R499--Security Guard Services at 14517 Bruce B. Downs Blv Tampa, FL 33613

This is a pre-solicitation notice for the James A. Haley Veterans hospital in Tampa Florida for the Guard Services. RFQ # 36C24820Q0425 will be posted within the next 5 Hours. This solicitation is a total Service Disable Veteran Own Small Business (SDVOSB). STATEMENT OF WORK CONTRACT SECURITY SERVICES BACKGROUND: The Department of Justice has determined that premises owned or leased by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are under the law enforcement jurisdiction of the VA as that phrase is used in 38 U.S.C. Section 218. This determination rests upon the fact that the VA is the leaseholder/owner of the space coupled with possession and control of the space. Security & Law Enforcement Circular Letter 07-01-1 authorizes security services obtained by contract when VA police officer positions are unavailable. SCOPE: The contractor must have all necessary insurance and sufficient employees to perform the contract work. The contractor will provide security services on VA-leased property known as the VA Rehabilitation and Recovery Clinic, located at 14517 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33613. Contractor will provide security service as follows at the property located 14517 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33613: one guard 7:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. All tours will be Monday through Friday excluding federal holidays. Federal holidays observed are Martin Luther King Day, President s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year s Day or any other day declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday. Contractor will provide back-up guard service during periods of vacation or sick leave. Back up guards will have all training required of the regularly scheduled guards. During certain times the Government may require after hours or weekend Security Services for interior construction projects or extended clinical hours. The contractor will receive written notice from the COR for overtime requests no later than three (3) days before services are required. All property furnished by the Government under this contract shall remain the property of the Government. Upon termination of the contract, the contractor will render an accounting of all property which has come into his/her possession under this contract. All equipment issued by the Government to the contractor will be issued in accordance with MP-02, E10827.5201. Any property furnished by the Government to fulfill contract requirements which is lost or damaged resulting from improper use or negligence by the contractor s employee, shall be repaired or replaced by the Government and the cost of such repairs or replacement shall be deducted from the contractor s invoice. The contractor will take all reasonable precautions to safeguard and protect Government property. Government property (to include telephones) shall be used for official Government business only in the performance of this contract. Government property will not be used for personal advantage, business gain, or other personal endeavor by the contractor or contractor s employees. Rules and Regulations governing Security, Law Enforcement and Standard of Conduct on Veteran Affairs Property (38 CFR 1.218-1.220) are under the charge and control of the Veteran Affairs and are applicable to all persons entering in or on such property. The contractor shall assume full liability for any act of his/her employee in the exercise of any such police authority. Except where precluded by local law or ordinance, the contractor shall make and complete all arrangements with the appropriate officials in the City, County, or the State. 2.10 Offerors will be considered only from offerors who are regularly established in the business called for and who are financially responsible and have the necessary personnel to furnish services under this contract. Successful offerors should meet all requirements of Federal, State, County, or City codes regarding operation of this type of service. 3. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS: 3.1 The Contractor will provide a Guard who will perform the security service, represent the contractor, be capable of interpreting and implementing all functions required within the contract specifications, and will perform his/her duties as outlined in the statement of work. 3.2 Each Security Guard will be in uniform and present a neat appearance; maintain a continued state proper training; possess a photo I.D. with company name; the necessary permits, authority, etc., and maintain continued liaison with the COR or designated alternate. 3.3 Each Guard is required to be a minimum of twenty-one (21) years of age. 3.4 Each Guard is required to possess a high school diploma or equivalency, and will have two (2) years of experience demonstrating the ability to meet and deal with the general public; the ability to read, understand and apply printed rules, detailed orders, instructions, and training materials; the ability to maintain poise and self-control under stress; and the ability to write clearly, concisely and accurately. 3.5 Each Guard is required to be fluent and proficient in the English language. This includes being fully able to understand and comprehend oral and written instructions and directions and respond accordingly as required. 3.6 All guards assigned by the contractor to work under this contract are required to be physically able to perform all general duties, functions, and activities; shall be free from any communicable disease; shall be well proportioned as to height and weight; shall be in good general health without physical defects or abnormalities which would interfere with the performance of duties; shall possess binocular vision correctable to 20/30, shall be free of color blindness, and be capable of hearing ordinary conversation at fifteen (15) feet with either ear without benefit of a hearing aid. Each guard will be given an annual physical examination without cost to the government or the employee, and medical certification attesting to the final results of this examination will be furnished to the COR on Standard Form 78 at least five (5) days prior to assignment of the guard duty. 3.7 Contractor is required to submit evidence demonstrating each guard has received the required Federal and Florida State OSHA training. Documentation of training will be completed prior to assignment of a guard to duty. 3.8 Contractor is required to furnish, at no cost to each security guard, all items of uniform and equipment necessary to perform work required by this contract. The color of the uniform will be color in general use by a large guard or police organization. Uniform accessories will appropriately match the uniform in standard black or brown color. No guard will enter on duty without wearing the proper uniform, including accessories. Guards will have neatly fashioned hair that does not extend below the collar. Male and Female guards may wear stud earrings not exceeding 1/8 in, width; this is the only allowable pierced accessory. 