GRAND RAPIDS -- Terrell Daniels feels every bit as much a champion as the Indianapolis Colts.
The owner of Modern Fire & Security Systems Inc. in Grand Rapids recently secured a $2 million contract to install the security system for the Super Bowl champion's new stadium -- Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
"This is extraordinary," Daniels said, "especially considering the Colts are now world champions. We feel like just like them -- champions."
The 16-employee company submitted its bid in December and was chosen over several national companies -- Honeywell International Inc. and Siemens among them.
The company received word it won the bid just before the Super Bowl.
"This is a milestone," Daniels said. "They had a minority business outbid several larger companies and get the contract, not because we're a minority business, but because we were the low bid."
His crew began work three weeks ago to install everything from security cameras to card readers.
But after the Colts' Super Bowl win, his crew was told to take a short celebratory vacation from its project. The project is slated to be completed by June 2008 in anticipation of the stadium's opening the following August.
The company, which has been operating since 1997, has twice received the "Award of Excellence" from the Associated Builders & Contractors' West Michigan chapter for installing a camera and security card access system for the Grand Rapids Public Library's main branch and a security camera system for Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
"For a company like Modern Fire to bid on a project of this size and to submit the low offer is a pretty remarkable accomplishment," said John Doherty, president of the ABC West Michigan Chapter.
Hunt Construction Group, which is overseeing much of the stadium work, was instrumental in helping his company prepare for and win the bid, said Daniels. Hunt also was one of the major contractors for DeVos Place.
The company, located at 20 Stevens St. SW, also has done fire alarm and security work for Van Andel Arena, Plaza Towers, DeVos Place, U.S. Coast Guard and Van Andel Institute.
