ESBD_469827_1763147944540_RFP 737-25 RSOC Dashboard (003).pdf

RFP Number: 737-25-RSOC Dashboard

RFP FOR

Security Operations Center level Dashboard RELEASE DATE: November 14, 2025

PROPOSALS MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE:

December 10, 2025, 3:00 PM, CENTRAL

Sealed proposals will be received until the date and time established for receipt. After receipt, only the names of Proposers will be made public. Prices and other proposal details will only be divulged after the award of a Contract if one is made.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

REFER INQUIRIES TO:

Kailee Malleck Contracts & Materials Management Office

Email: c_admin@angelo.edu Deadline date for questions:

11.26.25

Angelo State Unviersity RFP RSOC Dashboard

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.2 Information about Angelo State University

1.3 Scope of Goods or Services

1.4 Term of Award

1.5 Schedule of Events

1.6 ASU’s Right to Reject

1.7 Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Vendors

1.8 Definitions/Glossary of Terms

SECTION 2 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES

2.2 Communications with ASU Personnel

2.3 Proposal Formatting and Presentation Requirements

2.4 Submittal Instructions

2.5 HUB Subcontracting Plan

2.6 Right to Modify, Rescind, or Revoke the RFP

2.7 Signature and Certification of Proposer

2.8 Compliance with Applicable Laws, Regulations, Ordinances, Board of Regents Policies, ASU Policies and Procedures

2.9 Compliance with RFP Requirements

2.10 Right of Rejection

2.11 Binding Effect of Proposal

2.12 Use and Disclosure of Information

2.13 Validity Period

2.14 Extension of Pricing and Terms and Conditions

2.15 Withdrawal or Modification

2.16 Risk of Loss, Damage, Delay

2.17 List of Proposals

SECTION 3 PROPOSAL CONTENTS/DETAILS

SECTION 4 EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCESS

4.2 Proposer’s Acceptance of Evaluation Methodology

4.3 Evaluation Criteria and Weights

4.4 Consideration of Additional Information

4.5 Oral Presentations/Interviews

4.6 Best and Final Offer

4.7 Award of Contract

4.8 Proposer/Vendor Protest

4.9 Contract Documents

4.10 BOR Approval

SECTION 5 PROPOSER’S QUESTIONNAIRE

SECTION 6 GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

6.2 Publicity

6.3 Independent Contractor Status

6.4 Subcontractors

6.5 Insurance Requirements

6.6 Acceptance of Products and Services

6.7 Infringement of Patents and Copyrights

6.8 Taxes

6.9 Technology Accessibility

6.10 Federal Funding

6.11 Time of Performance

6.12 Default

6.13 Termination

6.14 Contract Amendments

6.15 Access to Documents

6.16 Right to Audit

6.17 Confidentiality/FERPA

6.18 Severability

6.19 Non-Waiver of Defaults

6.20 Assignment

6.21 Texas Public Information Act

6.22 Registration of Sex Offenders

6.23 Disclosure of Interested Parties

6.24 Indemnification

6.25 Governing Law

6.26 Iron or Steel Projects

6.27 No Boycott

6.28 Compliance with Texas Government Code § 2274.002

6.29 Vendor Certification

6.30 Pursuant to Executive Order No GA—48, Contractor certifies that it, and, if applicable, its holding companies or subsidiaries, are not:

6.31 Limitations

6.32 Dispute Resolution

6.33 Technical Controls

6.34 Vendor and third-party security

6.35 Sensitive data handling

6.36 Service Levels

6.37 Data Ownership

6.38 Audit of Systems

SECTION 7 AFFIRMATION AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE

SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Introduction

Angelo State University (“ASU”) is seeking competitive responses to a Request for Proposal (“RFP”) for Regional Security Operations Center (RSOC) design, development, and implementation of an interactive data dashboard for ASU. This RFP provides sufficient information for interested parties to prepare and submit Proposals for consideration by ASU. Additional information may be made available by written request to the purchaser indicated in the section entitled “Questions by Proposers.” Each Proposal should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise description of the Proposer’s ability to meet the requirements of this RFP. Emphasis should be on completeness, clarity of content, responsiveness to the requirements, and an understanding of ASU’s needs.

By submitting Proposals, each Proposer certifies that it understands this RFP and has full knowledge of the scope, nature, quality, and quantity of the work to be performed, the detailed requirements of the services to be provided, and the conditions under which the services are to be performed. Each Proposer also certifies that it understands that all costs relating to preparing and responding to this RFP will be the sole responsibility of the Proposer. If selected by ASU, the vendor will notify ASU immediately of any material change in any matters with regard to which the vendor has made a statement or representation or provided information.

Proposers are cautioned to read the information contained in this Request for Proposal (RFP) carefully and to submit a complete response to all requirements and questions as directed.

1.2 Information about Angelo State University

Founded as San Angelo College in 1928, Angelo State University is a dynamic higher education learning community located in the heart of West Texas. Ranked by The Princeton Review as one of the nation’s “Best Colleges” every year since 2010, ASU offers over 100 majors and concentrations through our six academic colleges:

Archer College of Health and Human Services College of Arts and Humanities Norris Vincent College of Business College of Education College of Graduate Studies and Research College of Science and Engineering

Within the colleges, students may choose from 49 undergraduate degrees, 28 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees. With a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students receive more personal attention from instructors who are likely to possess doctoral degrees.

