Sources Sought - OGS: San Jose, Costa Rica
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 Department of State is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice to identify qualified U.S. Small Businesses capable of providing local guard services for the U.S. Mission in San Jose, Costa Rica. This effort aims to determine interest and capability for ensuring the safety and security of U.S. personnel, facilities, and equipment. Responses are due by 9:00 am EST on May 20, 2026.
Scope of Work
The primary mission of the local guard service is to protect U.S. personnel, facilities, and equipment from violent attack and theft, prevent unauthorized access, maintain order, and deter criminal/terrorist attacks. Services fall under NAICS code 561612 (Guard Services).
Key Capabilities Required
Respondents must provide clear evidence of experience and capability, specifically addressing:
- Host Country Compliance: Current licenses/work authorizations (including firearms), knowledge of labor and tax laws, and ability to provide required insurance.
- Operational Logistics: Furnishing, operating, and maintaining a radio network (including licenses), familiarity with security equipment (GEMS, CAMS, CCTV, x-ray), and furnishing guard force equipment (uniforms, vehicles, radios).
- Staffing & Training: Ability to overcome language barriers, maintain 24/7 guard staff with immediate backfill, instruct/qualify personnel in security equipment use, and deal with organized labor actions.
- Local Expertise: Experience hiring and training host country nationals (including English language training), providing trained equipment technicians, adapting to local laws/customs, and managing customs for equipment/goods.
- Contract Management: Understanding import/export regulations, managing smooth contract transitions, safeguarding Government-Furnished Property, personnel screening, situational decision-making, and organized billing.
Submission Requirements
Interested parties must submit their capabilities via email to Fabiola Bellevue (bellevuef@state.gov), Sara Marron (marronsm2@state.gov), and Andre McIntosh (mcintoshas@state.gov). Responses must address each required capability and include a completed Contractor Information Sheet (attached to the original notice).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: U.S. Small Businesses only
- Response Due: May 20, 2026, 9:00 am EST
- Published: May 5, 2026
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research purposes only. No solicitation is currently available, and responses do not bind the U.S. Department of State to any agreement. Telephone or email requests for additional information will not be honored at this stage.