3.9 The Contractor is required to provide guards with supplementary equipment including, but not limited to, notebooks, pens, pencils, flashlights to include replacement batteries & bulbs, etc. and traffic control safety apparel (reflective vest, gloves, traffic batons, etc.) as appropriate to operations. Supplement or personal equipment (concealed or unconcealed firearms, knives, come-alongs or other nonstandard items) are not authorized. Security guard equipment will not include firearms or nightsticks. 3.10 Guards are required to adhere to the facility s no smoking policy. There is no smoking in any building, corridor or stairwell. Guards who smoke will be restricted to smoking only in the authorized smoking areas. At no time will a guard have a cigarette, pipe, cigar or chewing any type of tobacco or gum when offering information. 3.11 All guards are required to possess a valid Florida driver s license. 4. AUTHORITY & JURISDICTION 4.1 Authority of the contractor s personnel to detain and/or make arrests shall be that of private citizens as defined by host country law. Making a Citizen's Arrest: Security Guard Authority in the State of Florida If you detain someone because you believe he committed a crime, you must inform him that you are making a citizen's arrest. While Florida generally limits citizen's arrests to felony cases, there are a few exceptions that allow misdemeanor arrests, as when a store employee witnesses a shoplifting. If you decide to make a citizen's arrest, which usually occurs in the spur of the moment, make sure there's plenty of evidence to back you up. You are not permitted to use excessive force to detain a suspect, nor can you deliberately harm the person. You could be charged with assault if you unnecessarily hurt the suspect or you may be charged with false arrest if the police find no evidence of a crime. Since the Sunshine State doesn't have specific statutes dealing with citizen's arrests, it follows common law on the issue. You can perform a citizen's arrest only if the perpetrator commits a felony -- with certain exceptions -- and you either witness the act yourself or have reason to believe the person is guilty of the crime. Once you detain a suspect, you must call law enforcement officials immediately. Remember you may arrest as a private citizen under common law for breach of peace in presence (with element of violence or a felony. You may also use reasonable force to accomplish arrest. In Florida, security officers have no more (or less) authority as a private citizen, as they are, in fact private persons subject to the jurisdiction of the State of Florida. As such, they are afforded basic rights under the State Constitution, including the right to defend themselves from attack. Florida Statute 776.013 provides that use of force is justifiable against another when certain circumstances are met, in the defense of others. The statute is listed below, from Florida Statutes 2005 Edition. "776.031 Use of force in defense of others.--A person is justified in the use of force, except deadly force, against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to prevent or terminate the other's trespass on, or other tortious or criminal interference with, either real property other than a dwelling or personal property, lawfully in his or her possession or in the possession of another who is a member of his or her immediate family or household or of a person whose property he or she has a legal duty to protect. However, the person is justified in the use of deadly force only if he or she reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony. A person does not have a duty to retreat if the person is in a place where he or she has a right to be." As stated above, a security officer is a person subject to the state's jurisdiction. Therefore, one can safely assume that they are accorded the justification to use force to prevent or terminate the other's trespass on, or other tortious or criminal interference with real property in the possession of a person whose property he or she has a legal duty to protect. The person does not have a duty to retreat if the person is in a place where he or she has a right to be. The security officer's contractual obligation to the client would create the "right to be." 4.2 Bonds. The contractor shall provide all official bonds required, pay any fees or cost involved or related to the authorization for the equipping of any employees engaged in providing services specified under this contract. 4.3 Employee Salary. The Government shall have no responsibility or liability for payment of any wages or benefits to contractor s employees. The Government, its agencies, agents, and employees shall not be part of any legal action or obligation regarding benefits which may subsequently arise. Where local law requires that bonuses, specific minimum wage levels, premium pay for holidays, payments for social security, pensions, sick or health benefits, child care or any other benefit, the contractor is responsible for payments of such costs and must include all such costs in the hourly rates incorporated in the contract. 4.4 Personal Injury, Property Loss or Damage (Liability).. The contractor hereby assumes absolute responsibility and liability for any and all personal injuries or death and/or property damage or losses suffered due to negligence of the contractor s personnel in the performance of the services required under this contract. The contractor s assumption of absolute liability is independent of any insurance policies. 