NCJ Number
171994
Journal
Security Management Volume: 41 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1997) Pages: 103-104,106
Date Published
1997
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the contract specifications, bidding, and post-signing procedures for an organization engaged in selecting a private security service.
Abstract
The bid specification should clearly indicate what a company needs and expects from a service provider. Specification should encompass the details of the security service needed, wages, the handling of medical and billing costs, training and overtime, other benefits, insurance, equipment, uniforms, transition, company information, right of replacement, overtime, and emergencies. The list of companies asked to participate in bidding for the contract should be short. Service providers should not be permitted to bid unless they screen new employees and train security personnel to both the State's standards and the company's standards. The short list of bidders who meet the various basic requirements can be further culled by checking references. Once the bidder list is set, each bidder should be sent a copy of the specifications, with a firm deadline for a return. Bidders with the most checks on a bidding performance matrix should be invited to an oral, 1-hour interview with company managers. Any bidder whose answers seem unsatisfactory or vague, or who show no willingness to negotiate parts of the contract should be removed from the list of contenders. As this process evolves, it will become apparent which service provider seems to be the most capable and the most willing to negotiate and to work together with the company as a team. After the selected contractor is providing services, communication between the company and the contractor should be structured and regular to ensure that security concerns are discussed and addressed.