Virginia Department of Forestry – Headquarters Security Guard Services

The Virginia Department of Forestry is requesting bids for uniformed security guard services at its Charlottesville headquarters under IFB DOF27-127775, with bids due September 14, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST. Bidders certified by the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity as micro or small businesses receive set-aside award priority; the Commonwealth has established a statewide goal of 42 percent small business utilization.

The scope calls for one or two uniformed security guards to staff a stationary entry point, conduct interior and exterior rounds, control building access, monitor surveillance systems, process visitor credentials, respond to alarms, and file incident reports. Security coverage is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding thirteen specified state holidays, at an estimated 2,200 annual hours per guard. The Department reserves the right to require one or two guards at its sole discretion, with the option to add a second guard permanently or for short-term, event-based needs. Bidders must submit separate hourly pricing for armed and unarmed guard services; the specific guard type will be determined by the Department following contract award. Overtime hours triggered by agency meetings or events extending beyond the standard shift shall be invoiced at 1.5 times the applicable contract rate per Virginia Code 40.1-29.3. The incumbent contractor is Upscale Security, LTD, currently billing $35 per hour for unarmed guards and $45 per hour for armed guards.

The contract commences upon award and continues through September 30, 2027, with options for four successive one-year renewals subject to price adjustments limited to the Consumer Price Index "Other Services" category. Place of performance is 900 Natural Resources Drive, Suite 800, Charlottesville, Virginia.

Contractors must hold active Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services registration and possess required security licenses. Bidders must demonstrate at least five years of continuous business operation, employ both armed and unarmed guards available for immediate assignment upon contract award, provide references for at least four commercial or governmental accounts with five years of service experience each, carry minimum $1,000,000 commercial general liability and statutory workers' compensation insurance, and comply with pre-employment background screening and drug-free workplace requirements. Prime contractors exceeding $100,000 must submit and comply with a mandatory small business subcontracting plan with monthly reporting.

Questions are due five working days before bid opening. Site visits are optional; bidders should contact Richard Schmidt at (434) 270-4253.