Please note: This is a Sole Source Notification. PURCHASING AGENCY: North Dakota Office of Attorney General – Bureau of Criminal Investigation Division (NDBCI) PURCHASE DESCRIPTION: The North Dakota Office of Attorney General – Bureau of Criminal Investigation Division (NDBCI) intends to enter into an agreement with Independent Security Advisors (ISA) to procure Dignitary and Executive Protection Training, consisting of a 40-hour Train-the-Trainer program and a 70-hour Dignitary and Executive Protection course. Dignitary and Executive Protection Training • Training Location: Bismarck, North Dakota • Training Schedule: Courses run in back-to-back weeks, with Train-the-Trainer first, followed by the Executive Protection course, taught with participation from the newly certified trainers. • Course Materials: The vendor will provide NDBCI with all course materials for ongoing internal training. • Updated Materials: The vendor will supply future updates, case studies, and relevant training materials. • NDBCI Trainer Support: Ongoing support will be provided via video or phone conference. • Vendor Instructor Qualifications: Instructors must be accredited by state law enforcement agencies or other recognized official organizations and possess extensive experience in law enforcement, military, or corporate security roles. • Training Program Requirements: The program must be approved for law enforcement by ND POST, DCJS, and CJA, and be recognized by federal agencies and the U.S. military. • Replacement Trainers: Tuition-free training will be provided for any future replacement or follow-up trainers; NDBCI will cover travel, lodging, per diem, and related expenses. JUSTIFICATION: Independent Security Advisors (ISA) has been a leading provider of Executive Protection (EP) training since launching its academy in 2011. Its programs have been approved for law enforcement in-service credits in multiple states, including Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, and are widely hosted by universities, police academies, law enforcement agencies, and major corporate security programs such as MGM Grand. ISA’s instructor cadre consists of certified specialists with extensive law enforcement, military, and corporate security experience, including former personnel from the U.S. Secret Service, Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Military, and private-sector protection teams. The curriculum emphasizes threat assessment, risk-mitigation planning, and the “protection in-depth” methodology used by federal, corporate, and military protective service organizations. ISA’s Executive Protection Specialist Program is modeled on the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Protective Service Operations Training Program and adheres to FLETC standards. Training exercises, including the final live capstone, are based on real-world incidents such as the 2018 security breach involving Senator McConnell and Secretary Chao and the shooting of Congressman Steve Scalise, as well as scenarios applicable to corporate executives and families. Upon completion, students will understand the operational requirements, procedures, and legal considerations necessary to provide effective close protection services. Because the NDBCI is responsible for dignitary protection for the North Dakota Office of the Attorney General (NDOAG), this training is essential.
