This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Uniformed Event Services for Kent State University Athletics. Proposals are due by Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 4:30 PM Eastern. The anticipated contract award date is May 15, 2026. The services required include unarmed uniformed security for various university events, entry and egress control, mobile patrols, identification verification, incident reporting, alarm monitoring, and response to life safety duties. The contractor must provide security wands, conduct bag and ID checks, and provide wristbands at events. Overnight security may be required. The contractor is responsible for hiring, training, and the personal appearance of security personnel, including providing seasonal uniforms and weather-appropriate clothing. Security officers are prohibited from carrying weapons. The contractor must have documented experience in similar university settings and provide client references. Proposals must include a financial proposal with detailed pricing, billing rates, overtime and holiday policies, invoicing procedures, and applicable discounts. Electronic invoicing and ACH payment capabilities are preferred. All proposals must be submitted via DocuSign. Questions regarding specifications should be directed to Alan D. Parker by April 28, 2026.
The bid proposals are due by Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 4:30 PM Eastern. Proposals timestamped after that date and time will be rejected.
Kent State University prefers to receive invoices for goods and services via electronic means and aims to make payment via ACH transfer. The university will endeavor to use any cash terms offered, and these could be considered in determining the final net price depending on the discount period.
Proposer shall guarantee all products and installation against any proposed, and a comprehensive list of all authorized service centers must be provided by supplier.
Selection and award of contract will be made to the single supplier or multiple suppliers if deemed appropriate whose proposal, in the sole opinion of Kent State University, represents the best overall value to the university. Factors include general responsibility as evidence of past performance, payment terms, and cash discounts.
All bidders must be duly licensed or otherwise have the ability to perform work in accordance with all governing local authorities and to the satisfaction of those authorities. The proposal must also address company history and organization, management approach, personnel selection process, total quality management program, training/development/retention programs, computer management system, value-added features, and references.
Termination resulting from breach of contract will be cause, at the sole discretion of the procurement department, to suspend the proposer from submitting a proposal on any project at the university for a period up to three 3 years.
Requested samples necessary for evaluation must be provided without cost or obligation to Kent State University, and shall become the property of the university.
The deadline to submit questions is Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 1:00 PM.
