SR-1000-001-06 (9)
BBB:OPS:SN:DF:SW\F\TRANS\ADMIN\COUNCIL\SECURITY.doc
Council Meeting: 01-08-02 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Contract with Guardsmark, Inc. to Provide Security Services at
Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus Facilities
Introduction
The report recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to
negotiate and execute a contract with Guardsmark, Inc. to provide security
services at Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus facilities.
Background
On September 27, 2001, Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus issued a Request For
Quotation for uniformed security services to be provided on its campus. The
need for these services arises from construction projects at the facility, anti-
terrorism recommendations made by the Federal Transit Administration’s Office
of Safety and Security and to ensure a safe work environment.
This contract will provide roving patrol during all hours and secure the vehicle
entrance to the bus yard. Specifically, the vendor will staff the property and any
adjoining employee parking areas to monitor access by visitors, identify and
document visitors during certain hours and escort employees.
Discussion
Staff received six responses from the Request For Quotation. Based on an initial
evaluation, two of the six vendors were invited to present their proposals. The
vendors made presentations to a staff committee of employees from different Big
Blue Bus divisions as well as Police Department personnel.
The Committee reviewed the vendors general security experience, experience of
the personnel who would be working on this project, screening and training
process for the hiring of the personnel, experience on similar public agency
projects and a list of references.
The Committee unanimously chose Guardsmark, Inc. for the contract. The
Committee was impressed with the firm’s extensive training processes. Only one
out of 50 applicants pass the extensive tests required. As a result, their employee
turnover is only one-fourth the security industry average. Employee turnover is
one of the biggest problems with contract security programs. Also, Guardsmark
Inc. pays its security guards $10.50/hr. with benefits making the salaries
consistent with the City’s proposed Living Wage Ordinance.
The security services will be coordinated with the Santa Monica Police
Department. To avoid any confusion, Guardsmark uniforms will be distinctly
different than the uniforms worn by City of Santa Monica safety employees.
Also, the security guards will not carry or use weapons.
Budget/Financial Impact
The total annual cost of the contract will be $350,000. Funding for the contract is
available using Proposition C Transit Security Funds allocated to the Big Blue
Bus by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Staff
recommends the appropriation of $350,000 at account number 41670.555020
and increasing Proposition C Transit Security revenues by $350,000 at account
number 41642.407020.
Recommendation
City staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to
negotiate and execute a contract with Guardsmark, Inc. to provide security
services at Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus facilities and approve the necessary
budget changes specified in the Budget/Financial Impact section.
Prepared by: Stephanie Negriff, Interim Director of Transit Services
David Feinberg, Acting Deputy Director of Transit Services
Steve Walsh, Transit Safety and Security Officer