ASU’s Distinguished Scholarship is available exclusively to Angelo State students. About 45% of students receive an ASU Distinguished Scholarship, with approximately 90% of students receiving some form of financial aid. In 2021-22, Angelo State awarded over $52 million through scholarships, grants and other aid programs.

Other facts about Angelo State University:

Designated a Hispanic Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education since 2010.

Over 100 registered student organizations 29 intramural and club sports teams Residence halls ranked top 10 in the “2022 Best College Dorms in Texas” by niche.com.

15 NCAA Division II athletic teams Lone Star Conference member

1.3 Scope of Goods or Services

Angelo State University requests Proposals provide more information. This Request for Proposal (RFP) and any Agreement resulting from this Request for Proposal shall be for design, development, and implementation of an interactive data dashboard at Angelo State University.

Qualified providers for commercial products (and associated services) that will directly integrate with ASU’s current Microsoft investments and Enterprise Agreement. The purpose of this solicitation is to obtain services for the design, development, and implementation of an interactive data dashboard for Angelo State University's Regional Security Operations Center (RSOC). The RSOC, housed and maintained within Angelo State University, provides statewide cybersecurity support to Texas school districts and other state-funded entities through partnership and collaboration with the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR).

In addition to cybersecurity monitoring, the heart of the RSOC offering is student opportunity. Student analysts make up a portion of the workforce within the RSOC, and the hands-on, real-world industry experience is second to none. Taking this a step further, the awardee will work alongside ASU students in the development of the RSOC data dashboard, remaining true to this key RSOC mission.

The RSOC seeks to improve its ability to collect, analyze, visualize, and disseminate data to inform stakeholders.

The data dashboard will support evidence-based decision making, performance monitoring, and statewide reporting. Currently, the RSOC manages its data internally, which limits the efficiency of deep data analysis, distribution, and reporting. To provide more efficient data analysis and dissemination, this RFP is a call for proposals that will support the aforementioned need through a firm, fixed-price agreement with a qualified vendor.

No Guarantee of Volume. ASU does not guarantee any specific amount of compensation, volume, minimum, or maximum amount of services under this solicitation and resulting Agreement.

1.4 Term of Award

The services requested shall be provided for a period of 12 months beginning February 1, 2026, or the last signature date, whichever is later, and ending on January 31, 2027. The Contract created as a result of this RFP may be renewed for up to four one-year renewal options in relation to student hands on involvement/education/participation for maintenance of this dashboard if bidder deem necessary and has a proposal specifically outlining this and it is agreed upon mutual agreement of the parties, to be evidenced in writing prior to the expiration date of the initial term.

In accordance with TTUS Regents' Rule 07.12, any resulting Contract will require a termination without-cause provision of one hundred and eighty (180) days or less, or the Contract may not exceed five (5) years total term with renewals.

1.5 Schedule of Events

ASU will make a good faith effort to follow the timeline below for evaluating, negotiating and issuing an award:

DATE EVENT

11-14-2025 RFP Release to Vendors 11-25-2025 3:30 pm Central Suggested PrePropsal virtual Discussion*** 11-26-2025 by 3:00 PM Central Deadline to Submit Questions 12-10-2025 by 3:00 PM Central Deadline for Submission of Proposals 12-10-2025 – 01-31-2026 Vendor Selection by Committee 02-01-2026 Anticipated Award of Contract

02-01-2026-1-31-2027 Anticipated Contract Start Date

*All dates are tentative and subject to change*

*** Suggested attendance at the PreProposal virtual discussion to hear about the RFP from ASU Members. Meeting will be via Microsoft Teams Meeting ID: 239 807 333 215 1 Passcode: 8cB3zW7r

1.6 ASU’s Right to Reject

This RFP does not commit ASU to select a Proposer or to award a Contract to any Proposer. ASU reserves the right to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any Proposal it receives pursuant to this RFP at any time during the RFP process and prior to a fully executed Contract. Proposals which are qualified with conditional clauses or alterations or items not called for in the RFP documents, or irregularities of any kind, are subject to disqualification by ASU at its option. If ASU receives fewer than three Proposals, ASU has the right to reissue this RFP in order to gain additional competitive Proposals. If ASU reissues this RFP, any Proposer who has submitted a Proposal, may elect to resubmit the original Proposal. ASU reserves the right to evaluate Proposals against any governmental agency, institution of higher education, or purchasing cooperative contract to determine Best Value.

1.7 Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Vendors

Angelo State University, as part of the Texas Tech University System (TTUS), endeavors to promote full and equal opportunity for businesses to supply ASU with goods and/or services that are necessary to support ASU’s educational mission. In this regard, ASU commits to select Proposers in accordance with (i) ASU needs, (ii) ASU resources, (iii) HUB goals and guidelines established by the Texas legislature and Texas Procurement and Support Services (TPASS), and (iv) ASU policies and procedures for contracting with HUBs, specifically Operating Policy 54.02 Historically Underutilized Businesses. Proposers and Vendors shall allow ASU full access to documentation relating to HUB program and any HUB Subcontracting plans. Failure to comply with any provision of the state or ASU’s HUB regulations may result in rejection of any Proposal or immediate cancellation of any Contract.

