This Sources Sought/Request for Information (RFI) is for information, planning and market research purposes only and shall not be construed as either a solicitation or obligation on the part of the United States Department of State ( State ). The purpose of this RFI is to identify ALL INTERESTED VENDORS that are capable of providing the services described in this RFI, draft Section C Performance Work Statement (PWS). The Department of State is also conducting market research to determine the degree of interest and capability by small businesses in providing local guard services at the U.S. Embassy Austria.
State will use this market research information to assess the market's capability to successfully meet State's need for local guard services at the U.S. Mission Austria. State does not intend to make a decision or award a contract on the basis of responses nor otherwise reimburse interested sources for the preparation of any information submitted for State's use of such information. State reserves the right to contact vendors if additional information is required.
Overview:
The Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security plays an essential role in ensuring that foreign policy missions are accomplished in a safe and secure environment. The primary mission of the local guard service is to provide protection for United States personnel, facilities, and equipment from damage or loss due to violent attack and theft. The local guard services shall prevent unauthorized access; protect life; maintain order; deter criminal and terrorist attacks against employees, dependents, and property; and prevent damage to all U.S. assets. The NAICS code for these services is 561612.
Responses must clearly demonstrate capabilities through examples of previous and/or current guard security contracts or experience closely related thereto.
Vendors must specifically address the following capabilities:
- Current licenses, work authorizations in compliance with host country law required for the execution of work.
- Knowledge of and compliance with host country labor law which may require bonuses, specific minimum wage levels, premium pay for holidays, payments for social security, pensions, severance pay, sick or health benefits, childcare or any other benefits
- Knowledge of and compliance with host country tax law
- Ability to provide all types of insurance coverage required by host country in performance of services, such as automobile liability, comprehensive general liability, worker's compensation, employer's liability, etc.
- Furnishing, operating, and maintaining a radio network, including acquiring all licenses and permits that may be required for frequencies and the operation of all communications equipment
- Familiarity or experience with associated security equipment such as Guard Electronic Monitoring System (GEMS), Central Alarm Monitoring systems (CAMS), closed-circuit television systems, x-ray and explosive detection equipment
- Furnishing guard force equipment such as uniforms and vehicles
- Ability to overcome language barriers
- Capability of instructing, providing, and qualifying personnel in the use of x-ray equipment and radio equipment.
- Ability to maintain a guard staff on a 24-hour, 7-day a week basis with the ability to immediately backfill vacant positions due to resignations, rotations and illnesses due to a variety of reasons such as flu and food poisoning
- Capability of dealing with organized actions by direct labor personnel such as strikes (anticipated and unanticipated) and labor unrest (work slowdowns and/or organized failure of employees to report for shift changes)
- Ability to hire, train and retain, including English language training, of a guard staff consisting of host country nationals
- Ability to provide trained equipment technicians for all vehicles and radios in the performance of the contract
- Ability to train a sizeable workforce to adapt quickly to unfamiliar laws and customs as well as the ability of company officials to gain quickly information regarding the laws and customs needed to maintain and equip such a workforce
- Experience or capability of getting contractor-furnished equipment and goods through customs and/or similar governmental agencies of the host country
- Understanding import and export regulations
- Understanding and familiarity of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) and the capability of complying with both by the performance date of any contract awarded requiring the execution of this Statute (22 U.S.C. 2778-2780)
- Managing smooth contract transition efforts, and ability to stand-up the new contract within the estimated 90 calendar days
- Ability to safely keep and track Government-Furnished Property
- Ability to screen personnel to meet suitability requirements for guard force positions
- Strong skill in instant, situational decision-making, e.g., response to threats
- Organized billing and invoicing procedures, and understanding of myLGP, a Government database to track schedules.
Attachments:
1. Draft Section C PWS. Interested contractors responding to this notice are highly encouraged to review the attached DRAFT PWS DRAFT and provide any comments and/or feedback.
2. Contractor Information Form and Questionnaire Interested contractors must complete the attached response sheet and submit with their RFI submission.
It is requested that all interested contractors submit their capabilities by e-mail to Kerryn P Finik at finikk@state.gov, addressing each of the above requirements by 23:59 EST, June 17, 2025. Interested parties shall also complete the attached Contractor Information Sheet.
If you have any questions or comments, please reference this Sources Sought Notice when emailing.
THERE IS NO SOLICITATION AT THIS TIME. This request for capability information does not constitute a request for quote/proposals; submission of any information in response to this market survey is purely voluntary; the government assumes no financial responsibility for any costs incurred. The result of this market research will contribute to determining the method of procurement. The U.S. Department of State does not guarantee that any future contracts may be awarded covering the aforementioned duties and responses to this Sources Sought notice do not bind the U.S. Department of State to any agreement with the responder, be it explicit or implied.
Background
The United States Department of State (DOS), specifically the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, is seeking to identify vendors capable of providing local guard services at the U.S. Embassy in Austria.
The mission of the Bureau is to ensure that foreign policy objectives are accomplished in a safe and secure environment, prioritizing the protection of personnel, facilities, and equipment from threats such as violent attacks and theft.
Work Details
The contractor will provide local guard services that include: protecting U.S. Government personnel, facilities, and equipment; preventing unauthorized access; maintaining order; deterring criminal and terrorist attacks; and acting as an early warning signal to the Embassy.
Specific tasks include: screening personnel and vehicles for entry; operating explosive detection and x-ray inspection equipment; conducting roving foot patrols; maintaining logs and records of activities; providing escort services when required; managing alarm monitoring/dispatcher services; operating closed-circuit television systems; utilizing a Guard Electronic Monitoring System (GEMS); ensuring proper supervision of guard personnel; maintaining communication through a dedicated radio network; providing necessary vehicles for patrols; supplying uniforms and personal equipment for guards; and adhering to all applicable host country laws regarding labor, tax, insurance, and operational compliance.
Place of Performance
U.S. Embassy in Austria.
