Practical guides, RFP templates, and expert advice to help you make informed security decisions for your business or property across Ontario.
Free Resources
Planning to issue a Request for Proposal for security services? Our step-by-step guide walks you through exactly what to include, what questions to ask vendors, and how to evaluate proposals objectively.
Not sure what security coverage you actually need? Use our free property security assessment checklist to identify vulnerabilities, risk factors, and coverage gaps at your location.
A plain-language guide to Ontario's Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA), what it means for businesses hiring guards, and how to verify your security provider is fully licensed.
Planning an RFP
Issuing an RFP for security services is a significant decision. These steps will help you get the right provider at the right price.
Before writing your RFP, document exactly what you need: type of coverage (guards, mobile patrol, CCTV), hours of operation, number of locations, specific risks or incidents at your property, and any regulatory or compliance requirements your industry requires.
Any security company you consider must hold a valid Ontario Private Security and Investigative Services (PSIS) licence issued by the Ministry of the Solicitor General. Every guard they deploy must also hold a valid individual Security Guard Licence. Always verify both before signing any contract.
The lowest bid is rarely the best value in security. Evaluate providers on: guard training standards, supervisor-to-guard ratio, response time guarantees, reporting quality, insurance coverage, references from similar clients, and their ability to scale up quickly if your needs change.
In your RFP, require vendors to answer: How do you screen and background-check guards? What is your turnover rate? How quickly can you replace a guard who calls in sick? Who is the dedicated point of contact for my account? What does your incident report look like? How do you handle complaints?
Before awarding any security contract, speak directly with at least two current clients in a similar industry or property type. Ask about reliability, responsiveness, guard quality, and how the company handles problems. A reputable security provider will welcome this step and connect you with satisfied clients immediately.
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