Network Security Software, Hardware, and Services

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Commonwealth Office of Technology is requesting bids for network security software, hardware, and services under RFB 758 2700000066, with bids due September 17, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. ET and vendor written questions due August 31, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET. This is a Master Agreement group award covering all line items without alternative products or substitutions permitted.

The scope encompasses comprehensive cybersecurity solutions including firewall management platforms (Checkpoint, Fortinet, Palo Alto), web gateways, endpoint security, SSL certificates, data encryption, two-factor authentication, vulnerability testing, and hardware such as physical firewalls, unified threat management systems, intrusion protection systems, and email security infrastructure. Vendors must be authorized resellers for all products, with formal manufacturer authorization letters or signed reseller agreements required prior to award. All-inclusive pricing must cover delivery, installation, maintenance, support services, training, and 24/7 technical support with on-site technician response within 24 hours and initial contact response within one hour.

The bid sheet establishes evaluation weighting at 300 points for software pricing, 300 points for hardware pricing, 200 points for hourly services rates, 100 points for training services, and 100 points for delivery time (with fifteen business days as baseline; only faster delivery scores). No price increases are permitted during the first twelve months; subsequent increases require written justification based on industry-wide changes. Vendors must comply with NIST 800-53 security controls, IRS Publication 1075 safeguarding requirements, and Kentucky data protection laws. All Commonwealth data must remain within the contiguous United States and be encrypted when classified as sensitive or higher. Vendors must maintain commercial general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence.

The initial contract period is two years from award, with options to extend for six additional one-year renewal periods by written approval of all parties. Bids must be submitted electronically through the Commonwealth's eProcurement system. The Commonwealth's response to written questions will be provided by September 8, 2026.