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WeGo approves $1.15 million sole-source contract to Marine Tiger for systemwide security plan and MNPD transit unit MOU
Summary
The board authorized up to $1,150,000 to continue Marine Tiger Technologies' engagement to build WeGo's security program and develop a deployment plan and memorandum of understanding for a dedicated transit policing unit in partnership with Metro Nashville Police Department; funding comes from the Choose How You Move program (local).
The Nashville MTA board authorized the chief executive officer to execute an agreement with Marine Tiger Technologies for up to $1,150,000 to complete the build-out of WeGo's systemwide security program and to develop a deployment plan and memorandum of understanding for a dedicated transit policing unit with the Metro Nashville Police Department.
Nick Oldham, staff lead on security, said Marine Tiger completed a systemwide security assessment and is now being recommended to proceed with implementation because of their continuity of knowledge of the system. The proposed engagement has two deliverables: a comprehensive security program build-out (protocols, standard operating procedures, technology integration, emergency communications, performance metrics and related operational plans), estimated at about $750,000; and a deployment plan for a transit-focused policing unit and associated MOU development with MNPD, estimated at about $400,000. Oldham said the procurement department confirmed the sole-source recommendation meets the agency's criteria.
Oldham and other staff emphasized the importance of the MOU with MNPD to set expectations and responsibilities for the transit policing unit, noting that the city will fund the unit through Metro Finance but that WeGo will record the expense in its financial statements. Staff said MNPD leadership has been supportive and that the MOU will mirror the operational clarity typical of agreements such as school resource officer arrangements.
Board members asked whether the work is a one-time plan or will require periodic updates; staff said this is the initial build-out and periodic reviews and updates are expected and will be brought back to the board as needed. Staff set an approximate project completion date in 2026.
Funding for the contract will come from Choose How You Move program funds, which staff identified as 100% local and already appropriated by Metro Council. The board approved action MA-25-029 to proceed with a sole-source contract with Marine Tiger Technologies.
Sources: Presentation and recommendation by Nick Oldham; Marine Tiger assessment referenced by staff; board action approving MA-25-029.
