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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) – The competition between TransWest and Allied Universal for the $7 million Kern County contract for security services took center stage at the Kern County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday.
The Kern County security contract, which involves providing security services for county buildings, has sparked significant debate. County employees recommended that the contract be awarded to Allied Universal, but representatives and workers from TransWest, the former contract holder, protested this recommendation.
Due to the absence of District 3 Supervisor Jeff Flores, the board decided to delay the final decision until September 10, ensuring that each supervisor can contribute to a more informed vote.
During the meeting, the room was divided, with attendees wearing TransWest T-shirts on one side and a section reserved for Allied Universal supporters on the other. Both companies presented their arguments for why they should be awarded the contract.
Dustin Dodgin, an attorney representing TransWest, criticized Allied Universal, saying, “Allied, the multinational company, it appears that no evaluation was done as to what appears to be their reputation in the industry, for lack of training and ability to staff new contracts.”
On the other hand, Tad Garabedian, an Allied Universal employee involved in securing government contracts, countered, “It was kind of a smokescreen, there were numbers that he changed to change scoring, I mean that is just completely contrary to the way the public procurement process works.”
The Kern Country security contract requires a majority vote—three or more votes—to be awarded. After a brief recess, District 5 Supervisor Leticia Perez supported Allied Universal, stating, “I will make a motion on staff’s recommendation to award this contract to Allied. I am hopeful that these are signs of Kern County’s progress and its evolution.”
Although Dodgin expressed disappointment that the contract was not resolved during the meeting, he was satisfied with the information presented to the board, saying, “Certainly disappointed that this matter was not brought to resolution today, but very pleased with the information that was presented to the board.”
Allied Universal issued a statement expressing their anticipation of a positive partnership with Kern County, noting that over 460 of their employees are currently working in the area.
