Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP)

Dallas Independent School District is requesting proposals for a Managed Security Services Provider to deliver off-hours primary coverage, platform tuning, and operational support for the District's strategic security stack on a district-wide, as-needed basis, with proposals due October 15, 2026. This is a federal-funded procurement under 2 CFR Part 200 and may utilize local, state, federal, and grant-funded program dollars. All vendors are encouraged to participate, including sole-source providers.

The scope encompasses off-hours primary coverage and platform tuning for Dallas ISD EdTech's security infrastructure. Vendors must submit completed reference checks directly from previous client companies to Procurementreferencecheck@dallasisd.org by the proposal deadline. Evaluation includes an SBE compliance component worth up to 20 percentage points; Dallas ISD has established an aspirational small business enterprise goal of 30 percent of total dollar value for goods and services contracts. SBE scoring evaluates subcontractor utilization, certified SBE joint ventures or teaming agreements, SBE references, detailed participation plans, and capacity-building enhancements. Vendors using only non-certified subcontractors must demonstrate good faith effort through advertising, outreach, pre-bid meeting attendance, adequate bidding time, and good-faith negotiation.

The contract term is three years with two successive one-year renewal options, not to exceed five years total, contingent on district needs and mutual agreement. Either party must provide written notice at least 90 days prior to expiration if non-renewal is intended.

Vendors must complete and submit multiple compliance documents: Form 1295 (Certificate of Interested Parties) filed electronically with the Texas Ethics Commission; Form CIQ (Conflict of Interest Questionnaire) filed with the district records administrator within seven business days after beginning negotiations; a W-9 form; and SBE compliance forms. Standard Dallas ISD Terms and Conditions apply, including firm pricing for 120 calendar days, net 30 payment terms, performance and payment bonds for contracts of $25,000 or more at 100 percent of contract price, workers' compensation insurance with statutory limits, and a 30-day termination-for-convenience clause. Dallas ISD reserves the right to terminate at the end of each fiscal year if funds are not appropriated. Contractors must comply with FERPA, PPRA, HIPAA, child support certification, and the prohibition on boycotts of Israel for contracts exceeding $100,000.