Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform RFP Template

Request for Proposal: Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform

Table of Contents

1. Introduction and Background
2. Project Objectives
3. Scope of Work
4. Technical Requirements
5. Functional Requirements
6. Vendor Qualifications
7. Evaluation Criteria
8. Submission Guidelines
9. Timeline

1. Introduction and Background

[Company Name] is seeking proposals for a comprehensive Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform to modernize our network and security infrastructure. This RFP outlines our requirements for a cloud-native solution that converges network connectivity and security services to support our distributed workforce and cloud-first initiatives.

Organization Background

• [Describe your company/organization]
• [Industry and regulatory requirements]
• [Size of organization and IT infrastructure]

Current Environment

• [Current network and security architecture]
• [Number of users and locations]

Project Goals

• Implementation of a unified, cloud-native SASE architecture
• Enhancement of security posture through integrated services
• Optimization of network performance and user experience
• Streamlined management and operations

2. Project Objectives

1. Deploy a comprehensive SASE platform that integrates:
   • Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN)
   • Security Service Edge (SSE) components
   • Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
   • Cloud security services
2. Achieve the following outcomes:
   • Unified security and networking infrastructure
   • Enhanced visibility and control
   • Improved operational efficiency
   • Reduced total cost of ownership
   • Scalable cloud-native architecture

3. Scope of Work

Required Components

1. SD-WAN Capabilities
   • Network optimization
   • Application-aware routing
   • WAN link management
   • QoS controls
2. Security Service Edge (SSE)
   • Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
   • Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
   • Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
   • Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)
3. Advanced Security Features
   • Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
   • Advanced Threat Protection
   • User and Entity Behavior Analytics
   • Integrated threat intelligence
4. Management and Analytics
   • Unified management console
   • Real-time monitoring
   • Advanced analytics
   • Automated incident response

Implementation Phases

1. Planning and Design
   • Architecture assessment
   • Migration strategy development
   • Policy framework design
   • Assessment of current network and security infrastructure
   • Training and change management planning for IT staff and end-users
2. Pilot Deployment
   • Initial implementation
   • Testing and validation
   • Performance baseline establishment
   • Proof of Concept (PoC) execution, including:
     • Clear objectives and success criteria
     • Key use cases testing
     • Performance benchmarks and security scenarios
     • Required integrations testing
     • Evaluation metrics and reporting requirements

3. Full Deployment
   • Phased rollout
   • User migration
   • Integration with existing systems
4. Optimization
   • Performance tuning
   • Policy refinement
   • User experience optimization

4. Technical Requirements

Network Capabilities

1. SD-WAN Features
   • Application-aware routing
   • Dynamic path selection
   • QoS and bandwidth management
   • Link aggregation and failover
   • Traffic shaping and prioritization

5. Functional Requirements

A. Core Functional Requirements

5.1 Cloud-Native Architecture

Tip: A cloud-native architecture is fundamental to a successful SASE implementation. Look for solutions that demonstrate true cloud-first design principles, with microservices-based architecture that enables scalability, flexibility, and resilient operations. Consider how the architecture supports distributed deployment and maintains consistent performance across different cloud environments.

5.2 Integrated SD-WAN Capabilities

Tip: Effective SD-WAN integration is crucial for optimizing network performance and ensuring reliable connectivity across distributed locations. Focus on solutions that offer comprehensive WAN optimization features and intelligent traffic routing capabilities while maintaining consistent application performance.

5.3 Comprehensive Security Services

Tip: Security services form the backbone of SASE architecture. Evaluate solutions based on their ability to provide integrated, cloud-delivered security controls that protect all edges of the network while maintaining simplicity in management and deployment.

5.4 Unified Management Interface

Tip: A centralized management interface is essential for efficient SASE operations. Look for solutions offering intuitive, comprehensive control through a single pane of glass that enables unified policy management, monitoring, and reporting while accommodating different administrative roles and access levels.

5.5 Policy Enforcement

Tip: Consistent policy enforcement across all network edges and security functions is critical for maintaining security posture. Evaluate solutions based on their ability to implement granular policies uniformly while supporting dynamic adjustments based on context and risk.

5.6 Traffic Optimization

Tip: Traffic optimization capabilities directly impact user experience and application performance. Focus on solutions that provide comprehensive optimization features while maintaining security and visibility across all traffic flows.

5.7 Scalability

Tip: Scalability ensures your SASE solution can grow with your organization. Consider both horizontal and vertical scaling capabilities, along with the ability to maintain performance as the deployment expands.

5.8 Integration Capabilities

Tip: Integration capabilities determine how well the SASE solution works with your existing infrastructure. Evaluate the breadth and depth of integration options, focusing on APIs and pre-built connectors for common enterprise systems.

5.9 Advanced Threat Protection

Tip: Advanced threat protection is crucial in today’s evolving threat landscape. Look for solutions that combine multiple detection methods with automated response capabilities to provide comprehensive protection against sophisticated attacks.

5.10 Identity and Access Management

Tip: Identity-based access control is fundamental to zero-trust security. Evaluate solutions based on their ability to integrate with existing identity systems while providing robust authentication and authorization capabilities.

