Local Guard Force - US Mission United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Sources Sought Notice issued by the Department of State, Office of Acquisition Management, for market research regarding local guard services at the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and Consulate Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Bureau of Diplomatic Security requires these services to protect personnel, facilities, and equipment from threats, prevent unauthorized access, maintain order, and deter attacks. This notice is for information gathering only and is not a Request for Proposals.

Vendors must demonstrate capabilities in the following areas:

• Compliance with host country laws for licenses, work authorizations, firearms permits, and labor laws (including benefits and wages).
• Adherence to host country tax laws.
• Ability to provide all required insurance coverage.
• Operation and maintenance of a radio network, including licensing.
• Familiarity with security equipment (GEMS, CAMS, CCTV, x-ray, explosive detection).
• Furnishing guard force equipment (uniforms, vehicles, weapons).
• Overcoming language barriers.
• Personnel training in firearms, x-ray, and radio equipment, including access to training facilities.
• Maintaining a 24/7 guard staff with immediate backfill capabilities.
• Managing labor actions such as strikes and unrest.
• Hiring and training host country nationals (including English and weapons training).
• Providing trained equipment technicians.
• Adapting workforce to unfamiliar laws and customs.
• Navigating customs and import/export regulations.
• Understanding and complying with the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and ITAR.
• Managing contract transitions and Government-Furnished Property.
• Screening personnel for suitability.
• Demonstrating strong situational decision-making skills.
• Organized billing and invoicing procedures.

Not specified in this notice.

• Interested parties must submit a brief capability statement via email to HaqueMN@state.gov.
• Responses must address all listed requirements with examples of previous/current contracts or experience.
• The deadline for submissions is 4:00 PM EST, May 8, 2026.
• An attached Contractor Information Sheet must also be completed.

This market research is specifically for small businesses only.

This is a sources sought notice for written information only. The Department of State does not intend to award a contract based on this notice or reimburse costs incurred. This is not a Request for Technical or Cost Proposals.

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

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the U.S. Department of State's requirement for qualified contractors to provide local guard services at the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and Consulate Dubai. The primary goal is to ensure a secure environment for the U.S. government's mission.

The contractor shall provide local guard services, including both Standard and Additional or Emergency (A&E) services. Key responsibilities include:

• Protecting U.S. Government personnel, facilities, and equipment.

• Controlling access to facilities by screening personnel, vehicles, and packages.

• Operating security equipment such as X-ray, metal detection, and alarm monitoring systems.

• Conducting roving foot patrols and mobile patrols.

• Maintaining order and deterring unauthorized access and attacks.

• Responding to alarms and security incidents.

• Maintaining logs and records, including incident reports and daily logs.

• Providing supervision, including Project Managers (PM) and Guard Force Commanders (GFC).

• Operating and maintaining communication systems (radio network) and vehicles.

• Ensuring guards wear appropriate uniforms and personal equipment.

• Compliance with General and Post Orders (provided in English, translated by contractor).

• Use of Guard Electronic Monitoring System (GEMS) for quality control of inspections.

• Timely reporting of incidents and alarm activations.

• Maintenance of logs and records as specified.

• Adherence to duty hour limits (max 12 hours/24-hour period) and break requirements.

Services are required at the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and Consulate Dubai.

• Contractor personnel must be trained and qualified.
• COR-approved guards from the previous contract have the right of first refusal for employment.
• The contractor must provide a Transition Plan and Contingency Plan.
• Specific training requirements are detailed, including GEMS, explosive detection, CCTV, and chemical/biological awareness.
• Vehicles for mobile patrol must be new, four-door, four-by-four, air-conditioned SUVs at contract start, replaced if exceeding 200,000 km.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Contractor/Vendor Information Sheet that requires potential bidders to provide detailed business and contact information. It is to be completed and returned to Mohammed Haque at HaqueMN@state.gov.

• Legal Business Name
• Tax ID No / UEI No
• Mailing Address (including State, Zip Code, Country)
• Contact Information (Toll-Free Number, Website, Point of Contact, Phone, Fax, E-mail)
• Country of Origin (U.S. Firm or Foreign Vendor)
• Size of Business (Large or Small)
• Corporate Status (Corporation, S-Corporation, Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Other)
• Type of Ownership (Woman, Veteran-owned, Minority, None of the Above, Other)
• Socio-Economic Status (8(a) Status, HUBZone, Disadvantaged, None of the Above, Other)
• SAM Registration Status (Yes/No)
• DCAA-approved accounting practices (Yes/No)
• Current business in country (Yes/No)
• Experience with NAICS code 561612 (Guard Services) (Yes/No)
• Current security license in country (Yes/No)
• Ability to obtain a security license in country (Yes/No)

Bidders must complete and submit this form as part of their response to the opportunity. The information collected will help the government assess the vendor's qualifications, business status, and capabilities relevant to the contract requirements, particularly concerning guard services and operating within the specified country.