4.5 Insurance. The contractor, at its own expense, shall provide and maintain during the entire period of performance of this contract, whatever insurance is legally necessary. The contractor agrees the Government shall not be responsible for personal injuries or for damages to any property of the contractor, its officers, agents, servants, and employees, or any other person, arising from and incident to the contractor s performance of this contract. The contractor shall hold harmless and indemnify the Government from any and all claims arising there from, except in the instance of gross negligence on the part of the Government. 4.6 Permits. The contractor shall obtain all permits, licenses, and appointments required for the prosecution of work under the contract, at no additional cost to the Government. The contractor shall obtain these permits, licenses and appointments in compliance with applicable laws. The contractor shall provide evidence of possession or status of application for such permits, licenses, and appointments to the Contracting Officer with his proposal. Failure to provide evidence of appropriate progress toward receipt of such permits so as to be fully licensed by date planned for commencement of contract performance many result in contractor being found non-responsible (not eligible for award) or result in contract termination if required documents are subsequently denied or withdrawn by the local authorities. Application, justification, fees, and certifications for any licensure required by the contractor are entirely the responsibility of the contractor. 5. TASKS PERFOMED: All Guards will be UNARMED. Assignments include, but are not limited to, the following: Conduct random and established patrols in accordance with established routes and schedules. Direct traffic (vehicles and pedestrian), control parking, issue courtesy violation notices, etc., as prescribed. Observe employees and visitors for compliance with posted rules and regulations. Maintain law and order within the area of assignment. If assistance is necessary, call 911 for Hillsborough County Sheriff s Office for property located at 14517 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33613 and then notify VA Police at 972-7554. Discover and detain persons attempting to gain unauthorized access to the property. Perform other functions as may be necessary in the event of situations or occurrences such as civil disturbances, attempts to commit espionage, sabotage, or other criminal acts adversely affecting the security and safety of the Government, it s employees, property and the general public lawfully in buildings or on the grounds under the control of the Government. Respond to emergency situations and provide appropriate assistance. Immediately call 911 if necessary and then notify VA police of action taken. Must be able to respond to all life, rescue, and safety emergencies. Parking lot security will include continuous checks of the parking area to assure the following rules are adhere to: Handicap parking is used by handicapped drivers and all safety codes are being met in parking and driving areas. Fire lanes are free of parked vehicles. Reserved parking spaces for ridesharing and government vehicles are enforced. Persons who appear to be acting suspiciously are challenged. Perform package inspection when directed to do so. j. Conduct radio-checks every - hour. k. Report potentially hazardous conditions and items in need of repair, including inoperative lights. Prepare required reports at the required frequencies. Maintain necessary records. Turn reports in to designated official as required. In the event a security guard is unable to report to duty, he/she is responsible for notifying the contractor s supervisor/lead guard, NOT VA personnel, in sufficient time for the contractor to provide a replacement guard by 5:00 a.m. n. The contractors shall provide a replacement security guard prior to the on-duty guard being relieved of duty in the event of an emergency/illness o. The security guard on duty will notify Deputy Chief Charles V. Cockrell at telephone no. +1 (555) 000-0000 when a contractor or individual comes on the VA leased property that is not a VA employee. Charles V. Cockrell will notify the security guard as to whether or not this contractor or individual should be allowed on the property. 6. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT: 6.1 General. The contractor shall maintain satisfactory standards of employee competency, conduct, cleanliness, appearance and integrity and shall be responsible for taking such disciplinary action with respect to employees as may be necessary. Each contracted employee is expected to adhere to standards of conduct that reflect credit on themselves, their employer and the United States Government. Guards must at all time use politeness and courtesy when dealing with visitors to the Government s offices. The Government reserves the right to direct the Contractor to remove an employee from the worksite for failure to comply with the standards of conduct. The Contractor shall immediately replace such an employee to maintain continuity of services at no additional cost to the Government. 6.2 Appearance. The Government requires a favorable image and considers it to be a major asset of a protective force. The employee s attitude, courtesy, and job knowledge are influential in creating a favorable image. However, the majority of people form an opinion by the appearance of an employee in uniform. Therefore, all contract employees are required to wear a prescribed uniform while on duty. The Contractor shall ensure that guard personnel at all times present a neat appearance, paying particular attention to their persona hygiene, uniform and equipment. 6.3 Uniforms and Personal Equipment. The Contractor s employees shall wear clean, neat and complete uniforms when on duty. All employees shall wear uniforms approved by the Contracting Officer s Representative. The Contractor shall provide for each guard uniforms and personal equipment and personal equipment. The Contractor shall bear the cost of purchasing, cleaning, pressing, and repair of the uniforms. The Contractor shall ensure that no items of uniform or equipment are worn, displayed, or used by any employee while they are in an off-duty status. 