Network Access Security Products, Services, and Maintenance

The State of Alabama is soliciting bids on network access security products, services, and maintenance for Palo Alto Networks, Gigamon, and Fortinet equipment, with bids due September 10, 2026, and questions due September 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Awarded contracts will serve all state agencies with pricing available to local governmental agencies and schools. Bidders must submit responses through the Alabama Buys portal and bid on all line items within at least one manufacturer category (Palo Alto lines 1–4, Gigamon lines 5–8, or Fortinet lines 9–12) to be considered for award.

The scope comprises OEM hardware and compatible products, OEM software products including licenses and subscriptions, OEM maintenance and product support, and supplier support and technical services including installation, training, staging, and deployment. Post-award technical support must be accessible via toll-free phone or internet during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time) with response within one hour and on-site visits within 24 hours when required. Equipment delivery timelines range from 30 days for orders of 1–100 items to individually negotiated terms for orders exceeding 500 items. All products must include current and supported software versions, applicable licenses, installation manuals, cables, and drivers at no additional cost. The contract explicitly excludes network transport services, connectivity services, and premise distribution systems services.

The contract period consists of an initial 12-month term with options to extend for up to four additional 12-month periods at the same pricing, terms, and conditions, provided both parties provide written approval no later than 30 days before expiration of each period. Evaluation will use a weighted scoring methodology based on total percentage discounts off manufacturer's suggested retail price or the supplier's published catalog prices. Bidders must submit percent discounts with no more than two decimal places and provide an authorized OEM authorization letter with their response; failure to include the authorization letter may result in bid rejection. Award will be made on an "all or none" basis to the lowest responsible bidder meeting all specifications, with each service type potentially awarded to multiple bidders. Awarded bidders must pay a 2% administrative fee on total quarterly sales and accept multiple forms of electronic payment at no additional cost, including state-issued credit cards, P-cards, and EFT. Contract holders are required to attend the Supplier Expo in the initial contract year. The State does not guarantee minimum purchase amounts.