Submitted By: Christopher Ramos
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Presentation By: Christopher Ramos
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Department: Information Technology
FORMAL TITLE:
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One-year contract renewal with VIP Security & Investigations, LLC to provide citywide security services with an estimated expenditure of $399,000
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The City of Ocala has an ongoing need for security services for City Hall, the Citizens’ Service Center, the City Complex, and the downtown parking garage. Security officers guide citizens, greet and process visitors at City Hall, monitor the parking garage, monitor Citizens’ Circle, patrol the City Complex, and enforce ordinances and rules on City property.
Security officers have responded promptly when called upon to deal with aggressive patrons at the Citizens’ Service Center and City Hall. The presence of security officers provides a visible deterrent throughout the City Complex, parking garage, and Citizens’ Circle. Additionally, loitering in and around Citizens’ Circle has been reduced, and security presence ensures the safety of citizens in the public parking garage during evening hours. Having security guards on-site has proven to be a valuable asset in ensuring that staff, citizens, and visitors are protected from potential acts of violence.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
On October 5, 2021, City Council approved the award of a three-year contract to VIP Security & Investigations, LLC, for the provision of citywide security services. The contract included three optional renewal terms. On September 3, 2024, City Council approved the first optional renewal.
Beyond the posts originally scoped under the contract, the City has also been able to request additional security services for various ad-hoc events that arise throughout the year, as well as for a new post at the City Complex. To ensure the safety of staff and equipment, the City Complex has been locked down during and after business hours. A security checkpoint (guard shack) has been established at Gate #4, where all incoming staff and visitors are thoroughly reviewed by a new VIP Security Guard post.
VIP Security & Investigations met all contractual obligations throughout the initial three-year term, and the first one-year renewal term.
Staff recommends approval of the second renewal term.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for the annual renewal of $399,000 will be paid under Munis Contract No. 210576 and will be budgeted in Fiscal Year 2025-26 accounts:
- 001-035-214-529-52-34010
- 457-032-214-531-53-34010
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These services were procured in compliance with the City’s Procurement Policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This amendment will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
- Approve with Changes
- Table
- Deny