ESBD_506440_1776788832971_IFB-FY26-RITM1238020_v2-Hack_The_Box-DFPS_Addendum-1_Q&A.pdf

This is an Addendum 1 to an Invitation for Bid (IFB) issued by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) on behalf of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) for the Hack The Box Workforce Development Plan 1 procurement (IFB-FY26-RITM1238020_v2). The addendum, released on April 21, 2026, provides a Question and Answer document addressing vendor inquiries regarding the solicitation. The original IFB was posted on April 14, 2026, with a response deadline of April 28, 2026. The procurement seeks to provide DFPS employees with hands-on cybersecurity training utilizing the Hack The Box platform, which offers interactive labs, challenges, and modules designed to develop practical security skills and technical competencies. The solicitation includes set-aside preferences for historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) and small businesses operating in Texas, consistent with state procurement guidelines.

The addendum includes a signed acknowledgment requirement wherein respondents must submit page one of the Addendum to confirm receipt. One vendor question addressed in the document inquired about why the solicitation was being re-issued after a previous submission; DIR responded that it reserves the right to reject any and all responses and seeks vendors capable of meeting all IFB requirements in their entirety. Prospective bidders must review the complete procurement documentation for specific details regarding technical specifications for Hack The Box access, qualification requirements, evaluation criteria, pricing terms, performance metrics, service level agreements, and submission procedures. Budget and award values are to be determined based on the scope of services, number of required licenses, and contract duration as detailed in the final IFB documents, with funding derived from the DFPS operational budget allocated for employee development and cybersecurity initiatives.