6.4 Alertness. No Contractor employee shall work a tour of duty of no more than 12 continuous hours and each Contractor guard shall have a minimum of 12 hours off duty between tours on this contract, except in emergency situations. No employee of the Contractor shall accept employment with any other firm or institution while employed under this contract without the prior written approval of the Security Guard s Supervisor. The contractor shall not bill for employee hours that exceed the 12 hours tour length except when prior approval for overtime has been officially requested and obtained. 6.5 Neglect of Duties. This includes sleeping while on duty, unreasonable delays or failures to carry out assigned tasks, conducting personal affairs during duty hours and refusing to render assistance or cooperate in upholding the integrity of the worksite security. 6.6 Disorderly Conduct . Use of abusive or offensive language, quarreling, intimidation by words, actions, or fighting shall not be condoned. Also included is participation in disruptive activities which interfere with normal and efficient Government operations. 6.7 Intoxicants. The Contractor shall not allow its employees while on duty to possess, sell, consume, or be under the influence of intoxicants, drugs, or substances which produce similar effects. 6.8 Consumption of Alcohol. The drinking of alcoholic beverages while on duty or eight hours prior to assuming duty is prohibited. No guard who has consumed alcohol during this period will be posted. 6.9 Relief by an Intoxicated Person. If a security guard has reason to believe that his relief is intoxicated, he will not allow himself to be relieved and will immediately notify his supervisor for guidance. 6.10 Narcotics. The use of narcotics or other controlled substances without a prescription from a licensed physician is prohibited. 6.11 Use of Prescription Drugs. The use of prescription drugs by a security guard must be reported through the supervisor before assuming guard duty. 6.12 Criminal Actions. Contractor employees may be subject to criminal actions as allowed by law in certain circumstances. These include, but are not limited to, the following actions: Falsification or unlawful concealment, removal, mutilation, or destruction of any official document or record or concealment of material facts by willful omission from official documents or records; unauthorized use of Government property, theft, vandalism, or immoral conduct; unethical or improper use of official authority or credentials; security violations; and organizing or participating in illegal gambling in any form. 7. TRAINING: 7.1 Contractor-Furnished Training: The contractor will furnish all Federal and Florida State required OSHA training. This includes all back-up personnel. The contractor will provide documentation of training prior to assignment of duty. 7.2 Government-Furnished Training: Guards receive training within five (5) working days of initial assignment to duty. It is estimated each guard will receive 8 hours of initial training and will receive yearly follow-up-training. All guards will be completely trained before assuming duties. 8. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: 8.1 The Department of Veterans Affairs has identified the minimum worker safety standards and related training that are required by state law. All contractors providing service on VA property will be in compliance with Florida Code Regulations. These regulations require the employer to develop, implement, and document written programs, as well as requiring initial and recurrent employee training and record keeping. 8.2 Exposure to Hazardous Working Condition: Contractor personnel may be required to perform work under potentially hazardous conditions. Contractor will inform personnel of this, and shall provide the requisite training in the techniques to recognize and deal with such situations as to minimize personal risk, and that they must adhere to standard techniques for personal protection. 8.3 Fire & Safety: In performance of this contract, the contractor will take all safety precautions as necessary to protect lives. The contractor will immediately correct any fire & safety deficiencies caused by its personnel. If the contractor fails or refuses to correct deficiencies promptly, the COR may default the contract. The contractor will comply with applicable Federal, State, and local safety and fire regulations and codes which are in effect at the beginning of the contract period. The contractor will keep abreast of any compliance with changes in these regulations and codes applicable to this contract. The contractor s personnel will follow applicable facility policies concerning fire & safety. 9. SENIORITY LISTS: In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 22.1020, when a contract is performed at a Federal facility where employees may be hired/retained by a succeeding contractor, the incumbent contractor is required to furnish a certified list of all service employees on the contractor s payroll during the last month of the contract, together with anniversary dates of employment, to the COR no later than 10 days before contract s completion. 10. QUALITY CONTROL: The contractor will develop, implement, and maintain a complete on-going quality control program to ensure the requirements of the contract are provided as specified and which meets the highest qualifications standards. One copy of the contractor s basic Quality Control Program will be provided to the COR no later than the contract start date and updates will be provided as changes occur. The program will include, but not limited to, the following: 10.1 An inspection system covering the services listed herein. It will specify the areas to be inspected on a scheduled or unscheduled basis, how often inspections will be accomplished, and the title of the individual(s) who will perform the inspections. 10.2 The methods for identifying and preventing deficiencies in the quality of service performed before the level of performance becomes unacceptable. 10.3 On-site records of all inspections conducted by the contractor and necessary corrective action taken. This documentation will be made available to the government during the term of the contract.