Network Security Software, Hardware, and Services

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Finance and Administration Cabinet, is requesting bids for network security software, hardware, and services to be used by all state agencies and eligible political subdivisions under RFB 758 2700000066, with bids due September 22, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Addendum No. 1 extended the closing date from September 17 and postponed the Commonwealth's written-question response from September 8 to September 11, 2026.

The scope encompasses firewall management (Checkpoint, Fortinet, Palo Alto), web gateways, endpoint security, SSL certificates, data-in-transit encryption, two-factor authentication, vulnerability testing, physical firewalls, unified threat management, intrusion protection systems, email security infrastructure, and associated maintenance and support services. The Bid Sheet specifies ten software products across multiple vendors and licensing tiers, nine hardware security appliances from Checkpoint, PaloAlto, Fortinet, Cisco, and TrendMicro, hourly technical services (implementation, consulting, break-fix), and manufacturer-specific training. All pricing must be all-inclusive with no add-on fees for setup, installation, modifications, or feature additions. Standard delivery is 15 business days; vendors missing contracted delivery dates face a one percent per day invoice deduction.

The initial contract term is two years from award, with six optional one-year renewal periods at the discretion of both parties. Award will be determined on a best value basis using 1,000 measurable points: software pricing (300 points), hardware pricing (300 points), services hourly rate (200 points), training services (100 points), and best delivery time (100 points). Kentucky resident bidders receive reciprocal preference against nonresident bidders from states offering similar preferences. Qualified bidders including Kentucky Correctional Industries and organizations serving individuals with severe disabilities receive preference equal to 15 to 20 percent of maximum points awarded.

Prior to award, vendors must submit formal manufacturer authorization letters or authorized distributor agreements, Kentucky Tax Registration (Form 10A100), and certificates of authority for foreign entities. Vendors must maintain Commercial General Liability Insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. All pricing must remain firm for 60 calendar days after the bid due date. Electronic submission through the eProcurement system is mandatory; vendor registration in the Commonwealth's Vendor Self Service System is required at least 24 to 48 hours before submission. Contact Melissa Hubbard at 502-782-5336 for inquiries.