Yes, You Can Forget the RFP Process!

Here’s the easy way for public institutions to procure security services.

Procurement, Office Binder on Wooden Desk. On the table colored pencils, pen, notebook paper

Many public administrators are well aware of the Request for Proposal (RFP) process – that onerous, time-consuming, and costly undertaking. For years, it’s been a necessary evil that administrators have been obligated to use for procuring the services they need, including security services.

But here’s some good news. You can forget the RFP process altogether. Yes, it’s true! We sat down with Scott Sturgess, Chief Revenue Officer at Arrow Security to find out how.

“Securing any type of service through an RFP process can be daunting, to say the least,” said Sturgess. “Oftentimes, Procurement Leaders have no choice but to get at least three bids for any service. And by the time approval is granted, you may have waited months to get the Guarding Services you need. Plus, with a low-bid-driven process, you may not ultimately end up with the most qualified vendor for the job.”

The solution, according to Sturgess, is to find a Security Guarding Company that has been vetted and approved by the U.S. Government’s General Services Administration, also known as the GSA. A security company must go through a rigorous, multi-step vetting process before becoming a contract provider through the GSA’s Cooperative Purchasing Program.

Any local, state, or federal entity can purchase Security Guarding Services from Arrow Security utilizing our GSA purchasing program. This includes K-12 school districts, state universities, community colleges, and federal, state, or local governmental offices. “When you use a GSA pre-approved and vetted contract provider, your RFP days are over!” said Sturgess. “You’ll have flexible pricing solutions that don’t leave you in the ‘land of the low bid’, and the acquisition process couldn’t be easier.”

  1. Determine with the security firm the scope of work, including hours, staffing, and pay rate.
  2. The security firm will submit the necessary documentation to the GSA for approval.
  3. Finalize the contract with GSA language (can be client’s contract or Arrow contract).
Additional Easy-to-Use Procurement Programs for Long Island, New Jersey

New York State
For school districts in New York State, there are procurement vehicle options beyond the GSA that also don’t require an RFP. “Nassau BOCES and Eastern Suffolk BOCES each have a cross-contract program that allows school districts in New York State to procure Security Guarding services without having to go out to RFP. Arrow Security has been fully vetted and approved and is the provider of choice for both these purchasing programs,” explained Sturgess.

New Jersey
For school districts and public entities in New Jersey, the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ), offers shared educational and business services to the state’s school districts and government agencies. Arrow Security is a vetted and approved vendor under this program, as well, and no RFP is required to purchase.

Arrow Security is a super-regional security company that’s been in business for nearly 40 years and provides both armed and unarmed guarding, among other security services. For more information, contact Scott at 1-800-924-0138 or at ssturgess@arrowsecurity.com.