2024 Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR-MDR).docx

Request for Proposals Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR/MDR)

Kent Intermediate School District

Nov.05.2024

Responses Due: November 19th by 2 PM

1. PURPOSE AND INTENT OF THE RFP

The intent of this RFP is to obtain proposals from qualified vendors for Endpoint Detection and Response Software. This project is part of a regional initiative and will be deployed collaboratively with several local school districts. A comprehensive and impartial review process will determine the selection and contracting of one or more service providers.

Scope of Work:

The EDR/MDR solution must include the following services:

1. 24/7 Monitoring:

a. Continuous monitoring of our endpoints to detect potential threats.

2. Threat Detection:

a. Utilizing advanced analytics, threat intelligence, and machine learning to identify suspicious activities and potential breaches.

3. Incident Response:

a. A dedicated team of security experts who investigate incidents; remediation will be done at the local level.

4. Threat Intelligence:

a. Access to up-to-date threat intelligence to stay ahead of emerging threats.

5. Vulnerability Management:

a. Regular scanning and assessment of our systems to identify and address vulnerabilities.

6. Reporting and Analysis:

a. Detailed reports and insights into security incidents, helping us understand and improve our security posture.

Quantity:

The project is expected (but not guaranteed) to cover between 9250 and 13650 endpoints. Windows machines, non-servers. There will be between 10 and 19 local school districts participating.

Term:

The contract period will be from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2026.

Proposal Requirements:

Interested vendors must submit a proposal that includes the following:

1. Company Information:

o Company name, address, and contact information.

o Overview of the company, including years in business and experience with the solution.

2. Service Description:

o Detailed description of the solution offered, including how each of the required services will be provided.

3. Pricing:

o Comprehensive PER UNIT pricing for the solution, including any setup fees, monthly fees, and any other costs.

4. Implementation Plan:

o A detailed plan for implementing the solution, including timelines and key milestones.

5. Support and Maintenance:

o Description of support and maintenance services, including response times and escalation procedures.

2. RFP TIMELINE

Kent ISD anticipated timeline for its selection process is:

Kent ISD reserves the right to allow only Michigan Based Businesses to Bid on this advertisement. Under 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1268, our board has elected to enforce the PA as defined.

Kent ISD will be a place where all persons feel welcomed, have a right to be treated equitably and without prejudice, and have a responsibility to treat others the same way. Kent ISD is an equal opportunity institution. Kent ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex or physical/mental disability or veteran status in its educational programming, enrollment, employment or contracting.

3. BID SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

a. All Bids are due on or before 2:00 PM EST on Due Date

b. Proposals shall be delivered by the deadline to:

Attention: MelanieRose Smith

All Bids must have a cover letter with the information below to be considered:

· Company Information: Name, Address, Phone, Fax and Website

· Company Contact Person: Name, Address, Phone, Fax and email

c. Proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked as follows: “Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR/MDR)”

d. Proposals received after this day and time will be returned unopened and will not be considered.

e. Proposals sent via email or facsimile will not be accepted or considered.

f. Kent ISD reserves the right to award this Bid in total or in partial, according to the best interest of the Kent ISD.

g. All Bid prices must remain firm for ninety (90) days from the date the Bid window closes.

h. All Bids must indicate Unit Cost and Extended Price. In case of discrepancy, the Unit Cost will govern.

i. Kent ISD is tax exempt from applicable Federal and State Taxes. All Bids must take this into consideration.

j. Kent ISD reserves the right to postpone, accept, and reject any or all Bids.

k. Please note carefully – In Bidding, Bidder must be certain that they can deliver the requested service and give complete information for services, labor, and materials needed to provide the required service to Kent ISD. Any hidden fees or charges could result in your company not being considered.

l. Each Bidder, by submitting its Bid, releases the Kent ISD from any and all claims arising out of, and related to, this RFP process and selection of a Vendor.

m. A recipient of this RFP is responsible for any and all costs and liabilities incurred by it (or others acting on its behalf) in preparing or submitting a Bid, or otherwise responding to this RFP, or any negotiations incidental to its Bid or this RFP.

n. All Bids submitted cannot be withdrawn and shall be irrevocable for a minimum period of ninety (90) calendar days following the Due Date for receipt of Bids set forth above.

o. The Bidder, by making a Bid, represents that they have read and understood the Contract and Bid Documents, and that their Bid is made in accordance therewith.

