Federal government tenders for security firms

The Commonwealth is a distinct and demanding security market. Federal guarding and protective-security requirements span departmental offices, courts, Defence establishments, agencies and diplomatic facilities across every capital, and the buying standards are set nationally through the Protective Security Policy Framework. That raises the compliance bar considerably: many contracts require personnel security clearances, adherence to protective-security controls and, for higher-classification sites, cleared facilities and vetted staff. Most recurring work is bought through panels and standing offers rather than open tenders, and federal agencies place a premium on assurance, vetting and consistent national delivery. Firms that already hold clearances and can demonstrate PSPF-aligned processes are strongly advantaged.

What you need to bid

• ✓State security business/master licences in every jurisdiction you operate, plus correctly-licensed operatives
• ✓Personnel security clearances (Baseline through to higher levels) for staff on cleared sites
• ✓Demonstrated alignment to the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF)
• ✓Public liability and workers compensation insurance to Commonwealth requirements
• ✓National delivery and surge capacity, with documented vetting and assurance processes

Pricing this work

Commonwealth guarding is priced on hourly rates per cleared and licensed operative, with loadings for clearance level, shift timing and site classification. Panel arrangements set standing rates across participating agencies. Because clearances and PSPF assurance are costly to maintain, they are reflected in rates — but they are also the barrier that keeps the field small and protects margins for compliant providers.