Security Services for IGNITE Broward and Other Specialized Events

Broward County is soliciting bids under solicitation GEN2132820B1 for security services for IGNITE Broward and other specialized events, procured for its Cultural Division and other county agencies, with responses due November 17, 2026. The solicitation carries an SBE Reserve designation: it is reserved for Broward County Small Business Enterprise firms, though both SBE and non-SBE vendors may respond. Award goes to the lowest responsive and responsible SBE bid, and only if no responsive SBE submits may award go to a County Business Enterprise (CBE), then to a noncertified vendor. Vendors must verify SBE status through the Office of Economic and Small Business Development before submittal. Vendors also seeking local preference consideration or the location tiebreaker in best and final offers must submit a Location Certification and a Broward County local business tax receipt by the solicitation end date, showing a Broward County business address maintained for at least one year before the bid posting date.

The open-end contract covers security for IGNITE Broward, a ten-day immersive arts and light festival scheduled for 2027 at Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park and the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Activation Area along Las Olas Boulevard, along with other county events. Additional locations and hours are specified three months before each event. Coverage runs from load-in through load-out, including daytime installation security, active security during public hours, and overnight asset protection. Services include event security management, crowd management, access control, fixed-post and mobile patrols, incident response, coordination with law enforcement and emergency personnel, and escorts.

The vendor must hold a Florida Class "B" Security Agency License. Officers must hold Class "D" licenses, and armed personnel must hold Class "G" Statewide Firearm Licenses. Personnel must be at least 18, hold high school diplomas, pass criminal and drug screenings, and demonstrate English proficiency. Security officers require one year of verifiable experience, supervisory officers require two years of large-scale event security experience, and the Event Security Manager requires five years of supervisory experience. The vendor must demonstrate prior security work for large-scale, multi-day events with substantial public attendance.

SBE Reserve participation requires certified firms to perform at least 85 percent of services, either through self-performance or subcontracting with certified SBE or CBE firms. Vendors must submit Letters of Intent for all subcontractors and suppliers, and must file a Good Faith Efforts application if they cannot meet participation requirements. Awardees must submit monthly utilization reports, pay certified subcontractors within 15 days of receiving county payment, and face liquidated damages of up to 10 percent of the total contract amount for missed commitments.

The contract term is three years from award, with two one-year renewals not to exceed five years total unless extended by Board action. Personnel requiring general facility access need Level 1 Florida Department of Law Enforcement background checks at the contractor's expense, and County ID badge requests must be submitted at least two weeks before service start. Parks and Recreation work requires criminal screening, monthly declarations of screened personnel, and annual rescreening. Insurance minimums include $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate general liability, $1 million umbrella coverage, and $1 million per claim professional liability with a deductible capped at $100,000. Broward County must be named additional insured, and insurers must carry an A.M. Best rating of A- or better.

The Anti-Human Trafficking Affidavit and Vendor Questionnaire are required with submittal or within three business days of county request. The Criminal History Screening Practices Certification applies to contracts valued at $100,000 or more. Under the Cone of Silence, communications about the solicitation are restricted from advertisement until award, with permitted contacts limited to Purchasing Division staff, designated project managers, the OESBD Small Business Development Specialist Supervisor, and pre-bid conferences. Protests of solicitation specifications must be filed within five business days of posting.