Question: Is it possible to combine the various security contracts (city hall, library, police station, etc.) with the security contract for ACPS? If we can, what is the potential savings? (Councilman Chapman)
Response:
While it is technically possible to consolidate the security contracts for City facilities, ACPS, and the Library under a single procurement, the differing service requirements and training standards across these entities limit the potential efficiencies. Based on current contract rates, the hourly costs for security services are already comparable. As a result, any cost savings from consolidation would likely be minimal, though a combined procurement could potentially provide limited leverage for negotiating slightly improved pricing.
The Department of General Services, the Library and the Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) pay similar rates for security guard services however, the service requirements for each entity are different resulting in differing scopes of work, training and costs. Based on the current rates in each of the three contracts, the savings realized by consolidating these services under one security contract would be minimal at best.
The security contract managed by the Department of General Services provides for security guard services at City buildings, including City Hall (now Tavern Square), the Del Pepper Community Resource Center at 4850 Mark Center Drive, the Torpedo Factory Art Center (TFAC) and the Alexandria Police Department (APD). The security guards under this contract are required to possess varying levels of training contingent upon the specific location/facility to which they are assigned. This security contract mandates the provision of Unarmed, Armed, and On-Site Armed Supervisory officers. Conversely, the ACPS security contract provides for unarmed security officers only and stipulates distinct training standards for these officers, including approved control techniques necessary for effectively intervening and managing situations that involve school-aged children, as well as preventing injury and damage to property. Additionally, the ACPS contract requires the provision of vehicles which are used to patrol its various campuses. The Library’s security contract requires unarmed guards whose responsibilities include deterring, observing, and reporting suspicious behavior.
The differing levels of service outlined in each security contract are reflected in the rates charged by their respective security providers. A direct comparison of the hourly rates for unarmed services per the terms of the three contracts are as follows:
Unarmed Fully Burdened Hourly Rate:
- General Services: $28.97 /hour
- ACPS: $31.50 /hour
- Library: $26.80 /hour
Given the differing nature of the respective service requirements and similar rates, any opportunity for cost savings through the consolidation of these services and contracts would be minimal but may possibly create opportunities to negotiate better pricing. Currently, the City has completed the solicitation and selection process required to award a new contract for armed and unarmed services, while ACPS and the Library are operating under existing contracts exclusively for unarmed services. The City’s current contract expires on June 30, 2026, an RFP process has been completed with a new contract award pending for a one-year term with renewal options. The ACPS and Library contracts were each renewed through 6/31/2026 and both have two one-year renewal options remaining.