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Tom Catalano, Strategic Security Advisor, is a guest blog author for É«Ç鱦±´.

A sizeable effort must be invested into your security RFP process. After proposals are received, vetting and qualifying providers that meet your every day and extraordinary requirements takes time, sound input and a real understanding of what and where your security needs exist. This is all based on your risk profile, incident experience, industry, brand, and many other factors. To achieve the maximum return, this process must extend beyond the planning and production. Careful proposal evaluation and interaction with quality providers is critical. These steps can help guide you to the right security partnership.
 

Selection 
Selecting security requires more than the purchasing department. A selection team should incorporate purchasing, security, facility managers, human resources and senior business leaders who may come from a legal or a high-security maintenance component of your company. Those who develop the RFP should be the reviewers. It is important for this team to be involved from planning through the evaluation and selection.
 

Specification
Your expectations should be clear in your RFP, and each bidder should respond with those in mind. Your selection team should identify which elements are most important. Do you want a provider with a proven track record; and the ability to work with your budget and add value? You need to align with a provider that can truly meet your needs. Also review the breadth of capability, geographical coverage and technical expertise.
 

Evaluation
Review proposals thoroughly and utilize a formal scoring system. Each element of the RFP can be ranked according to the degree to which requirements and priorities are met. It is essential to compare proposals side by side; fully understanding their capabilities. A detailed evaluation is essential to identify the security service provider that best meets your requirements, and provides performance assurances.

If your team is still undecided, contact similar organizations who have issued security RFPs and ask about quality security service providers. Request several references from the security provides’ customers. The more you learn, the better equipped you will be to make a selection that protects your people, property and brand.

 

About the Author
Tom Catalano is a strategic security advisor specializing in developing business services in the public and private sectors. He has presented at domestic and international events on a variety of topics including leadership, enterprise risk management, right-sizing organizations, and bridging the transition from public sector service to private industry.