CLOSED: Request for Responses for Entities Interested in Establishing Cybersecurity Centers of Excellence

RFR No. 2022-Cyber-02

Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), on behalf of the MassCyberCenter, is issuing this Request for Responses for Entities Interested in Establishing Cybersecurity Centers of Excellence (RFR No.2022-Cyber-02) (the “RFR”). We are seeking expressions of interest and qualification from entities interested in establishing a Security Operations Center (SOC) and/or a Cyber Range facility and becoming a Cybersecurity Center of Excellence as part of the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Consortium.

The MassCyberCenter is issuing this RFR in support of the establishment of the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Consortium (“the Consortium”) that will help provide solutions to municipalities, small businesses, and other organizations for protection against cyber threats, as well as grow and promote the diversity of the cybersecurity talent pipeline. Through the creation of, and engagement with, SOC and Range facilities, the Consortium aims to address the following needs of the Massachusetts cybersecurity ecosystem (“the Imperatives”):

• Undersecurity – Organizations across the Commonwealth, especially municipalities, small businesses, and non-profits, are challenged to find affordable resources to defend themselves against growing cybersecurity threats and maintain cyber resiliency.
• Underemployment – There is a supply shortage of trained workers available to meet the cybersecurity industry’s workforce demands. Additionally, communities of color and women are underrepresented in the cybersecurity workforce and are frequently overlooked for employment due to a lack of experience.
• Employee Training – Businesses across the Commonwealth do not have a location to send their employees to receive cybersecurity training at an affordable rate.
• Business/Economic Development – There is a need to convene regional hubs for business development where cybersecurity entrepreneurs can establish and grow startups or where specific industry segments such as defense contractors can receive specialized support.

Facilities offering SOC services, Cyber Range services, or both will be designated as “Cybersecurity Centers of Excellence” or “CCEs.”

Full details included in the RFR linked below.

Download Application Documents:

• Download RFR No. 2022-Cyber-02 (PDF) Revised 4/14/2022

• Attachment B - Grant Budget Template (Excel)

• Download Round 1 Questions and Answers Document (PDF) 

• Download Round 2 Questions and Answers Document (PDF - Updated 5/11/22)