Security Guards and Patrol Services
Size Standard: $29 million
NAICS code 561612 covers Security Guards and Patrol Services, one of the largest service categories in government contracting. This industry includes establishments primarily engaged in providing guard and patrol services, such as bodyguard, guard dog, and parking security services.
Government facilities require extensive security guard services to protect federal buildings, military installations, courthouses, and other government properties. The Federal Protective Service (FPS) manages security for most federal buildings with contractor guard forces.
Major buyers include the Department of Homeland Security (through FPS contracts), Department of Defense for military installations, Federal courts for courthouse security, and the Department of Energy for nuclear facility protection. State and local governments also contract extensively for facility security.
Contractors under NAICS 561612 provide uniformed guards, patrol services, access control, visitor screening, and security monitoring. Requirements vary from basic guard services to armed protection requiring special qualifications and training.
The size standard of $29 million makes this accessible for regional security companies. Small businesses compete effectively for smaller facilities, specialized services, and subcontracting opportunities with large national firms.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS/FPS)
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- U.S. Courts (Federal Judiciary)
- Department of Energy (DOE)
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Federal Building Guard Services
- Courthouse Security
- Military Installation Security
- Nuclear Facility Protection
- VA Medical Center Security
These certifications can help you compete for set-aside contracts under NAICS 561612:
What guard services do government agencies need?
Government facilities require access control, visitor screening, patrol services, alarm response, and protection of personnel and assets. Requirements range from basic unarmed guards to highly trained armed protection officers.
What is the size standard for NAICS 561612?
The SBA size standard for NAICS 561612 is $29 million in average annual receipts, reflecting the labor-intensive nature of guard services.
What are FPS guard contracts?
Federal Protective Service (within DHS) contracts for Protective Security Officers (PSOs) at federal buildings nationwide. These are among the largest security guard contracts and require specific training and certifications.
What training and certifications are required?
Requirements include state guard licenses, firearms qualifications (for armed positions), first aid/CPR, agency-specific training, and security clearances. FPS PSO positions require completion of their training program.
How can small businesses compete for large guard contracts?
Small businesses can pursue smaller facility contracts, specialize in specific building types, form joint ventures, or subcontract with large national firms. Many large contracts have small business subcontracting requirements.
Businesses below this threshold in average annual receipts qualify as small businesses for set-aside contracts.
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