Timing could not get much better for security firms!
by Mary Scott Nabers
CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
. . . continued from page one
Shootings on high school and college campuses in recent years have resulted in purchases of bulletproof windows and doors, visitor ID systems, emergency notification systems and thousands of surveillance cameras on campuses. Many are spending millions to upgrade security and provide more protection for students.
Cities and counties, not to be outdone, are investing in regional emergency control centers, upgrades to police communication systems, new crime labs, citizen notification systems and more surveillance cameras for downtown streets and parks. The current spending will only increase as voters are expected to approve bond funding next month that will have money for even more security upgrades. The May 9 elections in Texas should be watched carefully by companies that offer security services.
In the Lubbock Cooper ISD, an $80 million May bond proposal includes $41 million for a new middle school and $22 million for a new elementary school. Nederland voters will be asked to approve $120.9 million for three new elementary schools and one middle school. If these bond issues pass, all of the newly constructed school buildings will require security systems.
Also in the May election, voters in Gaines County will decide the fate of a proposed new $15.5 million jail and law enforcement center. Anything related to public safety means security dollars will be allocated for surveillance cameras, access control systems and more.
A new medical facility is planned if a $169 million bond election passes in the Kimble County Hospital District. The bond package will have funding allocated for security services. Construction at military bases and at military hospitals throughout Texas will lead to more security contracting opportunities. A $556 million expansion and renovation of Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio is one of many military projects to watch.
And, not to be overlooked, the federal stimulus funds flowing into Texas have large allocations for public safety and increased security. The funds go to every region of Texas.
The U.S. Department of Justice will send more than $147 million in federal funding to Texas in the near future. This funding includes $57.2 million for cities and counties and another $90.2 million that will remain with the state. The money can be used for technical assistance, training, equipment, supplies and information systems for criminal justice.
The federal stimulus bill also includes an allocation of $720 million for security at borders and ports of entry, $150 million for port security, $1.1 billion for airport security and $150 million for transit system security. Texas will get a large part of this funding for many reasons, not the least of which is because of the state's proximity to the Mexican border.
For companies with security products and services, the marketplace is extremely good. Texans want protection and government has the funding to provide it. The biggest challenge for security companies is just the timing. Governmental organizations are poised to purchase, but timing is everything when it comes to capturing the business.
