City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: April 4, 2023
From: Todd Dusenberry, General Manager of Public Utilities Department: Public Utilities
Submitted by: Adriana Ramos, Administrative Analyst
Subject
Services Agreement with S&S Labor Force Incorporated, dba JRM Recommendation
Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a Services Agreement with S&S Labor Force Incorporated, dba JRM, in substantially the same form as submitted, to provide unarmed security guard services for a total amount not-to-exceed $4,233,000, for a three-year term.
Background
Security services are required at various critical City facilities and property, including City Hall and City Utility facilities, to deter unauthorized access, theft, vandalism, and loitering, along with reporting any suspicious activity, such as burglary, tampering, damage, and/or fraudulent activities associated with City property and interests. Unarmed security guards are expected to recognize and report emergencies and illicit activities on or to City properties.
S&S Labor Force Incorporated, dba JRM (JRM) is the City’s current firm and was selected in May 2020 following an RFP process for the City’s unarmed security guard services. This contract is set to expire on May 20, 2023; however, it is anticipated all funds will exhaust by the end of April. Therefore, to avoid a lapse in this essential service and in accordance with Vernon Municipal Code (VMC) 3.32.080 regarding competitive selection, staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Unarmed Security Guard Services on February 9, 2023. The RFP was advertised on the City's website, the Planet Bids platform, and five prospective firms were directly notified through Planet Bids, pursuant to VMC 3.32.130. The scope of work included, but was not limited to, implementing/enforcing access control security policy and procedures and providing patrol services at City buildings, property, and utility facilities to recognize and report security threats, breaches, and suspicious and unpermitted activities. In addition, the scope encompassed monitoring and reporting information about activities in areas that may impact City buildings, property, interests, and utility facilities. Subsequently, proposal packages were received from 15 firms by the March 2, 2023, deadline.
A qualified panel thoroughly examined each proposal utilizing criteria to measure experience, work plan, references, and cost. The three top scoring vendors were interviewed: American Guard Service, Good Guard Services, and S&S Labor Force Incorporated, dba JRM. JRM demonstrated the highest competence and most cost-effective approach to providing unarmed security guard services at City buildings, property, and utility facilities. The proposal submitted by JRM ranked the highest across the panel and was deemed the most qualified.
Furthermore, their proposal demonstrated expertise and experience through a comprehensive approach to the services requested in the scope of work. JRM has extensive security service experience and qualifications to meet the City’s expectations and needs.
Protecting property and ensuring that facilities are operational, safe, secure, and free from theft, vandalism, and illicit activities is an utmost priority. Protection of life, safety of personnel and public safety are all critical components of our utility services. Over the years, the City has experienced an increased rate of crime as a result of the impacts of COVID-19. Moreover, in March 2020, the Washington Street Underpass Sump Pump facility was severely vandalized, involving the destruction of equipment used to pump stormwater out of the underpass that connects the City of Vernon and the City of Commerce. Stealing copper elements for scrap value from the stormwater pumping facility rendered the facility inoperable and very costly to repair. The use of unarmed security guard services to monitor the facility and the installation of cameras have played a key role in decreasing vandalism and destruction of valuable equipment.
Although unhoused individuals have continuously attempted to vandalize facilities, steal electricity and/or set up encampments near important utility facilities, contracting unarmed security guard services has also assisted the City in decreasing vandalism and theft attempts.
Given the capital projects and development projects underway and the supply chain challenges and extensive lead times to procure equipment for construction, it is imperative to protect critical equipment and inventory from theft. Facilities in proper working condition promote reliability and save costly repair and replacement of City and utility assets. Unarmed security guards have proven essential in providing reliable utility services and general city services to the residents and businesses in the Vernon Community.
The proposed agreement for unarmed security guard services is critical to protecting the City’s current assets and ongoing investments in infrastructure. As such, staff recommends approval of a Services Agreement with JRM, in an amount not-to-exceed $4,233,000, to provide unarmed security guard services. The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the Services Agreement as to form.
Fiscal Impact
The annual fiscal impact is $1,411,000; the three-year fiscal impact is not-to-exceed $4,233,000. Sufficient funds will be included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 budget and will be budgeted in subsequent FYs. This cost will be shared between Vernon Public Utilities (VPU) and Public Works (PW). VPU costs will be allocated to Public Utilities Electric Fund, Account Nos. 055-050-555-529215 ($929,000) and 055-050-580-529215 ($242,000); the remaining balance of $240,000 will be allocated to PW Account No. 011-040-415-529215.
Attachments
1. Services Agreement with S&S Labor Force Incorporated, dba JRM