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

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources is seeking a contractor to provide security officer services for scheduled facility opening, closing, and safety inspections across approximately 20 county park locations through an Invitation for Bids (IFB #262804MN). The primary objectives include performing entrance gate openings and closings, conducting visual inspections of parking lots and public areas, and reporting unsafe conditions, vandalism, or illegal activities. Contractors must open facilities by 6:00 a.m. (no earlier than 5:00 a.m.) and close facilities no later than one hour after closing time, with services required on various days throughout the week and on county-observed holidays. To qualify, bidders must hold a Private Security Agency Class B License from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and ensure all employees possess an FDACS Security Officer Class D License. The county will provide an updated monthly schedule at least ten calendar days prior to each month, and the contract is anticipated to have an initial three-year term. Pricing will be submitted on an hourly rate basis, with the county intending to award to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the lowest total bid price. The bid is due by December 19, 2025, with specific response details available on the OpenGov Procurement portal.

The procurement does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Bidders must provide a minimum of two references demonstrating experience providing security services for parks or outdoor spaces at governmental, industrial, commercial, or educational properties within the past seven years. Insurance requirements are comprehensive, including Workers' Compensation with $500,000 Employers Liability limits, Commercial General Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence (with Sarasota County named as additional insured), and Business Automobile Liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit. The solicitation notes that grant funding requirements prohibit the application of local and American business preferences in the award. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the contract covers security services across 178 designated county park locations with operating hours ranging from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The geographic coverage includes multiple municipalities such as Sarasota, Venice, Englewood, Nokomis, Osprey, Longboat Key, North Port, and Port Charlotte, suggesting a potentially significant contract value based on the extensive service area and three-year contract term.