title
Authorization to enter into Professional Security Services Agreements to provide security services at various CHA properties.
presenter
Presenter: Leonard Langston, Jr., Interim Chief Property Officer
Recommendation
The Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Chicago Housing Authority (“CHA”) recommends that the CHA Board of Commissioners (“Board”) approve the award of contracts to the below listed contractors in the aggregate not-to-exceed amount of $288,000,000.00 consisting of a contract value of $110,532,586.00 for a 2-year base term with three (3) one-year option terms. The combined amount is $177,467,414.00, to provide professional security services to various CHA properties.
The Board further authorizes the CEO to approve each request to exercise the options awarded under the contracts and re-allocate contract values amongst awardees, as necessary. Each option term shall only be exercised individually and at the time of the expiration of the prior contract term.
The Board also delegates authority to the CEO or his designee to assign or reassign security contractors as required by CHA.
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Recommended Awardees |
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Benford Protection Group LLC |
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Blue Line Security Solutions LLC |
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Kates Detective & Security Agency, Inc. |
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ODOM Security Services PLLC |
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Opportune Security Services PLLC |
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Page Security & Investigation Services Incorporated |
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Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. |
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Aggregate Total: $288,000,000.00 |
The requested action complies in all material respects with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and CHA policies. CHA staff has completed all necessary due diligence to support the submission of this initiative.
Funding
MTW Funds
Background
CHA solicited proposals from qualified vendors to provide comprehensive security for all sites listed in the RFP. Successful vendors had to demonstrate expertise in providing safety and security services for a variety of property styles and exhibit their qualifications by providing staff licensing, certifications, and credentials. Qualified vendors also had to provide designated points of contact (e.g., managers, supervisors, operations coordinators); allow CHA access to digital reports such as incidents, logs, payroll systems, GPS tracking system/patrol technology; and have vehicle access to patrol properties.
Procurement Activities
Specifications prepared by CHA staff were publicly advertised as RFP Event 3342 for Security Services, August 14, 2026. A Pre-Proposal Conference was held on August 25, 2026, and eighteen (18) firms attended. Sixteen (16) proposals were received on September 4, 2026. The responses to the RFP are depicted in the table below:
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Responsive Proposal(s) |
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Allpoints Security and Detective, Inc. |
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Benford Protection Group LLC |
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Blue Line Security Solutions LLC |
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DBATS Inc. dba Narrow Security(Non-Responsive) |
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E.G. Security Services Inc. |
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E’CLAT Security Group |
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Extrity Services |
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Kates Detective & Security Agency, Inc. |
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KH Security (Non-Responsive) |
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ODOM Security Services PLLC |
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Opportune Security Services PLLC |
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Page Security & Investigation Services Incorporated |
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Quality Trained Services PLLC |
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Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. |
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Security Specialist Group Inc. |
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Titan Security Services, LLC |
Two firms, KH Security and DBATS Inc. dba Narrow Security, were deemed non-responsive for failing to submit the required documentation.
The recommended vendors were selected through a competitive procurement process in accordance with Federal Regulation 2 CFR § 200.319 that evaluated responses in the following areas:
1. Specialized Experience and Past Performance -- 35 points
2. Approach and Work Plan -- 40 points
4. Organizational Structure and Key Personnel -15 points
6. Contract Requirements -- 10 points
Final scores received from the Evaluation Committee were used to determine the competitive range. Oral presentations were waived and best and final offers were completed. Based on the overall scoring, CHA staff recommends Benford Protection Group, Blue Line Security Solutions, Kates Detective & Security Agency, ODOM Security Services, Opportune Security Services, PLLC, Page Security & Investigation Services, and Securitas Security Services for awards to provide Security Services as needed by CHA.
Contracting Requirements
Benford Protection Group LLC will satisfy the CHA 20% compliance goal through self-performing (MBE) certified through Cook County. They will satisfy their Section 3 subcontracting goal through self-performing as a certified 75%+ LI Hours S3BV. Benford Protection Group LLC has held and had subcontracts with CHA since 2014.
Blue Line Security Solutions LLC will satisfy the CHA 20% compliance goal through self-performing (WBE) certified through WBENC. They will satisfy their Section 3 subcontracting goal by subcontracting 3% to AllPoints Security & Detective, Inc., a certified 75%+ LI Hours S3BV. Blue Line Security Solutions LLC does not have a history of working with the CHA.
Kates Detective & Security Agency, Inc. will satisfy the CHA 20% compliance goal through self-performing (MBE) certified through the National Supplier Development Council-. They will satisfy their Section 3 subcontracting goal through self-performing as a certified 75%+ LI Hours S3BV. Kates Detective & Security Agency, Inc. has held Prime and subcontracts with CHA since 2009.
Odom Security Services PLLC will satisfy the CHA 20% compliance goal through self-performing (MBE) certified through Cook County. They will satisfy their Section 3 subcontracting goal through hiring, mentoring, and internships. Odom Security Services PLLC does not have a history of working with CHA.
