TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR): Provision of Security Services at AATF Nigeria Office – Abuja

1. Background

The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is a not‑for‑profit organization established to facilitate the access, development, and deployment of agricultural technologies for smallholder farmers across Sub‑Saharan Africa. To ensure the protection of its personnel, property, operations, and visitors, AATF seeks to engage a reputable and experienced private security services company to provide 24‑hour professional security services at its Nigeria Office located in Abuja.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The primary objective is to contract a competent security services provider with the capability to deliver comprehensive, reliable, and proactive security services, ensuring a safe, secure, and well‑managed operational environment for AATF staff, visitors, assets, and premises.

3. Scope of Work and Required Services

The selected security firm will be responsible for delivering the following core services:

3.1  Personnel Deployment

  • Provide trained, licensed, uniformed guards on a 24/7 basis (one guard per shift: day and night).
  • Ensure punctuality, discipline, and proper conduct of deployed personnel.

3.2 Access Control

  • Maintain orderly control of entry/exit for all staff, visitors, and vehicles.
  • Keep a visitors’ register, verify identities, and issue access badges where applicable.
  • Screen visitors and personal items in line with security procedures.

3.3 Surveillance and Monitoring

  • Maintain continuous visual surveillance of the compound and its surroundings.
  • Immediately report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities.
  • Monitor CCTV systems (where applicable).

3.4 Patrols

  • Conduct routine foot patrols within the premises at predefined intervals.
  • Check doors, windows, fences, and gates for signs of tampering.

3.5 Incident and Emergency Response

  • Respond promptly and effectively to all security incidents and alarms.
  • Provide first‑responder support in case of emergencies (fire, medical incidents, intrusions).
  • Maintain an incident logbook for all events.

3.6 Fire Safety and Emergency Support

  • Support emergency evacuation procedures.
  • Familiarize guards with fire‑fighting equipment and emergency assembly points.

3.7 Liaison and External Coordination

  • Liaise with local law enforcement or emergency agencies when required.
  • Support AATF in crisis/security risk management.

3.8 Compliance and Professional Standards

  • Ensure all operations comply with AATF safety/security guidelines.
  • Conduct guard briefings/parades before shift changes.

3.9 Provision of Security Equipment

The service provider shall supply:

  • Communication radios
  • Torches
  • Uniforms and boots
  • Raincoats/jackets/Umbrella
  • Whistles and basic first-aid kit
  • Any additional equipment required to ensure effective security operations

4. Contract Duration

The engagement shall be for an initial period of 12 months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and mutual agreement.

5. Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria of the Security Firm

The security company must:

  • Be legally registered and authorized to operate in Nigeria.
  • Possess a valid license from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
  • Have a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience providing security services to INGOs, Embassies, Corporate organizations, or Multinationals.
  • Employ well‑trained, vetted, and disciplined security guards.
  • Have valid liability insurance covering guards and operations.
  • Demonstrate capacity for rapid deployment and emergency response.
  • Have evidence of staff welfare systems, including timely remuneration and statutory compliance (Pensions, NHF, etc.).

6. Deliverables

The selected security provider will deliver:

  1. Deployment of one guard per shift (day and night).
  2. Monthly security reports covering activities, incidents, patrol logs, recommendations.
  3. Incidentbased reports submitted within 24 hours of an event.
  4. An updated Emergency Response and Evacuation Plan.
  5. Regular coordination and communication meetings with AATF’s designated security focal person.
  6. Provision and maintenance of operational equipment.

7. Performance Standards and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

AreaKPIPerformance Expectation
Guard AvailabilityAttendance & punctuality100% deployment; no unexcused absences
Incident ResponseResponse timeMaximum 3–5 minutes for on-site incidents
ReportingMonthly and incident reportsSubmitted timely and accurately
Conduct & ProfessionalismBehavior of guardsZero tolerance for misconduct or negligence
Access ControlVisitor managementAccurate log, no unauthorized access
Patrol QualityPatrol frequencyMinimum hourly rounds documented
Failure to comply with performance expectations may lead to contract review or termination.

8. Performance Supervision and Reporting Structure

  1. The guards shall report daily to the AATF Administrative/Logistics Officer or designated Security Focal Person.
  2. The service provider shall assign a supervisor responsible for routine oversight and communication with AATF.
  3. Monthly review meetings may be held to assess performance and address gaps.

9. Payment Terms

  • Payments will be made monthly upon submission and approval of:
    • Attendance sheets
    • Monthly performance/security reports
    • Invoice

10. Confidentiality

The service provider must treat all information, events, and operations at AATF as strictly confidential and shall not disclose any sensitive information without written authorization.

11. Code of Conduct and Ethics

The service provider must ensure:

  • Guards adhere to a high standard of ethics and integrity.
  • No harassment, extortion, bribery, or misuse of authority.
  • Professional interaction with staff and visitors.

12. Termination Clause

AATF reserves the right to terminate the contract for:

  • Non-performance
  • Breach of confidentiality
  • Misconduct of security personnel
  • Failure to comply with legal/licensing requirements
  • Any material breach of contract terms

13. Submission Requirements for Bidders

Interested and eligible firms must submit:

  • Company profile indicating ownership, management structure, and years of operation
  • Copy of Certificate of Registration/Incorporation
  • Valid Tax Clearance Certificate
  • NSCDC license (valid)
  • Evidence of similar past assignments
  • Guard training standards and procedures
  • Supervisor structure and escalation plan
  • Valid insurance documentation
  • Financial proposal (monthly service fee)
  • Evidence of compliance with relevant national regulations (e.g., pension, social security, and employee welfare requirements)
  • Proof of physical office address and contact details
  • The financial proposal must be presented in Nigerian Naira (NGN)
  • Provide a clear cost breakdown (e.g., labor, equipment, overheads)
  • Indicate all applicable taxes and statutory deductions
  • Be valid for a minimum of 90 days from the submission deadline

14. Submission Deadline

All proposals should be submitted electronically to Procurement@aatf-africa.org  before or on 20th February 2026 with the subject line “Proposal for Security Services at AATF Nigeria Office – Abuja”

Only companies with proven operational capacity, including personnel and supervision, to deliver security services in Abuja, Nigeria are advised to apply.

15. Terms and Conditions of the proposal

AATF reserves the right to request new or additional information regarding each service provider and any individual or other persons associated with its project proposal. AATF reserves the right not to make any appointment from the proposals submitted.

Service providers shall not make available or disclose details pertaining to their Project proposal with anyone not specifically involved, unless authorized to do so by AATF. Service providers shall not issue any press release or other public announcement pertaining to details of their project proposal without prior written approval.

AATF Service providers are required to declare any conflict of interest they may have in the transaction for which the tender is submitted or any potential conflict of interest. AATF reserves the right not to consider further any proposal where such a conflict of interest exists or where such potential conflict of interest may arise.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates advancing in the process will be contacted.

16. Confidentiality statement

All data and information received from AATF for the purpose of this assignment are to be treated confidential and are only to be used in connection with the execution of these Terms of Reference. All intellectual property rights arising from the execution of these Terms of Reference are assigned to AATF.