36
SECURITY
Procuring security
We all know the saying ‘you get what you pay for’. The
saying is no more appropriate than when it comes to
procuring security services.
“At the same time it will be important for users of
private security services to understand that better
trained security personnel will come at a premium.
For some corporate and government procurement
managers this will require a major shift in their thinking
in a market where price rather than quality has been
the primary driver.
“As recent global events have shown, we live in
changing and challenging times. As the role performed
by Australia’s private security industry grows and
evolves, it is vital that the industry has access to
appropriately trained personnel with the necessary
competencies to perform the duties they are tasked
with”.
GOVLINK » ISSUE 3 2016
The focus on choosing the lowest cost provider needs
to be challenged. Instead the maxim needs to focus
on which provider is offering the best value for money.
This is particularly relevant when it comes to procuring
manpower services such as security officers, static
guards or mobile patrols.
If there are significant variations in the quotes you
receive, make sure you understand the reasons for
these variations. What is the level of service they will
provide, what experience do they and what is the
quality of the personnel they will provide?
It may be that in offering you the lowest possible price
they are cutting corners, which may create headaches
for you down the track.
If you do choose to go with the lowest cost provider,
make sure you get an assurance from the provider
that they fully comply with federal workplace laws.
What can happen is that the personnel employed to
work at your venue are underpaid or misclassified as
independent contractors.