For vendors who are not qualified as a HUB vendor, the Mentor-Protégé program provides for HUB utilization credit. For additional information about the Mentor-Protégé program, please see the link: HUB Mentor Protégé Program (texas.gov) or State Purchasing (texas.gov).http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/prog/hub/mentorprotege/ For additional information regarding the HUB program at ASU, please email c_admin@angelo.edu

1.8 Definitions/Glossary of Terms

Addendum: A written change, addition, alteration, correction or revision to a Solicitation document or a Contract.

Amendment: An agreed addition to, deletion from, correction, or modification of a Contract signed by all authorized parties. An Amendment may include a renewal or extension of a Contract.

Assignment: An authorized legal transfer of contractual rights from one party to another party.

Award: The act of accepting a bid, Proposal or offer; thereby resulting in a Contract between ASU and a vendor.

Best and Final Offer (BAFO): The result of final negotiations with responsive vendors during the RFP process.

Best Value: Factors to be considered in determining best overall value for ASU in accordance with Texas Education Code §51.9335 (b).

Category 1 data: Data that is required to be kept confidential by federal or state law and university rule (e.g., SSNs, personal medical information) that assess administrative, punitive, or monetary penalties;

and whose exposure will likely cause great harm to the university and the individuals to whom the information refers.

Category 1a data: Data that is required by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to be kept confidential.

Comptroller: The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Conflict of Interest: A Conflict of Interest refers to a situation in which an employee’s financial, professional, or other personal considerations may directly or indirectly affect, or have the appearance of affecting, the employee’s judgment in exercising any duty or responsibility, including the conduct or reporting of research, owed to ASU. ASU OP 06.22.

Consultant: An individual or firm that provides Consulting Services to an Institution and does not involve the traditional relationship of employer and employee. Texas Government Code § 2254.021.

Consulting Services: The Services of studying and advising an Institution per Texas Government Code, § 2254.021. Consulting Services must be approved by the TTU System Board of Regents per Regents’ Rule Chapter 07.

Contract: A legally binding written agreement executed between ASU and a third party in which the parties agree to perform in accordance with the obligations therein. Contracts include, but are not limited to: letter agreements, co-operative agreements, memorandums of understanding (MOU), Interagency Contracts, Interlocal Contracts, easements, licenses, leases, and Purchase Orders.

Contract Administration: Following the award of a Contract, the department level actions to oversee full compliance with all of the terms and conditions contained within a Contract.

Contract Administrator: The Contract Administrator is the department level individual responsible for adherence to all provisions contained within a Contract and for managing the performance of a Contract.

Contract Close-out: The process conducted at the completion of the Contract during which the Contract Administrator confirms and documents compliance with the terms and conditions of the Contract, final Deliverables are received, and outstanding payments are made.

Contract Management: The complete contracting process from Planning through Contract formation, administration and Contract Close-out.

Contract Review Team: A team comprised of such members as the Contract Manager, the Contract Administrator, and as needed, cross-functional members such as: subject matter experts, information technology, risk management, legal, and price/cost analysts. The size and the members of the team are dependent on the nature and complexity of the project.

Contractor: An entity or individual that has a Contract to provide Goods or Services to ASU. For the purposes of this RFP, Contractor is used interchangeably with the term “Proposer”.

Desktop Delivery: Ability to deliver office supply commodities directly to the ordering ASU department or ASU department designee if designee places orders for multiple component departments.

Escalation Clause: Provision in a Contract that allows for increasing or decreasing the contracted price for goods or services in step with market prices, an agreed-upon benchmark such as the consumer price index, or when maintenance and operating costs go up or down.

Fiscal Year (FY): The 12-month period covered by the State of Texas’s yearly budget, September 1 through August 31.

Goods: Supplies, materials, or equipment as defined in Texas Government Code §2155.001. Goods do not include Services or real property.

Liquidated Damages: A specified Contract provision which entitles ASU to demand a set monetary amount determined to be a reasonable estimate of damages ASU will incur due to Contractor’s failure to meet Contract requirements.

Negotiations: Conferring, discussing, or bargaining to reach a mutual agreement between two or more parties.

Operating Policies and Procedures: The manuals maintained by ASU to standardize and provide a consistent and coherent method of defining Institutional policies.

Originating Department: The ASU department from which a Solicitation or Procurement is originated.

Outage: A circumstance in which either ASU’s data is unavailable to ASU or the Vendor’s service/application is not allowing the substantive, timely completion of work. A planned outage is defined as an outage because of scheduled maintenance or downtime planned in advance such as part of a formal change management process. Unplanned outage is an outage that occurs without warning or prior notification.

Procurement (Procure): Purchasing, renting, leasing, or otherwise acquiring any Goods or Services, including all functions that pertain to the acquisition through Contract Close-out.

Proposal: An offer submitted by a Proposer/vendor in response to an RFP intended to be used as a basis to negotiate a Contract.

Proposer: The supplier of goods and/or services who submits a Proposal in response to the RFP. Note:

the terms “Proposer” and “vendor” may be used interchangeably in the RFP depending on the stage in which the supplier of goods and/or services is with regard to doing business with ASU.

Purchase Order: A signed written acceptance of an offer from a vendor. A purchase order may serve as the legal and binding Contract between parties.

