As demand for security services continues to rise, increasing manpower to meet the demand is not tenable given the manpower constraints of an ageing population, and slower workforce growth faced by the security industry. To mitigate this, the industry needs to shift away from employing traditional manpower intensive models to those that integrate technology as well as job and process redesign.
The Security Industry Transformation Map (ITM) recommends four key strategies to enable security agencies to deliver integrated security solutions. One of these strategies is to drive change in the procurement of security services, from headcount-based to outcome-based contracting (OBC). The government has taken the lead on this front and from 1 May 2020, it has been made mandatory for all government agencies to adopt OBC for security services contracts.
For more information, please visit the Security ITM.
What is Outcome-based Contracting (OBC)?
Outcome-based contracting refers to service buyers specifying contract requirements in terms of expected performance levels, rather than output/task and manpower requirements.
Outcome-based contracts can lead to better solutions compared to traditional headcount as it allows security agencies to propose innovative solutions.
By integrating technology and re-designing of work-processes, OBCs can:
- Reduce Reliance on Manpower
- Improve Cost-effectiveness of Security Contracting
Security OBC Features
Here are some of the key features of security OBC:
Reducing Reliance on Manpower through Security Technology
As security agencies shift away from offering traditional labour-intensive models to innovative solutions that integrate technology and process redesign, this will lead to productivity enhancements and improvements in security outcomes.
Security technology that enhances the work of Security Officers and help to improve the security of infrastructure and premises are easily available and constantly evolving.
In preparation for OBC, it would be beneficial for buyers of security services to be aware of the various technologies available in the market, to be able to adopt technologies that best suit their security needs. Buyers of security services may get in touch with the Security Solutions Association of Singapore (SSAS) who work together with various security agencies and security technology solution providers to learn more available technologies in the market.
Standards for Security Technologies
In 2019, the Technical Reference 69 – Video Analytics within Video Surveillance Systems document was launched. This document was jointly developed by the Security Association Singapore (SAS) and SSAS with the support of Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Enterprise Singapore (ESG), and in consultation with industry stakeholders, such as security agencies, technology vendors and government agencies. Buyers may refer to this Technical Reference 69 (TR69) when considering video analytics systems.
OBC Success Stories
Please visit the following links appended below for more details:
- Covid-19 Speeds Up Tech Adoption in Security Sector
- More Than Half of the Government Agencies Have Adopted Outcome-based Security Service Contracts
- JTC Partners With Certis in Shift to Outcome-based Security Contract
- A Step Up in Security Through Customised Tech-based Tools and Process Redesign
Contact
For guidance or assistance in OBC matters, please contact us via go.gov.sg/askobc.