Security Services for Scheduled Opening, Closing, and Safety Inspections at County Parks

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources is seeking a security service contractor to provide comprehensive security services for 20 designated park locations through Invitation for Bids #252755MN. The procurement requires a contractor to perform scheduled facility opening, closing, and safety inspection services, with specific duties including entrance gate operations, visual inspections of parking and public areas, and reporting of unsafe conditions, vandalism, or illegal activities. Bidders must possess a Private Security Agency Class B License issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and provide references demonstrating park security experience within the past seven years. The contract has an anticipated initial term of three years, with services to be performed on various days throughout the week, including County observed holidays. Responses must be submitted through the OpenGov procurement portal by September 23, 2025, with the contract to be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Bidders are required to submit hourly rates that include all associated charges such as trip costs, mileage, vehicle expenses, travel time, and labor, with billing permitted only for time actually on the job site.

The solicitation does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises, and no incumbent vendor information is provided. The procurement documents indicate that local and American business preferences will not apply due to grant funding requirements. Contractors must maintain specific insurance coverages, including Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability, and Business Automobile Liability, with Sarasota County Government to be named as an additional insured. While no explicit budget range is specified, the contract covers security services across 20 facilities with varying service schedules, suggesting a potentially substantial contract value. Strict requirements are outlined for contractor performance, including mandates for employee identification, uniform standards, vehicle usage protocols, and comprehensive incident reporting. Failure to meet specified service parameters could result in non-payment, emphasizing the county's commitment to high-quality security services across its park system.