Level II Armed Security Guard Service - State of South Carolina

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for Level II Armed Protective Security Officers to provide security services for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) primarily in South Carolina, especially at disaster-related sites and facilities following a major disaster declaration.

• Provide armed guard services within 24 hours of contract execution.

• Deploy up to five (5) Level II Armed Protective Security Officers initially, with the potential for deployment to any county in South Carolina as needed.

• Perform a variety of security duties as outlined in Post Orders, including but not limited to:

  • Guard post duties
  • Post assignment responsibilities
  • Access/egress control
  • Security screening of personnel, packages, and vehicles
  • Visitor processing
  • Patrol and response to security violations and alarms
  • Traffic control
  • Monitoring building rules and regulations
  • Emergency response
  • Maintaining logs and writing incident reports

• Adhere to specific duties outlined in FEMA-generated Post Orders, which may be modified by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

• Performance will be evaluated based on the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) at PWS 10.0.

• Contractor personnel must meet minimum qualifications, including U.S. Citizenship, English proficiency, high school diploma/GED, and relevant experience.

• Strict grooming standards and employee conduct policies must be followed.

• Personnel must undergo suitability and fitness requirements, including background investigations.

• The contract period is a Base 90 days with three 90-day options.

• Performance will occur at various locations within the designated disaster declaration area in South Carolina, including Joint Field Offices, Branch Offices, Initial Operating Facilities, Disaster Relief Centers, and other identified FEMA facilities.

• Personnel must be Level II Armed Protective Security Officers and meet all local and state qualification requirements.

• Contractor is responsible for obtaining all necessary state and city/municipality licenses and permits.

• Contractor must provide firearms, ammunition, and all required equipment.

• Strict adherence to security requirements, including safeguarding of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and IT security awareness training, is mandatory.

• Personnel must be able to withstand physical demands and respond to emergencies.

• Compliance with DHS and FEMA directives, policies, and procedures is required.

Amendment / Modification

• The number of required vetted guards has been reduced from up to six (6) to up to five (5).

• Proposals that were previously received will not be evaluated due to this change in requirement.

• The Performance Work Statement (PWS) has been modified regarding the number of vetted guards.

• Proposal submission deadline remains the same: Friday, February 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET.

• Proposals must be submitted directly to FEMA-Solicitation70FBR426R00000004-SC@fema.dhs.gov.

• The original solicitation number is 70FBR426R00000004, dated 02/04/2026.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains questions received from potential bidders on February 5, 2026, and the government's responses, providing clarifications related to the opportunity.

• Georgia State Security/Business License: The requirement is for a South Carolina license, not necessarily a Georgia one at bid submission.
• Current Contractor Information: Details about the current contractor, their profile name, and prices will not be provided.
• Budget Information: The budget for the current contract and the projected budget for the new term under this RFP will not be provided.
• Bill Rates: Current or previous bill rates associated with the contract will not be provided.
• Vehicles: No vehicles are required for the contract duties.
• Local Office Requirement: Information regarding whether a local office is mandatory to bid and if it must be physical or virtual is contained within the provided documentation.

Some questions regarding the number of positions, estimated annual hours, and local office requirements are answered by referring bidders to existing documentation. Other key details such as budget, bill rates, and current contractor information are withheld. Bidders should review the referenced documentation for answers to questions 5, 6, and 9. The response to Question 1 clarifies a potential misunderstanding regarding state licensing requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Level II Armed Guard Security Services in declared disaster areas within the state of South Carolina. The services are required for various locations including FEMA Field Offices, Branch Offices, Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs), and staging yards. The government may also require additional locations and hours on short notice.

• Provide Level II Armed Guard Security Services.

• Services are required seven (7) days a week.

• Personnel must meet "For Official Use Only" (FOUO) levels and require a favorably adjudicated public trust suitability prior to entry on duty. All personnel must be U.S. citizens.

• Contractors must use Department of Labor (DOL) category 27102 Guard II security personnel.

• Specific requirements include providing proof of insurance, state and local licenses, proof of weapon ownership, a working & staffing plan, a project plan, a continuity plan, a transition plan, and a use of force policy.

• Required certifications include State Security Officer Certification, firearm licenses, current firearms training and qualification, CPR, First Aid, AED certification, and baton or OC certification.

• Contract Type: Time and Material / Labor Hour.

• Period of Performance: Base period of April 8, 2026, for 30 days, with two (2) one-month option periods. Options will be exercised and funded as needed.

• The total contract duration, including options, shall not exceed 9 months.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically to FEMA-Solicitation70FBR426R00000004-SC@fema.dhs.gov. Submissions to any other email address will not be accepted.

• Questions and Clarifications Deadline: Friday, February 6, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET via email to the same address.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made on a best-value basis, with Technical and Past Performance combined being significantly more important than Price.

• Technical evaluation will be based on written answers to specific questions regarding staffing, response time, available personnel, lodging solutions, equipment, and approach to fulfilling the PWS.

