PR15893714_USMCotonouSourcesSought
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Department of State is conducting a Sources Sought/Request for Information (RFI) to identify qualified vendors, particularly small businesses, capable of providing local guard services at the U.S. Embassy Cotonou, Benin. This market research aims to assess industry capabilities for protecting U.S. personnel, facilities, and equipment. The NAICS code is 561612 (Guard Services). Responses are due by June 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST.
Scope of Work
The primary mission of the local guard service is to provide protection against violent attack and theft, prevent unauthorized access, protect life, maintain order, and deter criminal/terrorist attacks. Vendors must demonstrate capabilities in areas including:
- Host Country Compliance: Current licenses, work authorizations, firearms permits, knowledge of labor and tax laws, and ability to provide required insurance.
- Operational Capabilities: Furnishing and maintaining a radio network, familiarity with security equipment (GEMS, CAMS, CCTV, x-ray, explosive detection), providing guard force equipment (uniforms, vehicles, weapons).
- Personnel Management: Ability to overcome language barriers, instruct and qualify personnel in firearms/equipment use, maintain 24/7 staffing, manage labor unrest, hire and train host country nationals (including English and weapons training).
- Logistics & Administration: Experience with customs/import/export regulations, familiarity with Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), managing contract transitions, tracking Government-Furnished Property, personnel screening, situational decision-making, and organized billing.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- Response Due: June 22, 2026, 10:00 AM EST
- Published: June 1, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested parties must submit their capabilities via email to Katya V. Gutierrez (GutierrezKV@state.gov), addressing each required capability. Additionally, respondents must complete and submit the attached Contractor Information Sheet.
To access the Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) (Section C) and Draft Special Contract Requirements (Section H), vendors must sign and submit the Vendor Restricted Access Form. This form requires company details (UEI, CAGE CODE, POC) and an agreement to safeguard restricted information, prohibiting duplication or secondary distribution.
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research and planning purposes only. It is not a solicitation, and the Department of State does not intend to award a contract or reimburse costs incurred for responses. This is a request for a brief capability statement, not technical or cost proposals.