4. QUALIFICATION OF BIDDER

Respondents must use proposal forms included with this RFP. Bidder response forms include the following (see Attachments):

· Iran Economic Sanctions Act Compliance - Respondents must include a completed and notarized copy of the attached Iran Economic Sanctions Act compliance form.

· Familial Disclosure Form – Respondents must include a complete and notarized copy of the attached familial disclosure form disclosing any familial relationship that exists between an owner or any employee of the Bidder and any member of the Kent ISD Board of Education or the Kent ISD Superintendent.

5. SPECIFICATIONS

a. The Kent ISD reserves the right to request qualifications and/or additional information from any Bidder before issuing documents, receiving Bids, or awarding the Contract.

b. The name of a model, manufacturer, or brand in this RFP shall not be considered as exclusive of other brands. Brands and models specified in this RFP are preferred. Kent ISD expects all supplies, materials, equipment, or products bid by a vendor to meet or exceed the Specifications set forth in this RFP. Further, it is Kent ISD’s intent that this RFP encourage and permit competition. Accordingly, the use of any patent, proprietary name, or manufacturer’s name is for demonstrative purposes only and is not intended to curtail competition. Whenever any of the Specifications, supplies, materials, equipment or Products requested in this RFP are specified by patent, proprietary name or by the name of the manufacturer, unless stated differently, such specification shall be considered as if followed by the words “or comparable equivalent,” whether or not such words appear. All equals or substitutes offered by the Bidder shall be so designated. Failure to do so will disqualify the Bid. Any Bidder desiring to use any materials or products as a substitute must also submit satisfactory proof in a separate letter attached to its Bid that the proposed substitute is of equal or better quality than the Products and/or material(s), etc., specified. Kent ISD, in its sole and absolute discretion, shall have the right to determine if the proposed equivalent Products/brands submitted by Bidder meet the specifications contained in this RFP and possess equivalent and/or better qualities.

c. It shall be the Bidder’s responsibility to advise Kent ISD in writing if any language, requirements, scope, specifications, etc., or any combinations thereof, inadvertently restricts or limits the requirements stated in this RFP to a single source. Such notification shall be received by Kent ISD no later than five (5) days prior to the Due Date set for acceptance of Bids.

d. If only one Bid is received in response to this RFP, a detailed cost proposal may be requested of the single Bidder. A cost/price analysis and evaluation and/or audit shall be performed of the cost proposal in order to determine if the price is fair and reasonable.

6. DISCREPANCIES, OMISSIONS OR INTERPRETATIONS

a. Bidder shall promptly notify Kent ISD of any ambiguity, inconsistency, or errors that they may discover upon examination of the RFP and accompanying documents. Prospective Bidders may request that Kent ISD clarify information contained in this RFP.

· Questions about this RFP should be directed to Nick Morse, Information Technology and Data Services Department via email at NickMorse@kentisd.org with the subject line “Clarification Request – Kent Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR/MDR)”. Only those questions which are emailed as instructed will be answered.

· Questions will be answered in the form of addenda to this RFP, which will be issued in writing to interested parties. Parties wishing to receive addenda and any other updates/communications regarding this RFP must contact Nick Morse at NickMorse@kentisd.org with the subject line “Addenda Request – Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR/MDR)” and provide your name, company name, and the email address to which all addenda, communications, and other information shall be sent.

b. Unless a deadline extension occurs, the Kent ISD will issue its final addenda two business days before the deadline. Thus, all questions regarding this RFP must be emailed by 5:00 PM, EST three business days before the deadline for responses, or the question may go unanswered.

c. If any provisions of this RFP shall be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

d. Any contract entered into with the Vendor shall not be construed as granting “any exclusive rights thereunder.” Kent ISD retains the right to contract with other parties for such Products as it deems necessary.

7. UNIT PRICES

a. Each Bidder must Bid on all Unit Prices listed in the Bid Form. They will be fully considered in awarding the Contract.

b. Bids are considered irregular and may be rejected if Unit Prices contained in the Bid Form are obviously unbalanced either in excess of, or below, reasonable cost analysis values.

c. Any Unit Price that, in the sole opinion of Kent ISD, is unbalanced or excessive, may be rejected without affecting the validity of the Bid or other unit prices. An entire Bid may be rejected if, in the sole opinion of Kent ISD, rejection of individual unit prices materially affects the Bid.

d. All Unit Prices in the Bid shall be firm for a period of 90 days from the Due Date. Pricing shall be F.O.B. delivered and unloaded.

