WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Weeks after the city of West Palm Beach awarded a no-bid contract worth nearly $8 million to Professional Security Consultants (PSC), a lawsuit filed by Giddens Security claiming bias, favoritism and collusion looms and people want answers.
"I believe transparency in government is very important,” said Lia Gaines, a West Palm Beach resident during Monday’s city commission meeting. “It keeps government on the right track. It keeps them in sync with good public policy and good governance."
Just last week, WPTV reported the city’s security contract would now go out for bidding following new information obtained by interim city administrator Faye Johnson. Whoever is chosen would be responsible for providing security to city buildings, to include City Hall, garages and the city’s water treatment plan.
"One of the fundamental tenants of procurement is open competition -- plain and simple,” said Johnson.
She calls it a "cause for pause." The intent is for PSC to remain in place until the bidding process starts, but there's no timeline on how long that will take.
"It is critically important that we do this right, as opposed to doing it fast," Johnson said.
Johnson also says the timing will depend on multiple factors, including establishing criteria to evaluate bids.
"Our process does not line up with best practices when you talk about open competition for procurement," she said.
Mayor Keith James has said he's stressing the importance of the public's trust and confidence in this process. The contract in question started back on Oct. 1 was a deal lasting three years.