County seeks new janitorial and unarmed security contracts for airport and DOT facilities; procurement noted as competitive

Department of Transportation leaders told the Committee on Transportation and Transit they are preparing service agreements to replace incumbent janitorial and unarmed security contractors at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and to update janitorial services at county DOT facilities.

Airport director and DOT staff said the prior janitorial contractor had not met performance expectations, and the airport solicited proposals that drew about 22 bidders. Staff recommended a new vendor that specializes in aviation cleaning. For unarmed security services, staff said the new contract is intended to maintain compliance with TSA requirements and to provide a staffing “force multiplier” to support sheriff patrols on airfield access points and exit lanes.

Fleet director John Blonney described a separate but related RFP for janitorial services at DOT shops (main, north and south service facilities). He said Clean Power LLC scored well in that procurement and the department intends to proceed with that vendor if approved by finance.

Supervisors asked whether contractors would hire employees rather than use independent 1099 workers. Airport staff said the airport badge and training requirements make hires effectively employee relationships; they also noted marketplace hiring challenges and higher competitive wages for janitorial and security staff. Supervisors received the informational reports; the items were referred to the county finance committee for possible action on contracts.