The North Carolina Department of Information Technology is asking cybersecurity software vendors to submit bids on a request for proposal (RFP) for a new comprehensive cybersecurity solutions state contract.
The new Cybersecurity Products and Services contract will consolidate three existing term contracts into one. The state’s IT department says this move will establish a single and flexible portfolio of solutions to meet the evolving cybersecurity needs of the state. The initial contract term will be five years, unless terminated earlier. Following that term, the state has the option to extend the contract for an additional five one-year periods.
The new contract identifies six product areas the state is specifically interested in: endpoint and network security; identity and access management; security management and analytics; email security; software development security; and security assessment, testing, and consulting services.
The new contract solicitation will result in a term contract that will allow eligible state entities to select individual cybersecurity products and services that align with their specific requirements.
IT leaders also noted that executive branch state agencies will be required to use the contract. While it won’t be required, the new contract will be available as an optional convenience contract to county and local governments, the University of North Carolina System and its member campuses, as well as public education systems and community colleges.
Questions regarding the RFP are due by July 23. The state said that offers will be publicly opened on Aug. 29. The state has not released a specific date as to when they plan to award contracts.