8. SALES TAX

Kent ISD is exempt from taxation on all tangible personal property purchase by Kent ISD for its use and consumption. Kent ISD will provide its Federal and State tax-exempt number upon request. All prices submitted on the Bid Form shall be inclusive of all other applicable taxes, if any.

9. EXCEPTION TO RFP

Any exceptions to the terms and conditions contained in this RFP MUST be specifically enumerated by the Bidder and be submitted as part of its Bid, together with an explanation as to the reason such terms and conditions of the RFP cannot be met by, or, in the Bidder’s opinion, are not applicable to, the Bidder. The selected Bidder shall be required and expected to meet the Specifications and requirements as set forth in this RFP in their entirety, except to the extent exceptions or special considerations or conditions are expressly set forth in the Bidder’s Bid and those exceptions or special considerations or conditions are expressly accepted by Kent ISD. All Pricing factors must be clearly indicated in the manner required on the Bid Forms provided as part of this RFP.

10. WITHDRAWAL OR REVISION OF BIDS

a. Any Bid may be withdrawn prior to the scheduled Due Date.

b. A Bid may not be modified, withdrawn or canceled by the Bidder for ninety (90) calendar days following the Due Date, and Bidder so agrees in submitting his/her Bid.

11. ACCEPTANCE AND REJECTION OF BIDS

a. Low Bid price is not always the determining factor in the awarding of the Bid. Other factors considered may include, but not be limited to, the following: value of proposal, delivery and/or completion time, quality, past performance, inventory availability, financial stability, and references.

b. Bids are considered irregular and may be rejected for any of the following reasons unless otherwise provided by law:

1. If the Bid Form furnished is not used or is altered.

2. If there are unauthorized additions, qualifications, conditions, or irregularities of any kind which may make the Bid incomplete, indefinite, or ambiguous as to its meaning.

3. If Bidder adds any provisions reserving the right to accept or reject any awards of a contract.

4. If unit or lump sum prices or alternates contained in the Bid schedule are obviously unbalanced either in excess of, or below, reasonable costs analysis values

5. If Bidder fails to complete any portion of the Bid Form where information is requested such that the Bid Form cannot be properly evaluated.

6. Any pertinent instructions to Bidders are not fully complied with.

c. Kent ISD reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion (for this provision and all other provisions contained in this RFP), to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any or all Bids with or without cause. Kent ISD further reserves the right to waive any irregularity or informality in the RFP process or any Bid, and the right to award the Contract to other than the Vendor submitting the best financial Bid (low Bidder). Kent ISD reserves the right to request additional information from any or all Bidders. Kent ISD reserves the right to negotiate with the Bidders concerning their Bids. In the event a Vendor’s Bid is accepted by Kent ISD and that Bidder asserts exceptions, special considerations or conditions after acceptance, Kent ISD, in its sole and absolute discretion, reserves the right to reject the Bid and award the Contract to another Bidder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any award to, or selection of, the successful Vendor shall be contingent upon the Vendor executing the form of contract acceptable to Kent ISD.

d. Kent ISD shall have the right to accept alternates in any order or combination and to determine the low Bidder on the basis of the sum of the base Bid and the alternates accepted.

e. Kent ISD shall have the right to accept combination Bids received from a Bidder for more than one Bid category.

12. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

All Bidders and the Vendor shall perform and work on the Project and other operate in conformance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, regulations and ordinances. Nothing contained in the Contract shall be construed in any manner so as to require or permit any act that is prohibited by law.

13. INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT

Vendor agrees to accept responsibility for loss or damage to any person or entity, and to indemnify, defend, hold harmless and release Kent ISD, the members of its Board of Education (in their individual and official capacities), administrators and employees, from any and all claims, counter-claims, suits, debts, demands, actions, judgments, liens, liabilities, injuries, damages, costs, expenses, including actual attorneys’ fees and actual expert witness’ fees, and the cost of litigation that are asserted by any person or entity to the extent arising out of the acts or omissions or willful misconduct in the performance by the Vendor, its officers, employees and agents hereunder, whether or not there is concurrent negligence on the part of Kent ISD, or any breach of any terms or warranty(s) required under this RFP or the Contract, or the Vendor’s failure to comply with any and all applicable laws. This indemnification obligation is not limited in any way by any limitation on the amount or type of damages or compensation payable to or for Vendor or its agents, under workmen’s compensation acts, disability benefits acts or other employees’ benefits acts. This Section shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of the Contract and shall not be limited by the Vendor’s Insurance obligations contained in the Contract.

