Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Engineering Services in Columbia, SC
Buford Goff & Associates (BGA) has been delivering innovative engineering solutions for over 50 years, combining extensive experience with cutting-edge technology across mechanical, electrical, security, and communications disciplines. Founded in 1969, our firm specializes in addressing complex challenges for clients in healthcare, education, public safety, energy, and criminal justice sectors. Our team of registered engineers, project managers, and technical specialists operates from our Columbia, South Carolina headquarters, providing integrated services that prioritize safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency.With a track record of successful projects nationwide, we emphasize rigorous design, lifecycle cost analysis, and client collaboration to ensure long-term value. Our expertise in public safety communications, critical infrastructure, and high-security facilities has earned us recognition as an industry leader, trusted by government agencies and utilities for large-scale system implementations.
Services
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Design
Security Systems
Communications Technology
Public Safety Networks
HVAC Systems
Power Distribution
Fire Protection
Thermal Storage
Emergency Power
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in multi-disciplinary engineering projects.
- Our team includes registered engineers and certified project management professionals.
- Specialized expertise in public safety communications and high-security systems.
- Proven track record in large-scale infrastructure projects exceeding $50M.
- Integrated approach to mechanical, electrical, and security system design.
Services
Mechanical Engineering
Our mechanical engineering services optimize building systems for efficiency, comfort, and safety. We design HVAC, plumbing, and thermal storage solutions tailored to institutional and commercial facilities, emphasizing lifecycle cost savings. Expertise spans renovations and new construction projects across healthcare, education, and correctional facilities.
Electrical Design
We provide comprehensive electrical engineering for power distribution, lighting, and emergency systems. Our solutions prioritize reliability and sustainability in diverse settings including hospitals, airports, and universities. Projects integrate modern code compliance with energy-efficient technologies for optimal operational performance.
Security Systems
Specializing in high-security environments, our security electronics engineering delivers integrated systems for prisons, courthouses, and healthcare facilities. We design access control, surveillance, and alarm systems with a focus on durability and scalability, supporting both new installations and major upgrades.
Communications Technology
We engineer resilient communication networks for public safety agencies, utilities, and critical infrastructure. Our services include P25 Land Mobile Radio systems, broadband planning, and NG9-1-1 implementation. Solutions ensure interoperability and reliability during routine and emergency operations across state and regional jurisdictions.
Public Safety Networks
Our public safety communication systems support law enforcement and emergency services through robust P25 networks. We handle system planning, procurement, and implementation with expertise in statewide deployments. Recent projects include Michigan's MPSCS and Tennessee's TACN, ensuring seamless multi-agency coordination during critical operations.
People
Michael E. Corbett
Principal Manager of Communications
With over 25 years of experience, Mike leads BGA's communications division, specializing in public safety networks. He has managed statewide systems like Michigan's MPSCS and Tennessee's TACN, focusing on interoperability and lifecycle management. Holds a PE license and contributes to industry standards development.
Keith E. Summer
Principal Manager of Security Electronics
A 27-year security systems expert, Keith has directed over 50 corrections facility projects exceeding $50M each. Former nuclear power engineer, he develops federal prison standards and specializes in high-security integration. Holds PE licenses in 31 states and leads forensic system analysis.
Brian C. Melson
Principal Manager of Electrical Engineering
Brian oversees electrical projects including hospitals, courthouses, and historic renovations. His 30-year career encompasses power systems design, emergency generation, and code compliance. PE licensed professional with expertise in complex facility electrification from nuclear plants to museums.
Questions
What engineering specializations does BGA offer?
BGA provides mechanical, electrical, security electronics, and communications engineering services for healthcare, education, public safety, and energy sectors.
How many years has BGA been in business?
We have 54 years of experience since founding in 1969, with continuous operations in multi-disciplinary engineering solutions.
Do you handle large-scale infrastructure projects?
Yes, our team manages projects exceeding $50M, including statewide communication networks and federal prison security systems implementation.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in South Carolina, we execute major projects across Michigan, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and other states with regional partnerships.
Can BGA handle emergency system upgrades?
We specialize in critical system modernization, including Michigan's MPSCS lifecycle remediation project for state emergency communications infrastructure.
What certifications do your engineers hold?
Our staff includes Professional Engineers (PE) in 31 states, project management professionals, and specialists certified in security and communication systems.
