence processing, scientific analysis, investigations, and administrative operations for the Nebraska State Patrol, local agencies, and the FBI.

The modernization effort aimed to expand the existing facility and upgrade its technology infrastructure, security, and workspace for personnel. For Mike, the assignment meant delivering a critical scope on a tight timeline inside a highly sensitive environment.

“My role on the project was low voltage project foreman,” Mike said. “I was responsible for overseeing the installation of all low voltage cabling systems throughout the facility, including data, voice, security cameras, access control, and intrusion systems.”

Coordinating in the Crime Lab

Working in an active crime laboratory brought unique challenges. With the facility remaining operational during portions of construction, Mike’s team had to minimize disruptions while pulling hundreds of cables from the existing data room into new additions — all while maintaining secure access to sensitive areas.

“One of the major challenges of the project was working within the complex pathways and obstructions above the ceiling grid and beneath the laboratory workstations,” he said. “Routing the cabling required careful planning and coordination to avoid conflicts and maintain proper installation standards.”

Through daily field operations, managing manpower and workflow, and communicating with other trades and project management, Mike’s team kept the project moving while meeting quality and safety standards. “Consistent communication and advanced coordination with the GC and the crime lab staff allowed the work to be completed efficiently with minimal impact to facility operations,” he said.

Beating the Clock

Despite plans for an August start, Kidwell’s low-voltage scope was delayed until October due to other trades. Even with the late start, the completion deadline for the first phase didn’t change.

“We had to complete approximately 12 to 14 weeks of planned work within an accelerated eight-week time frame,” Mike said. “I coordinated additional manpower and adjusted workflow scheduling to increase productivity.”

That effort paid off. “Due to the strong field coordination and team effort, we were able to meet our required deadline with time to spare,” he said.

Safety and the Kidwell Standard

The team encountered no major incidents, but one morning in January highlighted their attention to detail. “We immediately noticed a pretty strong exhaust smell,” Mike said. “One of the gas heaters had a broken vent and was dumping exhaust into the room. We notified the GC right away and they got it handled quickly.”

For materials and installation methods, Kidwell relied on what they know best. “There are no particularly unique or innovative construction techniques we used within this project,” he said. “Our team followed the standard low-voltage installation practices that we’ve been doing for years, just doing everything the Kidwell way.”

Looking back, Mike credits the crew for stepping up when it mattered most. “What I’m most proud of is the effort our crew put in during that first phase when the schedule got compressed,” he said. “Without them being willing to work longer hours and staying flexible, we probably wouldn’t have hit that deadline.”

After that initial push, the team built momentum — and stayed ahead. “Everybody who had a part in this project has been really on top of their game,” he said. “It shows how smoothly the project has gone despite some of the challenges along the way.”