Regents’ Rules: Rules established by the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents that govern all component Institutions within the Texas Tech University System, including ASU.

http://www.texastech.edu/board-of-regents/regents-rules.php

Renewal: the process where an existing Contract is renewed for an additional time period in accordance with the terms and conditions of the original Contract.

Request for Proposal (RFP): A Solicitation requesting submittal of a Proposal in response to the required Specifications and usually includes some form of a cost Proposal. The RFP process allows for Negotiations between a Proposer and ASU.

Responsible: A Proposer who is fully capable to meet all of the financial and technical requirements of a Solicitation and any subsequent Contract.

Responsive: The Proposer has complied with all material aspects of the Solicitation, including submission of all required documents in accordance with the Specifications.

Request for Proposal (RFP): A formal solicitation requesting submittal of a Proposal in response to the required scope of services that usually includes some form of a cost proposal.

Scope of Work (or “SOW”): A detailed, written description of the conceptual requirements contained within the Specifications.

Scoring Matrix: A chart used to document the evaluation criteria of a Proposal.

Service(s): The furnishing of labor, time, and effort by a Contractor or Auxiliary Enterprise, including for a construction project, which may involve to a lesser degree, the delivery or supply of products.

Solicitation: A method or process used to obtain Responses for the purpose of gathering information or entering into a Contract.

Solicitation Conference: A meeting chaired by the Purchasing or Contracting Office which is designed to help potential Proposers understand the requirements of a Solicitation. May also be known as a Pre-proposal Conference.

Specification(s): Description of the requirements for Goods or Services including the Scope of Work, to be fulfilled by a Contractor.

State: The State of Texas.

Statute: A law enacted by a legislature.

Subcontractor: An individual or business entity retained by a Contractor to perform part of a Contractor’s duties under a Contract.

Vendor: A supplier of goods and/or services that is awarded a Contract with ASU.

Vendor Debarment: The status of any Vendor who is debarred from conducting business with ASU by either the Texas Comptroller or the federal government. Debarment protects the State from risks associated with awarding Contracts to Vendors who have exhibited an inability or unwillingness to fulfill contractual requirements or who have displayed improper conduct. Debarment may include a Vendor’s successors-in-interest. Debarment does not relieve the Vendor from responsibility for fulfilling existing obligations.

Vendor Performance Form: A form prepared by the ASU Contract Administrator that reports satisfactory and unsatisfactory performance by a Contractor.

SECTION 2 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES

2.1 Questions by Proposers

Questions must be submitted in writing by the date indicated in the section entitled “Schedule of Events” Section 1.5, above. The questions, written ASU response, and addenda related to the RFP, if any, will be posted on the Electronic State Business Daily website available at https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd Only those replies to inquiries which are made by formal written addenda shall be binding. Oral and other interpretations or clarification will be without legal effect. If ASU determines a question has been sufficiently answered in the RFP, the inquiring Proposer will be referred to the relevant section of the RFP.

Note: It is the responsibility of the Proposer to check the Electronic State Business Daily website for any and all addenda posted for this RFP.

Questions must be emailed, faxed or submitted in writing to the following no later than Wednesday, November 26, 2025 3:00 PM Central Time:

Kailee Malleck c_admin@angelo.edu Angelo State University ASU Station #11010 San Angelo, TX 76909 Fax: (325) 942-2010

2.2 Communications with ASU Personnel

Except as provided in this RFP and as otherwise necessary for the conduct of ongoing ASU business operations, Proposers are expressly and absolutely prohibited from engaging in communications with ASU personnel who are involved in any manner in the review and/or evaluation of the Proposals, selection of a Proposer, and/or negotiation or formalization of a Contract. If any Proposer engages in conduct or communications that ASU determines is contrary to the prohibitions set forth in this section, ASU may, at its sole discretion, disqualify the Proposer and withdraw the Proposer’s Proposal from consideration.

Any notice under this Contract shall be in writing and delivered to the party to be notified. Notice will be effective upon delivery or four (4) business days after the date of mailing. The name and address of the person who may be contacted on behalf of ASU for purposes of notice is the purchaser indicated in section 2.1.

2.3 Proposal Formatting and Presentation Requirements

2.3.1 The Proposal itself must contain all the components in the following order:

Background of the Proposer Proposer's response to the Scope of Work Proposer’s responses to the section entitled “Questionnaire” Schedule of costs and fees Scope of work, including a program overview Insurance HUB subcontracting plan or Mentor-Protégé Agreement (REQUIRED) Signed Affirmation and Conflict of Interest.

2.3.2 Unless specified otherwise by ASU in writing, the Proposal may not exceed one hundred pages.

2.3.3 The Proposal must include a cover page, providing the Proposer’s Name, Address, and contact information (email and phone number); the RFP name; and RFP number.

2.3.4 The Proposal must include a table of contents, which should contain sufficient detail to facilitate easy reference to the sections of the Proposal, as well as separate attachments.

2.3.5 All pages are to be typed on 8 ½ x 11-inch paper and numbered sequentially.

2.4 Submittal Instructions

2.4.1 Proposals should be emailed to c_admin@angelo.edu on or before the date and time indicated in the section entitled, “Schedule of Events,” under Section 1.5, above.

