Private security roundtable focuses on government contracting
The National Association of Security Companies (NASCO) held a Government Security Contractors Roundtable lunch in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 7 and a regional roundtable forum in New York City on Feb. 15.
The gatherings are part of an important NASCO goal for 2006: increasing awareness and understanding among policy-makers and users of contract security services regarding the importance of the private security industry to America’s strength and freedom.
“Security contractors provide tens of thousands of professional security officers who protect 85 percent of the United States’ most critical facilities, infrastructure and personnel,” said Daya Khalsa, senior vice president of Akal Security.
Key areas of discussion among contractors included:
* Improving passenger screening with contractors at the nation’s 400 airports, including airport incentives for TSA opt-out, more pilot airports, and SAFETY Act simplification for liability;
* Professionalizing DoD guard force with contractors, at the hundreds of installations across the U.S., employing thousands of veterans and freeing active duty for critical missions;
* Expanding contract security opportunities across the government, including DHS’ Secure Border Initiative;
* Establishing standards for professional contract security;
* Considering “best value” assessments in Competitive Sourcing Initiative; and
* Fostering Mentor/Protégé partnerships.
The NASCO regional roundtable focused on issues and concerns confronting the contract security community in the New York Metropolitan area and across the country. In attendance were more than 15 principals of several companies that are charged with securing 85 percent of the nation. Topics discussed included: New York State training requirements; efforts by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) at the legislative and organizing levels; and trends towards property owners using in-house security.
NASCO will be hosting several meetings this year, all with the goal of improving cooperation among contract security firms and their constituencies. Events scheduled include:
* NASCO Contract Security Summit and Hill Day, May 17, in Washington, D.C.; and
* NASCO Private Security Breakfast, Sept. 26 in San Diego.
Visit www.nasco.org for more information.