Security Services
Framework Description
ESPO's Security Services framework (reference 347_26) provides site security services: key holding, opening and locking of sites, static guarding and mobile guarding. It has one lot and was tendered under the Procurement Act 2023 as a framework agreement rather than a DPS. It began on 9 July 2026 and runs to 8 July 2028, with an option to extend to 8 July 2030.
Context & Use Case
Councils, schools and other public bodies use 347_26 to protect buildings and sites, from guarding a vacant property or construction site to opening and locking parks and car parks each day, or key holding for out-of-hours call-outs. Buyers can call off without competition or run a further competitive selection process.
Scope of Services
Key holding Lock and unlock services Static guarding Mobile guarding
Lots
Single lot
Who Can Apply
Suits SIA-licensed guarding companies with mobile patrol and key holding capability. 347_26 was awarded in 2026 and applications are closed, so new security firms cannot join until ESPO re-tenders, likely around 8 July 2028 or, if extended, 8 July 2030.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers can buy a single key holding contract or a multi-site guarding service from one agreement, under pre-agreed terms. Direct call-off lets them respond quickly to urgent needs such as a newly empty building, while competition suits longer guarding contracts where pay rates, supervision and response times need testing.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should build relationships with buyers now, as the framework is new, and keep response time data, SIA licensing records and pay rate assumptions ready for competitions. Others should check the 347_26 page on espo.org and prepare for the re-tender with public sector guarding case studies and accreditations.
How Athena Can Help
Security guarding bids are often won or lost on price and staffing assumptions. Athena's pricing and competitor analysis helps appointed suppliers win 347_26 call-offs with costed staffing models and answers on supervision and response times.
Firms outside the framework can use our framework registration help to prepare for the re-tender, and our public sector tendering service can help win guarding and key holding contracts that councils and trusts tender directly, including social value answers on fair pay and local employment.
