How to bid on Electronic Security Systems (ESS) Modernization for the US Coast Guard

What the Coast Guard is buying

The US Coast Guard Southwest District is seeking up to three small businesses to provide complete, turn-key solutions for modernizing Video Surveillance Systems (VSS) and Physical Access Control Systems (PACS). This will be done through Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs).

For the initial project, vendors must prepare an electronic security system plan for Sector Humboldt Bay in McKinleyville, California. This plan needs to be delivered within 30 days and include separate pricing for labor, materials, and equipment. This opportunity is for firms specializing in security systems services.

Key dates and deadlines

The solicitation was published on July 24, 2026. Offers are due by August 07, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. An optional site visit is scheduled for July 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM PDT at Sector Humboldt Bay. If you plan to attend the site visit, you must submit a Base Access Form by July 27, 2026.

Who this opportunity suits

This is a small business set-aside opportunity. The NAICS code is 561621, Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths), with a size standard of $25,000,000. The services are best represented by PSC Code N063, Installation of Equipment- Alarm, Signal, and Security Detection Systems. This bid is suitable for contractors experienced in installing and modernizing electronic security and access control systems.

How to respond

This is a combined synopsis solicitation, and offers are being requested without a separate written solicitation. To access the opportunity details and attachments, you will need to click the “View original source” link. You may need a free account on the portal to view all documents.

Your offer must include the name, title, email, and phone number of a company point of contact authorized to bind the company and negotiate. Acknowledge the solicitation and any amendments. Prices should have no more than two decimal points. Include a statement that your SAM.gov representations and certifications are current, complete, and accurate, and submit any representations not already in SAM.gov. Offers must be valid for at least 30 days. You must be registered in SAM.gov and have a completed FAR provision 52.212-3 on file at the time of submission.

Tips for a competitive response

The government intends to award up to three BPAs based on best value, using a tradeoff between price and non-price factors. Non-price factors, when combined, are more important than price. This means a higher-priced offer might be selected if its non-price factors are strong enough to warrant it, though a low-priced acceptable vendor will be chosen if there is only a marginal benefit from a higher-priced offer.

Focus on clearly demonstrating your technical capabilities and experience in modernizing video surveillance and physical access control systems. Pay close attention to the specific requirements for the initial project at Sector Humboldt Bay, ensuring your proposed plan and pricing for labor, materials, and equipment are detailed and competitive. Attending the optional site visit, if feasible, can provide valuable insights for your proposal, but remember to submit the Base Access Form by the deadline if you plan to go.