SOC RFP support: choose the right managed SOC, independently
Managed SOC offers look similar on paper and differ greatly in practice. IRM-Advisors runs the selection with you, from requirements to signed contract, so you buy the service you need and can hold the provider to it.
- Effort
- Typically 20 to 35 consulting days
- Pricing
- Fixed price, quoted after a 30-minute scoping call.
Who it is for
- First-time buyers of a managed SOC or MDR service
- Organisations replacing an underperforming SOC provider
- Regulated firms that must treat the SOC as an outsourcing or ICT third-party arrangement
What you receive
- A requirements catalogue based on your risks and log sources
- The RFP document, vendor longlist and shortlist
- A weighted scoring model and structured vendor demos
- Due diligence on security, data location and subcontractors
- Contract input: SLAs, reporting, audit rights and exit plan
- A selection report for management approval
How it works
- RequirementsDefine scope, log sources, response expectations and regulatory constraints.
- RFP and marketIssue the RFP to a shortlist and manage vendor questions.
- EvaluationScore responses, run demos and test scenarios, check references.
- ContractSupport negotiation of SLAs, audit rights and exit, then hand over to onboarding.
IRM-Advisors does not resell SOC services or security products and takes no referral fees from vendors.
Relevant credentials
Frequently asked questions
Why use an independent adviser for a SOC RFP?
Vendors write their own answers and many resellers favour their partners. An independent adviser defines your requirements first and scores every offer against the same criteria.
Does DORA affect how we buy a SOC?
For EU financial entities, a SOC is usually an ICT third-party service. DORA, applicable since 17 January 2025, sets requirements for contracts, risk assessment and exit strategies for such services.
How much effort does a SOC selection take?
Typically 20 to 35 consulting days, from requirements to contract. The calendar time depends on your internal approval steps.
Discuss your situation in a 30-minute call. No preparation needed.
Book a call