Many organisations in Egypt receive security bids that differ wildly in price, and then struggle to understand why. Usually the cause is the tender itself: when the scope of work is vague, every provider fills the gaps with its own assumptions. A clear scope of work makes bids comparable, protects you from hidden costs and tells serious providers that you value quality.
1. Describe the site and its risks
Give bidders a short description of each site: its use, size, operating hours, number of staff and visitors, and any known security issues. Offer every bidder a site visit on the same day so that nobody has an information advantage. If you have a risk assessment, share the relevant parts.
2. Specify posts, not just headcount
Instead of asking for “six guards”, define each post: where it is, what hours it covers, what the officer does there and what equipment is needed. This lets providers calculate the real number of officers needed, including relief for rest days, leave and absence.
| Post | Hours | Main duties |
|---|---|---|
| Main gate | 24/7 | Vehicle and pedestrian access control, visitor registration, deliveries |
| Reception | Sun–Thu 08:00–18:00 | Visitor management, badges, telephone, first response |
| Patrol officer | 18:00–06:00 daily | Internal and perimeter patrols with electronic checkpoints |
| Site supervisor | Day shift | Supervision, training, reporting, liaison with management |
3. Set clear requirements for people
- Minimum recruitment and screening standards, in line with the law
- Mandatory induction and site-specific training, with records
- Language requirements for reception and international sites
- Uniform and presentation standards
- Rules on working hours and rest, to avoid exhausted officers on post
4. Define supervision and reporting
Ask how often supervisors will visit, what they check and how findings are recorded. Specify the reports you expect, such as daily occurrence logs, monthly performance reports and incident reports within an agreed time.
5. Agree measurable service levels
Include key performance indicators that reflect what you care about: post coverage, patrol completion, incident reporting times, training compliance and corrective actions. Define how performance will be reviewed and what happens if service levels are repeatedly missed.
6. Ask for a structured price breakdown
Request a standard pricing template so that every bidder shows the same elements: officer wages and statutory costs, supervision, uniforms and equipment, training, technology, management fee and taxes. Unusually low prices often mean lower wages, fewer relief officers or missing supervision.
7. Evaluate quality as well as price
Weight technical quality significantly in your evaluation. Score each bidder on methodology, people and training, supervision, technology, standards and references. Interview the proposed contract manager and site supervisor before awarding.
Tender checklist
- Site descriptions and site visit for all bidders
- Post schedule with hours and duties
- People, training and supervision requirements
- Reporting and KPIs
- Standard price breakdown
- Evaluation criteria and weighting
- Draft contract terms, including liability and insurance
- Transition and mobilisation expectations
Magnum responds to tenders with a full site assessment, a transparent price breakdown and named supervisors. See our security guarding services or invite us to bid.
Frequently asked questions
Why do security bids vary so much in price?
Usually because the scope is unclear and each bidder makes different assumptions about posts, hours, relief officers, supervision and wages. A detailed scope and a standard price template make bids comparable.
Should price be the main criterion for choosing a security company?
No. Technical quality, supervision and people standards should carry significant weight; the cheapest bid often removes the elements that make security work.
What KPIs should a guarding contract include?
Post coverage, patrol completion, incident reporting times, supervisor visits, training compliance and closure of corrective actions are common and useful measures.
