About this opportunity
AI summaryThe Duluth Transit Authority requests proposals from qualified firms to provide onsite security services at authority properties in Duluth, Minnesota. Duties include monitoring operational zones, stairwells, waiting areas, and parking facilities, intervening in behavioral issues, applying de-escalation tactics, reporting criminal activity to first responders, documenting trespassing, patrolling additional sites upon request, and reporting unsafe bus driving. Selected firms must be licensed, bonded, and insured, and eligibility is limited to onshore United States organizations. Bidders must submit all documentation electronically in PDF format by 12:00 p.m. on November 20, 2026. A mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for November 10, 2026, and prospective vendors must submit inquiries by November 12, 2026. The contract covers a three-year period.
Buyer and opportunity details
- Client
- Duluth Transit Authority
- Solicitation No.
- 2026.10.29
Scope of work
- Unarmed security services at Duluth Transportation Center and Transit Center East
- Continuous footprint of exactly one unarmed security officer on active duty thirty minutes prior to open to close
- Hourly patrol loops balancing rigid patrol compliance with dynamic emergency response
- Commercial-grade two-way multi-channel digital radios with earpieces achieving 100% signal penetration
- Distinct, authoritative, weather-appropriate uniforms including extreme Minnesota winter gear
- Crisis intervention, de-escalation, and verbal conflict management
- Instant routing of verified criminal activity, physical violence, or public threats to 911/Duluth Police
- Background checks and initial and random drug testing for assigned personnel
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Mandatory Requirements (Compliance with Scope of Work, licensing and experience, uniforms/equipment/coverage, bonding) | Pass/Fail |
| Technical Approach and Operational Plan | Not specified |
| Staffing and Coverage Plan | Not specified |
| Qualifications, Experience, and Training | Not specified |
| Management, Supervision, and Quality Control | Not specified |
| Customer Service and Conflict De-escalation | Not specified |
| Equipment, Uniforms, and Communications | Not specified |
| Compliance and Administrative Capabilities | Not specified |
| Proposed Price | Not specified |
Minimum qualifications
- Selected firm shall be licensed, bonded and insured for these types of services
- Personnel must possess a minimum of one year verifiable professional experience in contract security, military police, or civil law enforcement
- Employees assigned must have a background check and initial drug test, plus random drug testing
Documents to include with your response
- W-9
- Completed and signed Section 4, Formal Proposal Sheet and Statements
- Completed and signed Section 5, Certifications
- Items on Mandatory Requirement List (licensing, experience, bonding, uniforms, equipment, communications, coverage plan)
- Documentation of licensing, bonding, and insurance
- Proposed changes to Contract (if any)
- Subcontractor disclosure
- Standard Form-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable)
Key dates
- Date of Release
- October 29, 2026
- Preproposal Tour/Meeting
- November 10, 2026 1:00 p.m.
- Request for Clarifications
- November 12, 2026 12:00 p.m.
- Response to Clarifications
- On or before November 16, 2026
- Bids Due
- November 20, 2026 12:00 p.m.
- Notice of award
- As early as December 1, 2026
- Award notification via email
- As early as December 31, 2026
- Contract start
- January 1, 2027
How to submit
- Method
- Instructions
- Email proposal and all required documents in PDF format to [email protected] using subject line 'Security Services Contract RFP – RFB# 2026.10.29'.
Contract details
- Place of performance
- Duluth Transportation Center (228 West Michigan Street) and Transit Center East (214 West Superior Street), Duluth, MN 55806
- Insurance and bonding
- Commercial General Liability and Automobile Liability with limits of umbrella policy approved by DTA. DTA and ATE Management of Duluth SBC named as Additional Insured. Certificates due within 10 days of execution. Firm must be licensed, bonded, and insured.
- Funding
- Federal Transit Administration and Minnesota Department of Transportation grants