5.11 Real-time Monitoring and Analytics

Tip: Effective monitoring and analytics provide visibility into security and performance. Focus on solutions that offer comprehensive real-time monitoring capabilities with actionable insights and customizable reporting.

5.12 Multi-Cloud Support

Tip: Multi-cloud support is essential for modern distributed architectures. Evaluate solutions based on their ability to provide consistent security and connectivity across different cloud providers while maintaining unified management.

5.13 Edge Computing Support

Tip: Edge computing support enables processing closer to data sources. Look for solutions that can extend security and networking capabilities to edge locations while maintaining centralized control.

5.14 Automated Incident Response

Tip: Automated incident response capabilities reduce mean time to respond and recover from security incidents. Focus on solutions that provide comprehensive automation while maintaining appropriate human oversight.

5.15 Compliance Management

Tip: Compliance management capabilities help maintain regulatory adherence. Evaluate solutions based on their ability to enforce compliance policies and generate required documentation and reports.

B. AI and Machine Learning Requirements

5.16 AI-Powered Security

Tip: AI-powered security enhances threat detection and response capabilities. Look for solutions that effectively leverage AI while providing transparency in their decision-making processes.

5.17 Generative AI Integration

Tip: Generative AI capabilities enhance automation and decision-making processes. Focus on solutions that leverage generative AI to improve configuration, troubleshooting, and policy management while maintaining security and accuracy.

5.18 AI-Assisted Network Management

Tip: AI-assisted network management improves operational efficiency and network performance. Evaluate solutions based on their ability to automate routine tasks and provide intelligent optimization recommendations.

5.19 Autonomous Digital Experience Management (ADEM)

Tip: ADEM ensures optimal user experience through automated monitoring and optimization. Look for solutions that provide comprehensive visibility into user experience and automated remediation capabilities.

5.20 AI Operations (AIOps)

Tip: AIOps capabilities streamline IT operations through intelligent automation. Focus on solutions that effectively combine operational data with AI to improve efficiency and reduce manual intervention.

5.21 Enhanced Threat Detection with AI

Tip: AI-enhanced threat detection provides more accurate and faster identification of security threats. Evaluate solutions based on their ability to leverage AI for improved threat detection while minimizing false positives.

5.22 AI-Driven Decision Making

Tip: AI-driven decision making improves response times and accuracy. Look for solutions that provide transparent, explainable AI decisions while maintaining appropriate human oversight.

5.23 Natural Language Interfaces

Tip: Natural language interfaces improve user interaction and management efficiency. Focus on solutions that provide intuitive, accurate natural language processing while maintaining security controls.

5.24 Predictive AI Capabilities

Tip: Predictive AI enables proactive management and optimization. Evaluate solutions based on their ability to accurately forecast trends and potential issues while providing actionable insights.

5.25 Relationship Mapping for UEBA

Tip: UEBA relationship mapping provides deeper insights into user behavior patterns. Look for solutions that effectively map and analyze relationships while maintaining privacy and compliance requirements.

5.26 Explainable AI for Anomaly Detection

Tip: Explainable AI ensures transparency in anomaly detection processes. Focus on solutions that provide clear explanations for AI-detected anomalies while maintaining detection accuracy.

6. Vendor Qualifications

Required Qualifications

1. Company Overview
   • Years in SASE market
   • Market position
   • Financial stability
   • Customer base
2. Technical Expertise
   • SASE architecture experience
   • Security certifications
   • Implementation capabilities
   • Support infrastructure
3. Service Coverage
   • Global presence
   • Service availability metrics
   • Geographic coverage
   • Points of presence
4. Certifications and Standards
   • Security certifications
   • Compliance certifications
   • Industry standards alignment
   • Best practice frameworks
5. Future Development
   • Product roadmap
   • Innovation strategy
   • Planned enhancements
   • Technology partnerships

7. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

1. Technical Capability (30%)
   • Feature completeness
   • Architecture design
   • Performance metrics
   • Security capabilities
2. Implementation Approach (20%)
   • Deployment methodology
   • Migration strategy
   • Risk management
   • Timeline feasibility
3. Vendor Qualifications (20%)
   • Experience
   • References
   • Support capabilities
   • Financial stability
4. Cost Structure (30%)
   • Total cost of ownership
   • Pricing model
   • Additional costs
   • Value for money

8. Submission Guidelines

Proposals must include:

1. Executive Summary
2. Technical Solution Description
3. Implementation Approach
4. Project Timeline
5. Pricing Details
6. Company Qualifications
7. Client References
8. Support Model
9. Sample SLAs
10. Additional Documentation
11. Case Studies and References
    • Similar implementation examples
    • Industry-specific deployments
    • Success metrics
    • Customer testimonials

9. Timeline

• RFP Release Date: [Date]
• Questions Deadline: [Date]
• Proposal Due Date: [Date]
• Vendor Presentations: [Date Range]
• Selection Decision: [Date]
• Project Start: [Date]
• Target Completion: [Date]

Submit proposals to: [Contact Information]