The Vendor is required to provide cyber range to enhance the curriculum; we are considering a consumption model for the 2024-2025 academic year, with a possible move to a flat unlimited approach for next year pending funding approval.
- Platform requirements:
• A dedicated, enterprise-level cyber range with high customization capabilities and adaptability to support a wide range of cybersecurity training scenarios.
• Must provide realistic “live fire” simulations that enable practical attack and defense exercises, facilitating advanced skill development in real-world conditions.
- User capacity:
• The platform must robustly support up to 2,000 simultaneous users, maintaining seamless, multiuser functionality without performance degradation.
• Capability to allocate individual or group virtual lab environments as required.
- Scenarios and content library:
• Access to an extensive library of live fire missions, with over 40 scenarios, including monthly content updates covering various attack methodologies and defense strategies.
• Integration of advanced computing technologies such as AI and quantum simulations is preferred to enhance cybersecurity training.
- Tool and network configuration:
• A full suite of cybersecurity tools, including commercial-grade security information and event
Management (SIEM) systems, firewalls, intrusion detection systems (ids), endpoint security tools, and forensic analysis applications.
• The environment must include both it and operational technology (OT) network segments, supporting comprehensive, multi-faceted educational use cases.
- Administrative control and support:
• 24/7 administrative access for instructors to customize and deploy scenarios, manage user permissions, and configure training environments as needed.
• Integration with a learning management system (LMS) or compatibility with existing LMS platforms (e.g., through learning tool interoperability standards) for effective student tracking and reporting.
- Service availability and support:
• SLA guarantees of 99.5% or better uptime, with defined response times and a structured support protocol for prompt resolution of issues.
• Regular system performance monitoring and monthly reports detailing uptime and usage metrics.
- Training and professional development:
• Comprehensive initial training for instructors, including “train the trainer” programs and guidance on scenario customization and management.
• Access to ongoing support and resources for operational guidance and troubleshooting as needed.
- Data security and privacy compliance:
• Compliance with industry standards for data protection, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of all student and institutional data.
• Hosting within the states or compliance with applicable state data privacy regulations.