A. All Proposals must be received by ASU no later than the date and time indicated in the section entitled “Schedule of Events,” under Section 1.5, above.

2.4.2 All Proposals must be signed by the responding company’s official authorized to commit such Proposals. Failure to sign the section and form will be basis for Proposal disqualification.

2.4.3 Late Proposals will not be considered under any circumstances.

2.5 HUB Subcontracting Plan

ASU has determined that there are subcontracting opportunities. If ASU determines that there are subcontracting opportunities, the Proposer must include a subcontracting plan even if the Proposer intends to self-perform. Supporting documentation must be submitted with the subcontracting plan. Credit can be received for first and second tier (subcontractors of subcontractors). The Proposer will receive evaluation points for the use on any HUB subcontractor even if it is subcontract usage.

ASU is relying upon the Proposer’s expertise to fully identify subcontracting opportunities that best align with their organization and this procurement request. Proposers who intend to subcontract are responsible for identifying all areas that will be subcontracted. In accordance with 34 TAC §20.11, a subcontractor means a person who contracts with a prime contractor to work, to supply commodities, or contributes toward completing work for a governmental entity. HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) forms can be found at under the “Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program” link. If Proposers need assistance with the HSP form or identifying potential subcontractors, contact Kailee Malleck, Director of Contracts and Procurement, at c_admin@angelo.edu. Failure to submit a completed HUB Subcontracting Plan when HUB subcontracting opportunities exist will result in rejection of the Proposer’s/vendor’s Proposal.

To find ASU’s current HUB Purchasing Goals please visit https://www.angelo.edu/administrative-support/purchasing/hubinfo.php.

2.6 Right to Modify, Rescind, or Revoke the RFP

ASU reserves the rights to modify, rescind, and/or revoke this RFP in whole or in part at any time prior to the date on which the authorized representative of ASU executes a Contract with the selected Proposer.

2.7 Signature and Certification of Proposer

The Proposal must be signed and dated by a representative of the Proposer who is authorized to bind the proposing vendor to the terms and conditions contained in this RFP and to compliance with the information submitted in the Proposal. Each Proposer submitting a Proposal certifies to both (a) the completeness and accuracy of the information provided in the Proposal and (b) the authority of the individual whose signature appears on the Proposal to bind the Proposer to the terms and conditions set forth in this RFP. Proposals submitted without the required signature shall be disqualified.

2.8 Compliance with Applicable Laws, Regulations, Ordinances, Board of Regents Policies, ASU Policies and Procedures

By submitting a Proposal, the Proposer agrees to and shall comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, as well as with all applicable policies and procedures of the Texas Tech University System and Angelo State University. ASU policies and procedures may be accessed at http://www.angelo.edu/opmanual/.

2.9 Compliance with RFP Requirements

By submitting a Proposal and by signing Section 7 of this RFP, a Proposer agrees to 1.) be bound by the requirements set forth in this RFP and 2.) be bound by Section 6 General Terms and Conditions, which will govern any contract awarded by ASU. ASU, at its sole discretion, may disqualify a Proposal from consideration if ASU determines a Proposal is non-responsive and/or non-compliant in whole or in part with the requirements set forth in this RFP.

2.10 Right of Rejection

A Proposal consisting of only alternate Goods or Services (i.e., a Proposal that offers Goods or Services different from those requested by this RFP and is not otherwise invited) may be considered non-responsive by ASU and is subject to rejection. ASU shall reject a Proposal if the financial Proposal was not arrived at independently without collusion, consultation, communication, or agreement as to any matter relating to such prices with any other potential Proposer. Regardless of the time of detection, ASU shall consider any of the foregoing prohibited actions to be grounds for Proposal rejection or Contract termination and may result in debarment of the Contractor from future ASU Solicitations.

2.11 Binding Effect of Proposal

Unless otherwise agreed in writing signed by the Executive Director of Contracts & Materials Management, each Proposer agrees to and shall be bound by the information and documentation provided with the Proposal, including prices quoted for services.

2.12 Use and Disclosure of Information

Proposers acknowledge that ASU is an agency of the State of Texas and is therefore required to comply with the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Gov't Code Ch. 552). If a Proposal includes proprietary data, trade secrets, or information the Proposer wishes to except from public disclosure, then the Proposer must specifically label such data, secrets, or information as follows: "PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL – PROPRIETARY INFORMATION." To the extent permitted by law, information labeled by the Proposer as proprietary will be used by ASU only for purposes related to or arising out of the (a) evaluation of Proposals, (b) selection of a Proposer pursuant to the RFP process, and (c) negotiation and execution of a Contract, if any, with the Proposer selected.

If the Proposer marks the whole Proposal or substantive portions of the Proposal as confidential, ASU in its sole discretion may declare the Proposal non-responsive.

By submitting a Proposal, Proposer hereby grants a limited license to reproduce the Proposal in order to comply with any legal requirement including but not limited to the Texas Public Information Act and legislative budget board requirements.

2.13 Validity Period

Proposals must be valid for a minimum of 180 days from the submittal deadline date to allow time for evaluation, selection, and any unforeseen delays. Proposals, if accepted, shall remain valid for the duration of the Contract.

