Commissioners approve nearly $5 million security contract with out‑of‑state firm after presentation and questions

Durham County commissioners on May 4 authorized the county manager to execute a four‑year service contract with ANA Associates Inc., doing business as ANA Security Group, to provide uniform security services at county facilities for $4,973,365.05.

County staff said the current contractor notified the county it could not fulfill the final year of its contract, prompting two procurement cycles and a recommendation to award the work to ANA, a woman‑owned small business based in West Palm Beach, Florida. At a presentation before the vote, ANA representatives described their training program, tracking technology and plans to offer benefits to new hires.

The recommendation followed staff remarks that the incumbent, Nighthawk, would assist with transition and that the RFP review included participants from the sheriff’s office and the library. Mark Hamilton of ANA described the firm and said the company’s “number 1 core value is people matter.” Andrew Lucci, who spoke for the ANA leadership, told commissioners the firm offers medical, dental and vision benefits and said the company has prior public‑sector experience.

Commissioners asked pointed questions about continuity of employment for Nighthawk guards, pay rates for unarmed and armed positions, where armed officers would be used and how ANA’s geofencing and reporting system would support oversight. County staff said existing Nighthawk employees would be offered interviews with ANA and that the proposal includes seven new FTEs to convert an outsourced monitoring service to county employees, which staff said would save roughly $135,000.

Commissioner Burton asked whether wages would match the incumbent; staff said ANA’s unarmed security officer rate would be $17.51 per hour, armed officers $22.21 per hour, and certified police officer pay about $27.30. ANA said it provides paid time off and medical benefits.

After the presentation and commissioner questions, the board voted to suspend the rules for the item and then to authorize the county manager to execute the contract. Chair Lee declared the item approved by voice.

The contract award and transition plan include a staff review period and quarterly data reporting from the contractor on activity and incidents. Commissioners said they expect continued attention to retention, training, and coordination with the sheriff’s office and library staff during the transition period.