Citywide Armed Security Guard Services

The City of Tampa is seeking proposals for Citywide Armed Security Guard Services through a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) that will cover security services across multiple municipal departments, including Parking Division, Solid Waste Department, Parks and Recreation, and other city facilities. The contract requires licensed security guard service companies to provide trained, uniformed armed and unarmed security guards capable of staffing approximately 6,800 monthly service hours across 40+ locations, including downtown parking garages, parking lots, waste management facilities, and recreational areas. Proposers must demonstrate a minimum of five years in business, maintain a local Tampa Bay area office, and employ licensed security personnel with specific state certifications. The RFP mandates security personnel be trained in CPR, first aid, de-escalation techniques, and customer service, with specific uniform and equipment standards. The evaluation will be points-based, with 100 total points distributed across cost (10 points), firm experience (35 points), personnel qualifications (10 points), scope responsiveness (20 points), criminal history screening (5 points), and WMBE/SLBE participation (20 points). The initial contract term is three years, with potential two one-year renewals, and proposals are due by June 11, 2025, following a mandatory pre-proposal conference on May 12, 2025.

The City of Tampa has implemented robust diversity and inclusion requirements for this procurement, with significant emphasis on Women/Minority Business Enterprise (W/MBE) and Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) participation. Proposers must complete several mandatory forms, including the Letter of Intent (MBD-40) and payment tracking documentation, demonstrating their commitment to subcontractor diversity. The solicitation includes a 20-point evaluation category specifically dedicated to minority and small business involvement, with points awarded for City of Tampa certified underutilized W/MBE firms, meaningful subcontractor participation, and external agency certifications. Additional compliance requirements include E-Verify participation, anti-human trafficking provisions, and restrictions on vendors with connections to foreign countries of concern. The department budget for this contract is $6,000,000, though specific line-item pricing will be negotiated with the selected vendor. Proposers must also comply with comprehensive ADA requirements, particularly for any information and communication technology components associated with the security services.