Most problems with a guard company start before the first shift: a vague scope, a bid nobody checked, an agreement that never said who covers a no-show. This checklist walks you through hiring a security guard company in order, from defining the post to the first 90 days, so nothing gets left out of the scope of work or the agreement. It follows the steps in our guide to how to hire a security guard.
Security Guard Contract & Scope of Work Checklist: $14.99
Instant download. Word + PDF. One-time payment.
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What’s inside
Four pages of tick boxes, in the order you will use them:
1. Before you ask for bids
What to decide first so every company bids on the same job: sites and areas, hours, guards per shift, armed or unarmed, uniform, duties, on-site contact, reports and contract length.
2. Vetting each security company
License checks on the state’s official lookup, the certificate of insurance and additional insured status, experience and references, screening, training, supervision, no-show coverage, and the red flags that should end the conversation.
3. Statement of work (SOW)
The items one written scope should cover so bids are comparable: schedule, post orders, access control, patrols, emergency procedures, life safety, limits of authority, reporting and escalation.
4. Bid comparison table
A scoring table for up to three companies, with your own weights for experience, approach, references, management and price.
5. Agreement topics (MSA)
What the master service agreement should cover in writing: service terms, replacement and coverage, rates and invoicing, insurance, confidentiality, term and exit. Your lawyer writes the wording.
6. First 30 to 90 days
Site orientation, acknowledged post orders, first reports, supervisor checks, the 30-day review and re-checking licenses and insurance before renewal.
Who it is for
- Business owners hiring a security guard company for the first time
- Property and facility managers replacing a guard company or rebidding a contract
- Office, retail and event managers who need to compare bids fairly
Formats
- Editable Word (.docx): add your company name and save your own versions. Also opens in Google Docs.
- Print-ready PDF, US Letter size, 4 pages.
- Delivered instantly after checkout.
Security Guard Contract & Scope of Work Checklist: $14.99
Instant download. Word + PDF. One-time payment.
Secure checkout by Lemon Squeezy. Taxes calculated at checkout.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get the files?
Right after checkout you get a download link on the confirmation page and by email.
Is this a contract template?
No. It is a checklist of topics to cover, not contract language. Have your lawyer write or review the agreement, and ask your insurance agent about limits and wording.
Is this specific to my state?
The checklist works in any U.S. state. Licensing, insurance minimums and some contract rules depend on your state, so confirm them on your state regulator’s website. The free guide has license lookups and insurance minimums for California, Texas, Florida and New York.
Can I use it at my company?
Yes. You can edit and use it yourself and within your own organization. You may not resell or share the files.
Can I get a refund?
Because the files are delivered instantly, we don’t offer change-of-mind refunds. Lemon Squeezy is the seller of record for this purchase, and requests about files that are damaged or don’t match their description are handled under its buyer terms.
Is there a free version?
Yes. Our guide to how to hire a security guard covers every step, with a summary checklist of what the scope of work and contract should include.
Disclaimer: This page and the checklist are general information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Licensing rules, insurance requirements and contract law vary by state and change. Confirm requirements with your state licensing agency, and have a licensed attorney and your insurance agent review any agreement before you sign. See our Terms and Conditions and how facts are checked in our Editorial Policy.