Security manpower is its own category
Security guard services on GeM are bought through dedicated security manpower categories, separate from general manpower outsourcing. There are also categories reserved for ex-servicemen agencies empanelled with the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR). Make sure your catalogue is in the exact category the bid is created in — a general manpower listing does not let you bid on a security bid.
PSARA licence: the first eligibility check
The Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (PSARA) requires any agency providing private security to hold a licence from the Controlling Authority of each state where it operates. Security bids typically ask for a valid PSARA licence for the state of the work location. A licence from another state does not cover it. Check the licence's validity date too — it must be valid on the bid end date and, in practice, through the contract.
Guards: training, verification and supervision
- ✓Guards must meet the training and police verification requirements under PSARA and the state rules
- ✓Bids may specify age, physical standards, ex-servicemen preference or armed guards (which need arms licences)
- ✓Supervisors, relievers for weekly offs and leave, and uniforms are usually part of the scope — and the cost
- ✓Attendance systems and duty registers are commonly required
Pricing: wages plus statutory costs
As with other manpower contracts, the price is built from the applicable minimum wage for the guard's category and location, statutory contributions such as EPF and ESIC, allowances the bid specifies, relievers, uniforms and supervision, and your service charge. Security guards' minimum wages are notified for the central sphere and by states; use the notification the bid points to and the current rates.
Monthly compliance and payment
Buyers usually release monthly bills only after you submit attendance, wage payment proof and EPF/ESIC deposit challans for the deployed guards. Pay wages through bank transfer and keep records clean; disputes over short deployment or unpaid wages are the most common reason for penalties and payment holds in security contracts.
Before you bid: a short checklist
- ✓Valid PSARA licence for the work state
- ✓EPFO, ESIC, GST registrations; labour licence arrangements where required
- ✓Experience/past performance in security services, unless exempted
- ✓Ability to deploy and supervise at every site listed in the bid
- ✓Working capital for at least one to two months of guard wages
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Frequently asked questions
Is a PSARA licence required for GeM security tenders?
Security bids typically require a valid PSARA licence for the state where the guards will be deployed. A licence from another state does not cover it.
What is DGR empanelled ESM security on GeM?
It is a category for security agencies of ex-servicemen empanelled with the Directorate General Resettlement. Only eligible empanelled agencies can participate in those bids.
How are security guard tenders priced?
From the applicable minimum wage plus statutory contributions (EPF, ESIC), relievers, uniforms, supervision and other costs in the bid, plus your service charge.
Can I bid in several states with one PSARA licence?
No. PSARA licences are issued state by state, so you need a licence for each state where you deploy guards.
Who pays the guards' EPF and ESIC?
The agency, as employer, deposits both its own and the employees' shares; the employer's share is part of the cost you price into the bid.
Related guides
Rules change. Always confirm the details in the bid document and on gem.gov.in before you bid. · Updated 2026-11-02
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