Issue Date: October 10, 2024
Proposal Due Date: October 30, 2024
I. Introduction
The Juniata County School District is seeking proposals from qualified security service providers to supply one full-time armed resource officer for Juniata County schools within our district. The goal is to enhance the safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors.
II. Background
The Juniata County School District is located in central Pennsylvania, serving a rural community with a student population of approximately 2,500 across several elementary, middle, and high schools. The district encompasses a diverse range of students, with varying socioeconomic backgrounds, and includes both urban and more remote areas. The community is close-knit, with strong support for local schools, but it faces challenges common to rural districts, including limited access to resources and support services.
In recent years, the Juniata County School District has experienced increasing concerns regarding student safety, prompted by national trends of school violence and incidents in nearby districts. While the district has not faced any major security breaches, instances of bullying, threats, and mental health crises among students have underscored the need for enhanced security measures. In June 2023, Juniata County experienced the shooting of two officers, one fatal, by an armed individual. Additionally, community feedback has highlighted a desire for increased vigilance and presence within schools to ensure a safe learning environment.
These factors have led the district to seek the implementation of armed security personnel to provide a proactive approach to school safety, reassure students and parents, and foster a secure educational atmosphere.
III. Scope of Services
The selected provider will be responsible for the following services:
1. Personnel Requirements:
o One armed school resource officer on-site during school hours, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM as well as during extracurricular events.
o The SRO must be licensed and trained in the use of firearms, with a valid certification in first aid and CPR.
2. Responsibilities:
o Monitor and control access to the school premises.
o Conduct regular patrols of the building and surrounding areas.
o Respond to incidents and emergencies in a timely and effective manner.
o Collaborate with local law enforcement and emergency services as necessary.
o Provide a daily report summarizing incidents, observations, and any actions taken.
3. Training:
o School Resource Officers must undergo additional training specific to school environments, including conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, and active shooter response.
o Sections 1305-C (related to training), 1313-C (relating to school resource officers) and 1314-C (relating to school security guards) within Article XIII-C (relating to school security) of the Public School Code of 1949 were amended on July 2, 2019 (P.L.406, No.67) to require that all school police officers, school resource officers, and school security guards successfully complete the Basic School Resource Officer Course offered by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) or an equivalent course of instruction approved by the commission. School security personnel intending to work in a school setting are required to receive this instruction either prior to employment, or, for current employees, within a certain time frame allowed by law.
4. Uniform and Equipment:
o The School Resource Officer must wear an identifiable uniform and carry necessary equipment, including a firearm, communication devices, and any other required safety gear.
5. Reporting and Communication:
o Maintain open lines of communication with school administration and local authorities.
o Provide immediate notification of any security incidents to the appropriate school personnel.
IV. Proposal Requirements
Interested parties must submit a proposal that includes the following:
1. Company Information:
o Name, address, and contact information.
o Brief history of the company and relevant experience.
2. Staffing Plan:
· Resumes and qualifications of proposed security personnel.
· Description of training and vetting processes for security staff.
3. Cost Proposal:
· Detailed pricing, including hourly rates, any additional fees, and proposed payment schedule.
4. References
· At least three references from previous or current clients, preferably within the educational sector.
5. Insurance and Licensing:
o Proof of appropriate insurance coverage and relevant licenses.
V. Proposal Submission
Proposals must be submitted electronically or in hard copy to:
Christie Holderman
Superintendent
Juniata County School District
146 Weatherby Way, Mifflintown, PA 17059 cholderman@jcsdk12.org
717-436-2111 ext 5032
Proposals must be received no later than October 30, 2024. Late submissions will not be considered.
VI. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Experience and qualifications of the security provider.
Quality and comprehensiveness of the proposed services.
Cost-effectiveness of the proposal.
Feedback from provided references.
Compliance with all required documentation.
VII. Terms and Conditions
· The Juniata County School District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.
· This RFP does not commit the district to award a contract or pay any costs incurred in the preparation of proposals.
· The awarded contractor will be required to enter into a contract that outlines terms and conditions of service.
VIII. Questions
For any questions regarding this RFP, please contact Christie Holderman at cholderman@jcsdk12.org or 717-436-2111, ext 5032 by October 29, 2024.