2.14 Extension of Pricing and Terms and Conditions

Proposers are requested to extend the pricing and all terms and conditions offered in their Proposal to other Texas state agencies, as well as other State of Texas institutional agencies. In the event an Award is made, the individual agencies may or may not elect to use the Contract.

2.15 Withdrawal or Modification

No Proposal may be changed, amended or modified after it has been submitted or filed in response to this solicitation, except for obvious errors in extension or as part of the negotiating process. However, a Proposal may be withdrawn and resubmitted any time prior to the time set for receipt of Proposals. No Proposal may be withdrawn after the submittal deadline without approval by ASU, which shall be based on Proposer’s submittal in writing of a reason acceptable to ASU.

2.16 Risk of Loss, Damage, Delay

Proposer acknowledges and agrees to release and hold harmless ASU and the TTUS, including their respective Board of Regents, officers, employees, agents, and personnel, from and against any and all claims, liability, damages and costs, including court costs and attorneys' fees, arising out of or pursuant to submission or delivery of the Proposal or failure to submit or deliver the Proposal to the Purchasing Office at ASU, as designated in the submittal instruction sections of this RFP.

2.17 List of Proposals

Proposers requesting a list of Proposals submitted can email the purchaser listed in section 2.1.

SECTION 3 PROPOSAL CONTENTS/DETAILS

3.1 Objectives: The primary objective is to secure a contract with a qualified provider for commercial products (and associated services) that will directly integrate with ASU’s current Microsoft investments and Enterprise Agreement.

Within a one-year (12 month) time period, the awardee will provide ASU’s RSOC with a data dashboard that is comprehensive, secure, and scalable. This Software-as-a-Service (SAAS) solution will enable the RSOC employees and approved students to access real-time data to inform stakeholders, drive continuous improvement of services, and engage ASU students in the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of the data dashboard.

Please Note: ASU may award a contract to one (1) or two (2) vendors if doing so is in the best interest of ASU and ASU students.

3.2 Project Details

Authorized Vendor Status. Must be an authorized reseller or developer of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software and related services.

Capacity. Demonstrated ability to meet tight project deadlines and if applicable outline plan to support multi-year work with students to maintain dashboard.

Compliance. Must comply with all applicable federal, state, and TTUS/ASU procurement regulations, as well as cybersecurity and software industry regulations and standards.

Flexibility. Must remain agile and nimble throughout the design, development, and implementation process.

Engagement. Must engage ASU students in the development, implementation, and maintenance of the data dashboard. As an institution of higher education, student hands on involvement/education/participation during the design, development, implementation and maintaining of this dashboard process are requested. In bid response, please provided methodology planned to accomplish this.

What is your suggested location for the work to be completed? Based on your location response, how will student engagement be accomplished?

Provide a list of SOC KPIs examples that would be measured through the dashboard

3.3 Mandatory Requirements/Conditions

There are identified key components of a successfully developed and integrated RSOC data dashboard. The awardee will provide a service and product adhering to the components listed below:

a. Compliance Compliance ensures that the RSOC data dashboard and its underlying systems and practices adhere to all relevant federal and state laws, regulations, and industry standards. This includes data privacy, audit trails, regulatory reporting, and data retention policies. Additionally, this must include compliance with TTUS, ASU, DIR, NIST, CMMC, and any other applicable and relevant standards and policies.

b. Security

Security within the scope of the RSOC data dashboard ensures data is protected from unauthorized access, breaches, or misuse. Strict adherence to access control, data encryption, data handling, authentication, and regular monitoring will be maintained. This includes a strong knowledge and application of security standards in accordance with TTUS, ASU, DIR, NIST, FISM Moderate, FedRAMP, and any other applicable and relevant standards and policies.

c. Integration

The ability to integrate with existing ASU enterprise (Microsoft investments and Enterprise Agreement) and RSOC specific systems, data sources, and tools is critical. These tools include but may not be limited to Service Now, Okta, Crowdstrike, Darktrace, and Centrepetal AI.

d. Optimization The product must include capabilities such as performance tuning, efficiency in data visualization, streamlined user interface, and integration of artificial intelligence, where appropriate.

e. Interoperability

The product must function on various platforms, and for different users.

Required Component

Focus Implications to RSOC Dashboard

Compliance Legal and regulatory adherence

Data privacy, audit logs, retention policies

Security Protecting data and access Encryption, MFA, user roles, alerts Integration Connectivity and interoperability Multi-source data connections, leveraging existing tools

Optimization Efficiency and usability Visualization, AI integration

3.7 Compensation and Fees

The pricing model for the acquisition of a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software product to develop the RSOC data dashboard through a firm, fixed-price agreement. It is structured to provide cost transparency, budgeting, and flexibility for scaling, as needed.

Proposer should submit a schedule that clearly details the various compensation and fee that will apply if the Proposer is awarded a Contract with ASU. ASU will not be obligated to compensate for any amounts that are not provided in the schedule or not included in the fully executed Contract.

If a multi-year agreement is presented for student program options, adjustments will be communicated with at least 60 days’ written notice and will not exceed 3% annually, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon.