14 TERMINATION OF CONTRACT

a. Vendor fails to conform to the requirements of the Contract; or

b. Vendor seeks relief under any law for the benefit of insolvents or is adjudicated bankrupt;

c. Any legal proceedings are commenced against Vendor which may interfere with the performance of the Contract; or

d. Vendor has failed to supply an adequate material or proper quality, or has failed in any other respect to prosecute the Contract with the diligence and force specified and intended in any by the terms of the Contract, notice thereof in writing may be served upon him/her, and should he/she neglect or refuse to provide means for a satisfactory compliance with the Contract as directed by Kent ISD within the time specified Kent ISD in any such case shall have the right and power, at its option and without prejudice to any other right it may have, to terminate the Contract. Any excess of the cost arising therefrom will be charged against the Vendor. In the event of such termination, all monies due the Vendor or retained under terms of the Contract shall be forfeited to Kent ISD; but such forfeiture will not release the Vendor from liability for failure to fulfill the Contract.

15. SHIPPING

Prices quoted are to be F.O.B. to Kent Intermediate School District. All Prices shall be net; including transportation, insurance and delivery charges fully prepaid by the successful Vendor to destinations indicated in the Bid.

Page | 2

Attachment A Bid Pricing Form The vendor must provide pricing per license (PER UNIT) and specify any applicable volume discounts (IE at 5,000 units). The estimate of 9,150 licenses is based on current district interest; however, the final number of licenses purchased may vary after the award.

Attachment B

AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE – IRAN ECONOMIC SANCTIONS ACT

Michigan Public Act No. 517 of 2012 The undersigned, the owner or authorized officer of ___________________________________ (the “Bidder”), pursuant to the compliance certification requirement provided in the Kent Intermediate School District request for proposal for E-Rate Network Switches, hereby certifies, represents and warrants that the Bidder (including its officers, directors and employees) is not an “Iran Linked Business” within the meaning of the Iran Economic Sanctions Act, Michigan Public Act No. 517 of 2012 (the “Act”), and that in the event Bidder is awarded a Contract as a result of the aforementioned Invitation To Bid, the Bidder will not become an “Iran Linked Business” at any time during the course of performing under the Contract.

The Bidder further acknowledges that any person who is found to have submitted a false certification is responsible for a civil penalty of not more than $250,000.00 or 2 times the amount of the Contract or proposed Contract for which the false certification was made, whichever is greater, the cost of the Intermediate School District’s investigation, and reasonable attorney fees, in addition to the fine. Moreover, any person who submitted a false certification shall be ineligible to Bid on an Invitation To Bid for three (3) years from the date it is determined that the person has submitted the false certification.

Contractor:

By: _________________________________ Title: _________________________________ Date:________________________________

STATE OF MICHIGAN )

)ss.

COUNTY OF _______________ )

This instrument was acknowledged before me on the _____ day of ____________, 2021, by ___________________________________, Notary Public _____________________County, ___________________

My Commission Expires:________________ Acting in the County of:________________

Attachment C

FAMILIAL RELATIONSHIP DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

Important: This disclosure statement must be included with your Bid - required by state law (P.A. 232 of 2004) As required by Public Act 232 of 2004, all Bids shall be accompanied by a sworn and notarized statement disclosing any familial relationship that exists between the owner or any employee of the Bidder and any member of the School Board or the Superintendent of Kent ISD.

The undersigned, the owner or authorized officer of ___________________________________________________ (the Bidder), pursuant to the familial disclosure requirement provided in the attached invitation to Bid, hereby represent and warrant, except as provided below, that no familial relationships exist between the owner(s) or any employee of the company and any member of the School Board or the Superintendent of Kent ISD. If such a relationship exists, please explain:

BIDDER:_____________________________

By:_________________________________ Title:_______________________________

STATE OF MICHIGAN )

)ss.

COUNTY OF _______________ )

This instrument was acknowledged before me on the _____ day of ____________, 2021, by ___________________________________, Notary Public _____________________County, ___________________

My Commission Expires:________________ Acting in the County of:________________ image1.png