Opportune Security Services PLLC will satisfy the CHA 20% compliance goal through self-performing (MBE) certified through-City of Chicago. They will satisfy their Section 3 subcontracting goal through self-performing as a certified 75%+ LI Hours S3BV. Opportune Security Services PLLC does not have a history of working with CHA.
Page Security & Investigation Services Incorporated will satisfy the CHA 20% compliance goal through self-performing (MBE) certified through-City of Chicago). They will satisfy their Section 3 subcontracting goal through self-performing as a certified 75%+ LI Hours S3BV. Page Security & Investigation Services Incorporated has held Prime contracts with CHA since 2015.
Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. will satisfy the CHA 20% compliance goal through direct subcontracting to Security Logistics Group, Inc. (10% MBE) certified through Cook County) and Unconquerable Security Solutions (10% MBE) certified through City of Chicago). They will satisfy their Section 3 subcontracting goal through self-performing as a certified 75%+ LI Hours Section 3 Business Concern. Securitas Security Services USA has held Prime contracts with CHA since 2022.
Vendor Background Information
Kates Detective & Security Agency, Inc.
William Kates, Chief Executive Officer; 7810 S. Claremont Ave., Chicago, IL 60620. Kates Detective & Security Agency, Inc. is privately owned Minority and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (MBE and DBE). The agency has operated in Illinois since 2001, holding both state licenses and bonding, and is a GSA Schedule 84 Contract Holder. Its service capabilities are strategically designed to address clients’ primary safety and security needs, with a focus on asset protection and the development of tailored loss prevention strategies. The agency’s operational philosophy emphasizes trust, respect, safety, security, dedication to quality service, innovation, and teamwork.
Odom Security Services PLLC
Willie Odom, Owner and CEO; Sheila Odom, President, 532 W. 159th Street, Suite 405, Oak Forest, IL 60452. Odom Security Services PLLC focuses on client success by elevating employee morale and fostering quality partnerships. Its client-driven, risk-based strategy delivers optimal security practices to help mitigate risk. Supported by expertise, compliance, and years of experience, Odom Security Services PLLC provides proactive security services and custom security strategies, enabling clients to concentrate on their business objectives and achieve success.
Securitas Security Services USA, Inc.
Magnus Ahlqvist, CEO / President; 2344 S 2nd St Ste C, El Centro, CA 92243. Securitas provides commercial security guard services to businesses and organizations throughout North America. The company offers adaptable on-site security solutions tailored to each location’s risks and operations. Trained security guards support safety, access control, and daily activities, helping create secure and efficient environments. Benefits include customized coverage, scalable services for single or multiple sites, integration with security technology, and local teams who understand regional needs.
Blue Line Security Solutions LLC
Fatima H. Callahan and Jack Harris, Managing Partners and Co-Founders; 9550 Bormet Drive, Suite 205 Mokena, IL 60448. Established in 2017, this minority and women-owned company is dedicated to enhancing private security services with 24/7 client support, skilled personnel, and experienced management. Consistently delivers innovative, resilient security solutions for businesses, organizations, and individuals, reflecting the strength and commitment symbolized by the thin blue line.
Benford Protection Group LLC
Andre Benford, Owner and CEO; Kenny McKinney, Executive Director of Business Development, 7545 S. Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60620. Benford Protection Group LLC (BPG) is a privately owned, licensed, and insured security agency, recognized as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), and Veteran Owned Business Enterprise (VOBE). The executive team brings over 150 years of combined experience in law enforcement, military, and corporate security. BPG’s mission is to deliver innovative, sustainable security solutions through efficiently trained personnel and reliable systems. Services include executive protection, uniformed security, event security, mobile patrols, security planning, and construction site security.
Opportune Security Services PLLC
Jennifer Thomas, Principal, Founder, and Owner, 8329 S. Indiana Ave., Chicago, IL 60619. Opportune Security Services PLLC has established itself as a trusted security provider for private and public clients in Illinois and neighboring regions. Led by former law enforcement professionals, this licensed minority and woman-owned business specializes in protecting people, assets, and operations while minimizing risks. The company holds MBE, DBE, SBE, and WBE certifications with three Illinois government agencies. Services include active shooter preparedness, background checks, event security, executive protection, investigative services, safety and security consulting, and site protection.
Based on the foregoing, it is in the best interest of the CHA for the Board to authorize the Chairman or his designee, to enter into a contract for professional security services with Benford Protection Group LLC, Blue Line Security Solutions LLC, Kates Detective & Security Agency, Inc., ODOM Security Services PLLC, Opportune Security Services PLLC, Page Security & Investigation Services Incorporated, and Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of $288,000,000.00.
Respectfully Submitted:
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Keith Pettigrew
Chief Executive Officer