Guard Government Facilities with Security Performance Bonds
Federal buildings, courthouses, transit systems - they all need security. The pay is steady, the contracts are multi-year, but they require performance bonds. Let's get you qualified for those high-value government security contracts.
Which describes your situation best?
Why Government Security Contracts Are Different (and Better)
I've watched security companies chase retail contracts that pay $12/hour with 30-day cancellation clauses. Then they discover government security work and realize what they've been missing: $18-25/hour rates with 3-5 year terms and guaranteed payment.
Picture this: A federal courthouse security contract. $800,000 annually. Three years guaranteed with two one-year options. No chasing invoices. No "we're cutting your rate" conversations. Just steady, professional work at premium rates.
The catch? Every government security contract requires a performance bond. And suddenly you're researching bonding requirements at 2 AM, trying to figure out if the bond premium is worth it for steady income.
Spoiler alert: It absolutely is. That $24,000 annual bond premium for a $800K contract? It's the price of admission to the major leagues of security services.
What makes government security different:
- Premium rates: $18-25/hour vs $12-15 commercial
- Long terms: 3-5 years with renewal options
- Guaranteed payment: Government always pays
- Professional respect: You're protecting critical infrastructure
Who Requires Security Performance Bonds?
Federal Facilities
Federal buildings, courthouses, military installations, VA hospitals - all require performance bonds for security contracts. It's standard operating procedure for critical infrastructure.
Typical requirement: 100% performance bond for multi-year contracts
Transit & Transportation
Airports, subway systems, bus terminals, train stations - transportation hubs require bonded security. Public safety is non-negotiable at these facilities.
- • Airport security: Always bonded
- • Transit police: Often required
- • Port security: Usually required
- • Bridge/tunnel security: Sometimes
State & Local Government
State capitol buildings, city halls, county facilities often require performance bonds for security contracts. Varies by jurisdiction and contract size.
Note: State contracts often have local preference programs that favor in-state companies
Your Path from Commercial to Government Security
Start this process 3-6 months before you bid. Seriously.
Get Your State License First
- • State security license bond
- • PI license if required
- • Firearms licensing
- • Business licenses
Research Opportunities
- • SAM.gov for federal contracts
- • State procurement websites
- • Local government opportunities
- • Transit authority contracts
Get Pre-Qualified
- • Apply for bond capacity
- • Submit financial documents
- • Get approval letter
- • Know your exact rates
Prepare Your Capability
- • Get security clearances
- • Train key personnel
- • Document procedures
- • Build client references
Submit Your Bid
- • Include bond costs in pricing
- • Add 3-5% for bond premiums
- • Emphasize local presence
- • Submit bond letter with bid
Scale Your Operations
- • Execute contracts flawlessly
- • Build government relationships
- • Increase bonding capacity
- • Bid larger opportunities
Questions Security Companies Actually Ask
What is a security services performance bond?
A security services performance bond guarantees that security guard companies and monitoring services will complete their government facility contracts according to terms. Required for courthouse, transit, and federal building security with bonds ranging $10K-100K and 1-3% annual premiums.
How much do security performance bonds cost?
Security performance bonds typically cost 1-3% of the bond amount annually. Combined with state license bonds ($5K-50K), total bonding costs range from $300-$3,000 per year. Mandatory for most government security contracts.
Do I need security clearances to bid government contracts?
Depends on the facility. Federal buildings often require Public Trust clearances. Military bases need Secret clearances. Courthouses usually don't require clearances. Check each contract's requirements.
Can I compete with Allied Universal and Securitas?
Absolutely. Government contracts often favor small businesses, veterans, minorities. You can provide personal service and local accountability the big companies can't match. Use SBA programs to level the playing field.
Related Performance Bonds
Explore other service industry bonds
Ready to Move from Retail Security to Government Contracts?
Look, guarding shopping malls for $12/hour is exhausting. Government security offers professional respect, better pay, and contract stability. The bond is just your entrance fee to the major leagues.
No obligation. No pushy sales calls. Just honest advice about whether you're ready for government security work and what it'll really cost. That $800K courthouse contract isn't going to bid itself.