• Past Performance will be evaluated based on previous FEMA and government contract performance.

• Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness, including all option periods.

• The acquisition is unrestricted.

• Offerors are encouraged to read the entire solicitation and related attachments.

• Proposals lacking required documentation or the Past Performance Questionnaire will be considered "non-responsive."

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Project Experience Questionnaire intended for offerors to complete for evaluation purposes. It is designed to gather information about the offeror's past project experience.

• Firm Information: Name, Point of Contact, Telephone Number, Email Address/Fax Number.
• Prior Project Experience: Offerors are to list up to five individual projects, detailing:
  • Project Description
  • Contract/Project Number
  • Location
  • Contract Amount (Original and Final)
• Owner/Agency Information: For each listed project, details on the Name of Owner/Agency, Point of Contact, Telephone Number, and Facsimile Number.
• Project Dates & Performance: Information on Start and Completion dates, whether the offeror was a prime or subcontractor, if there were contract modifications (and how many, and who initiated them), and if the schedule was met.
• Extensions & Disputes: Details on any time extensions, total extended days, reasons for schedule non-compliance, and any disputes or defaults.

This questionnaire is crucial for bidders to accurately document their relevant past performance. The information provided will be used by the government for evaluation purposes to assess the offeror's capability and experience in undertaking similar projects. Bidders must complete this form thoroughly and accurately to support their proposal.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Register of Wage Determinations" issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations under the Service Contract Act for specific geographic areas within South Carolina. It applies to contracts performed in Chesterfield, Clarendon, Colleton, Darlington, Florence, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, and Williamsburg counties.

• Lists occupational codes, titles, and corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Specifies required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare rates.
• Details Executive Orders related to paid sick leave (EO 13706) and minimum wage (EO 13658) applicable to federal contractors.
• Outlines provisions for vacation, holidays, hazardous pay differentials, and uniform allowances.
• Provides guidance on the conformance process for additional classifications and wage rates.

This document is critical for bidders as it establishes the baseline labor costs for any service contract awarded in the specified areas of South Carolina. Bidders must ensure their proposals accurately account for these minimum wage and benefit requirements to comply with the Service Contract Act. Understanding these requirements is essential for accurate cost estimation and avoiding potential penalties or bid disqualification.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide Level II Armed Protective Security Officers to safeguard federal employees, visitors, and property at temporary and fixed facilities during disaster and emergency declarations in South Carolina.

• Provide armed guard services within 24 hours of contract execution.

• Deploy a minimum of six (6) Level II Armed Protective Security Officers at contract start.

• Services may be required at various locations within South Carolina, specified via Task Orders.

• Utilize only Department of Labor (DOL) category 27102 Guard II security personnel.

• Perform duties as outlined in Post Orders, which may include access/egress control, security screening, visitor processing, patrol and response, traffic control, and emergency response.

• Maintain logs and write reports of incidents.

• Performance will be evaluated based on the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) at PWS 10.0.

• Contractor personnel must meet minimum qualifications, including U.S. Citizenship, English proficiency, high school diploma/GED, relevant experience, and possess required licenses and certifications.

• Personnel must undergo a Moderate Risk background investigation (Tier 2) and receive favorable adjudication.

• Adherence to grooming standards and employee conduct policies is required.

• Period of Performance: Base 90 days with three 90-day options.

• Place of Performance: Various locations within South Carolina, as specified in Call Orders.

• Contractor is responsible for obtaining all necessary state and city/municipality licenses and permits.

• Contractor must provide firearms, ammunition, and all required equipment.

• Personnel must be Level II Armed Protective Security Officers and meet all minimum qualifications.

• Compliance with security requirements, including safeguarding of controlled unclassified information (CUI) and IT security awareness training, is mandatory.

• Contractor must maintain a Personnel Filing System for all employees.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Certification of PWS 3.1" form that Offerors must complete to certify that their proposed Level II Protective Armed Security Guards meet the minimum qualifications outlined in Section 3.1 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• Offeror Information: Requires the Name, Title, and Company Name of the certifying individual.
• Minimum Qualifications for Level II Armed Protective Security Officers/Supervisors:
  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
  • High school diploma, GED, college transcripts, military records, or POST training completion
  • Current or prior military and/or security experience
  • Active Federal, State, and Local Firearms permit(s)
  • All required state/local licenses, permits, registrations, or certifications
  • State Security Officer Certification (if required)
  • Local permits and renewals (if required)
  • CPR, First Aid, and AED certification card
  • Firearm licenses and certifications required by state and local requirements
  • Current firearms training and qualification
  • Current baton or OC certification
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Work Experience Requirement: At least two years of security/police experience, or two years of military experience on active duty or in the National Guard/reserve.
• Certification: Signature and date of the Offeror's representative.

Bidders must use this form to document and certify that their personnel meet the specific qualifications and experience requirements for Level II Armed Protective Security Officers and Supervisors as detailed in the PWS. This certification is a mandatory part of the proposal submission process.