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Change Order for Transit Security Services
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DESCRIPTION: Amendment to the current SEAL Security Contract to allow month-to-month services for Transit Security Services at various New Orleans Regional Transit Authority locations throughout the City of New Orleans |
AGENDA NO: N/A |
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ACTION REQUEST: ☒ Approval ☐ Review Comment ☐ Information Only ☐ Other |
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Authorize the Chief Executive Officer to amend the current contract with Security Experts and Leaders (SEAL) to allow RTA to continue Transit Security Services at existing staffing levels on a month-to-month basis until September 30, 2025, not to exceed $496,934.
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ISSUE/BACKGROUND:
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Several recent attempts to select and award contracts to vendors to provide Transit Security Services, culminating in RFP #2023-001, were each formally protested, and consequently cancelled. In order to maintain the necessary security coverage for the RTA system, staff recommended, and the Board of Commissioners approved entering into a contractual agreement with SEAL to receive services on a month-to-month basis, with the intention of researching and reviewing options for the agency to consider, ranging from continuing to outsource services to bringing the functions in-house. In June 2024, staff commenced a review of requirements and industry best practices to inform a security deployment strategy, however, due to competing priorities unfortunately this report is still in process. Staff is working on an internal report that will be presented to the Executive Leadership team for review and presented to the Board with recommended security options by the end of the third quarter of 2025 before requesting any additional extensions. In the interim, staff is requesting an extension of the current services (at existing levels) through September 30, 2025.
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DISCUSSION:
Maintaining a secure transit environment is one of RTA's top priorities. RTA chose SEAL Security to provide armed, uniform security personnel to aid in securing all property owned, leased, operated, and/or maintained by RTA (i.e., facilities, and vehicles). SEAL is expected to assist employees, contractors, patrons, and the citizens of New Orleans and surrounding parishes by maintaining order, providing excellent customer service, and rendering assistance as needed. SEAL works closely with local, state, and federal emergency response agencies always rendering aid as needed. This contract will be amended while waiting for a new contract to be approved.
The security services under this contract include security coverage for transit facilities, assets, and areas designated for Transit Operations. This service is required 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to maintain a safe and secure transit system.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funds for this contract are available from the RTA Operational Budget. Operating Account Number: 01-3300-99-7650-161. SEAL will invoice us $496,934 (estimated funds needed for services through September 30, 2025). The total cost for the extension is not to exceed $496,934.
NEXT STEPS:
Upon RTA Board approval, staff will submit and process a change order modification to the purchase order.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Independent Cost Estimate Summary Form (ICE)
3. Change Order Routing Sheet
4. Change Order Justification
5. Original SEAL Purchase Order
6. Recent SEAL Purchase Order
Prepared By: Ivana C. Butler
Title: Administrative Analyst Safety, Security, and Emergency Management
Reviewed By: Michael J. Smith
Title: Chief Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Officer
Reviewed By: Gizelle Johnson Banks
Title: Chief Financial Officer
5/2/2025
Lona Edwards Hankins Date
Chief Executive Officer