3.9 Invoicing and Payment

Angelo State University is a governmental entity and is required to follow the Prompt Payment Act as defined in Texas Government Code Chapter 2251. This law states that payments are due thirty (30) days after the latest of: 1) the date goods are received; 2) the date contracted services are completed; or 3) the date a valid invoice is received by the ASU Accounts Payable office for the good or services. Chosen Proposer shall submit invoices to:

Accounts Payable Department

ASU Station #11034 San Angelo, TX 76909-1034

325.942.2270 or fax: 325.942.2747

All invoices must reference a valid Purchase Order or the invoice will be returned as non-compliant. No commitment for Goods or Services shall be placed without a valid Purchase Order.

Proposer(s) may submit a Proposal for a prompt payment discount.

Goods/Services will be considered received when they have been accepted as usable by the end user. Invoices must be complete and delivered to the official billing address (listed above) as printed on university purchase orders. An invoice is NOT complete if it contains items that have NOT been delivered. Payments should be scheduled to be paid as close to the 30-day limit as possible. Early payments may be made if a discount is available or if there is a contractual agreement to pay sooner. ASU sends an electronic copy of the payment information if email information is available.

Prior to a PO being issued, the chosen vendor will receive an email invite to set up an account and complete the ASU vendor onboarding process through PaymentWorks. PaymentWorks is ASU’s third-party vendor setup application, which is a secured portal to protect sensitive payee information.

SECTION 4 EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCESS

4.1 Evaluation Process

ASU will utilize a Proposal evaluation team for the assessment of this RFP. The award will be based on the Proposal judged to be in the best interest of ASU, and the judgment in this regard shall be considered final. Any Contract resulting from this request shall be awarded to the Proposer providing the “best value” to ASU.

Under section 51.9335 of the Texas Education Code in determining what is the best value to an institution of higher education, ASU shall consider the purchase price, the reputation of the Proposer and of the Proposer’s goods or services, the quality of the Proposer’s goods or services, the extent to which the goods or services meet ASU’s needs, the Proposer’s past relationship with ASU, the impact on the ability of ASU to comply with laws, the total long-term cost to ASU of acquiring the Proposer’s goods or services, and any other relevant factor that a private business entity would consider in selecting a vendor.

4.2 Proposer’s Acceptance of Evaluation Methodology

Submission of a Proposal indicates Proposer’s acceptance of the evaluation technique and Proposer’s recognition that some subjective judgments must be made by ASU during the assigning of points.

4.3 Evaluation Criteria and Weights

Each Proposal shall be evaluated on the ability to meet ASU’s requirements and to provide the best value to ASU. Proposals shall be evaluated by assigning points to each of the items below.

Criteria

Proposed Service 20% Compensation and Fees 20% Industry Experience (SOC) 25% Experience in Higher Ed 10% Time to mobilization 25% Total 100%

Industry Experience (25%)

SOC Experience. Must have knowledge of the structure, purpose, governance, and organization of a Security Operations Center environment.

Time to Mobilization (25%) Must provide ASU’s RSOC with a data dashboard that is comprehensive, secure, and scalable within one-year (12 months).

4.4 Consideration of Additional Information

Consideration may also be given to any additional written information and comments that may serve to clarify the Proposal information to ASU.

4.5 Oral Presentations/Interviews

Upon completion of the initial review and evaluation of the Proposals submitted, selected Proposers may be invited to participate in oral presentations. Oral presentations/interviews are an option of the evaluation team and may or may not be conducted; therefore, Proposals should be complete when submitted by the deadline indicated in the section entitled “Schedule of Events,” Section 1.5, above.

4.6 Best and Final Offer

When deemed appropriate, after the submission of Proposals but before the final selection of the successful Proposal, ASU may permit a Proposer to revise its Proposal in order for ASU to obtain a best and final offer. ASU will provide each Proposer within the competitive range with an equal opportunity for discussion and revision of their Proposal, and a Proposer may elect not to amend their original Proposal.

ASU is not bound to accept the best-priced Proposal if that Proposal is not the most advantageous to ASU as determined by the evaluation team.

4.7 Award of Contract

ASU reserves the right to award a Contract for all or any portion of the requirements proposed by reason of this request, award multiple Contracts, or to reject any and all Proposals if deemed to be in the best interests of ASU and to re-solicit for Proposals, or temporarily or permanently abandon the solicitation. If ASU awards a Contract, it will award the Contract to the Proposer(s) whose Proposal is the most advantageous to ASU, considering price and the evaluation factors set forth in this RFP.

ASU intends to negotiate and award a Contract or multiple Contracts to a vendor (or, as applicable, vendors) submitting a Proposal(s) that the evaluation committee determines best meets ASU’s requirements and that is considered to represent the best value to ASU. No Contract resulting from this RFP will be exclusive and ASU reserves the right to enter into one or more Contracts covering the same or similar scope of services. Any term or provision in the Contractor-provided terms indicating the Contract is exclusive is expressly rejected and is null and void. ASU may divide obligations between awarded vendors or choose more than one vendor to perform the same or similar scopes of work.

The Proposer may submit its standard contract for review by ASU. The Contract entered into by the parties shall consist of the RFP, the signed Proposal submitted by the vendor, the specifications including all the modifications thereof, a written contract, and purchase order(s), all of which shall be referred to collectively as the “Contract” documents.

4.8 Proposer/Vendor Protest

Any actual or prospective Proposer or vendor who is aggrieved in connection with the solicitation, evaluation or award of a Contract may formally protest to the Contracting Office by emailing c_admin@angelo.edu.

