Security Guard Services for Cultural Sites

The City of Santa Monica is requesting bids for a five-year firm-fixed contract to provide unarmed security guard services at three cultural facilities—the Annenberg Community Beach House, Airport Arts Center, and Miles Memorial Playhouse—managed by the Cultural Affairs Division of the Recreation and Arts Department, with bids due June 29, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time. A mandatory job walk is scheduled for June 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Studios 3026 (3026 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, California 90405).

The contractor must hold a current California Private Patrol Operator's License, demonstrate a minimum of 10 years of experience providing similar site security, and employ a minimum of 25 security guards. Coverage requirements vary by site: the Annenberg Community Beach House requires 24-hour, seven-days-per-week coverage; the Airport Arts Center requires 30 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., with flexibility for additional hours or weekend scheduling; and the Miles Memorial Playhouse requires occasional security services as determined by events and classes on a monthly basis. The contractor must provide a 24/7/365 call center for emergency communications, all labor, supervision, training, uniforms, background checks, physical examinations, and equipment. Vacant posts must be filled within 30 minutes at no additional cost. The contractor must provide a security officer tour verification system at the Annenberg Community Beach House at no cost to the City.

The City of Santa Monica Living Wage Ordinance applies, requiring a minimum wage of $25.00 per hour. Insurance requirements include Commercial General Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, Automobile Liability of $1,000,000 per accident, and Workers' Compensation with statutory limits. The City reserves the right to remove any security officer and to terminate the contract with ten days' written notice without cause. Questions are due June 15, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time; responses will be posted by June 22, 2026. Electronic bids only are accepted through the City's online vendor portal. The successful bidder must submit a transition plan within 30 days of award and execute a Contractual Services Agreement prior to work commencing.