Recommend approval to renew an annual contract for security services with Sunstates Security in the estimated amount of $478,000.00.  The original contract in 2016 was amended in December 2017 for the removal of unarmed security services in the City parking garages and then amended in September 2018 for the addition of security at Ellis Square.

This contract renewal includes a $0.50 per hour pay raise for the guards, and a 1.49% fee increase that was previously negotiated in 2017.  This pay increase enables Sunstates Security to remain competitive in the market of armed security.  The City utilizes armed security at all locations serviced under this contract.

The security services are used to secure City facilities including City Hall, the Broughton Municipal Building, the Gamble Building, the second floor of the Savannah Morning News Building, and Ellis Square.  Additionally, the contractor has agreed to remain flexible and to work closely with the City, if and when the City’s facilities and needs change during the duration of the contract.

The method used for this procurement was the request for proposal (RFP), which evaluates criteria in addition to cost. Proposals were evaluated on the basis of qualifications and experience, wages, benefits, and training, references, local vendor participation, and fees. Nine proposals were originally received. Of those nine, five were deemed qualified and fully evaluated. Those fee proposals were opened and the proposers were interviewed.

Proposals were originally received on July 7, 2015.  The contract was originally approved in Council on January 7, 2016 in the amount of $718,072.60. This is the third of four renewal options.

The contract term shall be February 14, 2019 through December 31, 2019.

Approval