4.9 Contract Documents

The Contract entered into by the parties shall consist of the RFP, the Proposal, a written Contract (if applicable), and a Purchase Order(s) when an expenditure is required, all of which shall be referred to collectively as the Contract documents.

4.10 BOR Approval

Any resulting Contract may be subject to review and approval by the Board of Regents of Texas Tech University System (the “BOR”). If the BOR does not approve the agreement, then the agreement is null, void, and of no effect. Rules governing the approval and execution of contracts can be viewed here: The Rules & Regulations of the Board of Regents, Chapter 07 - https://www.texastech.edu/board-of-regents/regents-rules/chapter-07-fiscal-management.pdf

SECTION 5 PROPOSER’S QUESTIONNAIRE

The Proposer recognizes that in selecting a supplier, ASU will rely in part on the answers provided in response to this section. Accordingly, Proposer certifies that to the best of its knowledge, all responses are true, correct and complete. ASU reserves the right to contact each and every reference or contact name listed below and shall be free from any liability to Proposer for conducting such inquiry.

5.1 Provide legal name and address of company or corporation.

5.2 Provide a detailed description of similar Services completed or Goods sold within the past five years.

Include a description of Services provided or Goods sold, budget and timeline performance, and key personnel involved.

5.3 Provide an executive summary that provides a concise summary of the products and services proposed, delineating why each represents the best solution to meet the RFP requirements. Provide a brief history of the company.

5.4 Provide a copy of the licenses, certifications, and permits, (etc if applicable).

5.5 Provide a resume for each of the proposed key personnel highlighting relevant past experience.

5.6 Provide balance sheets or financial reports for the past two fiscal years. ASU may consider the

Proposers financial capacity to provide the requested Goods or Services.

5.7 Provide the number of college/university/industry (SOC) accounts currently managed and serviced.

5.8 Provide four professional references (2 college/universities and 2 industry (SOC) (key contact names, titles, email, and telephone numbers) that have direct knowledge of your ability to provide Goods or Services outlined in this RFP.

5.9 Provide any details of all pending litigation or claims filed against your company in the past ten years that would negatively impact your company’s performance under a Contract with ASU.

5.10 Is the Proposer (including any parent companies) currently for sale or involved in any transaction (or proposed transaction) to expend or to become acquired by another business entity? If yes, please explain the impact both in organizational and directional terms.

5.11 Is the Proposer (including any parent companies or subsidiary companies under Proposer’s control) currently (or recently) in default on any loan Contract or financing Contract with any bank, financial institution, or other entity? If yes, specify date(s), details, circumstances, and prospects for resolution.

5.12 Is the Proposer unable to agree to any of the General Terms and Conditions (Section 6 of the RFP)?

If the Proposer takes exception to any of ASU’s General Terms and Conditions, the Proposer must submit those exceptions as part of its Proposal to this questionnaire.

SECTION 6 GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

6.1 General

By your signature on the Proposal submitted in response to this RFP, you agree to be bound by these General Terms and Conditions, which will be made a part of and govern any Contract/purchase orders resulting from this RFP. For reference purposes, an example contract (Exhibit 2) is provided. In addition, ASU purchase order terms and conditions posted on the ASU Purchasing Office website shall apply to all purchases of goods and services by ASU.

6.2 Publicity

Vendor agrees that it shall not publicize a Contract or disclose, confirm, or deny any details thereof to third parties or use any photographs or video recordings of ASU’s name or protected marks in connection with any sales promotion or publicity event without the prior express written approval of ASU.

6.3 Independent Contractor Status

This Contract does not form a joint venture or partnership. ASU will not be responsible for the Federal Insurance Contribution Act payments, federal or state unemployment taxes, income tax withholding, Workers Compensation Insurance payments, or any other insurance payment, nor will ASU furnish medical or retirement benefits or any paid vacation or sick leave. Vendor is responsible for conduct of its business operation.

6.4 Subcontractors

Subcontractors providing services under the Contract shall meet the same requirements and level of experience required of the Proposer. No subcontractor under the Contract shall relieve the Proposer of the responsibility for ensuring the requested services are provided. Proposers planning to subcontract all or a portion of the work to be performed shall identify the proposed subcontractors in their submitted Proposals and shall pay such subcontractors in compliance with Texas Government Code §2251.022. If selected by ASU, vendor will not delegate any of its duties or responsibilities under this RFP or the Contract to any subcontractor, except as expressly provided in the Contract.

6.5 Insurance Requirements

6.5.1 The vendor agrees to furnish insurance certificates reflecting the following coverage:

Commercial General Liability General Aggregate $2,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate $2,000,000 Each Occurrence Limit $1,000,000 Personal/Advertising Injury $1,000,000 Damage to Rented Premises $100,000 Medical Payments (Any One Person) $5,000

Liquor Liability (if applicable) Each Occurrence $100,000 Aggregate $100,000

Automobile Liability Bodily Injury/Property Damage (Each Accident) $1,000,000 Personal Injury Protection (if applicable) Statutory

Workers’ Compensation Coverage A (Workers’ Compensation) Statutory Coverage B (Employers’ Liability) Each Accident Each Employee Disease (Policy limit)

$1,000,000…