DOL Cybersecurity RFP
Independent support selecting a cybersecurity audit firm aligned with DOL guidance.
| Length | 260 words |
| FAQs | 6 |
| Reading time | 1 min |
Many organizations do not have the internal resources to evaluate cybersecurity firms objectively. The work sits at the intersection of ERISA responsibilities, vendor oversight, and technical cybersecurity requirements.
Culpepper RFP helps you run a structured evaluation process so you can select the right firm with clear documentation.
What We Do
Culpepper RFP assists plan sponsors in evaluating cybersecurity consultants to complete an audit aligned with DOL guidance. We bring experience across DOL expectations, ERISA context, and cybersecurity considerations so you can compare firms consistently and make a well-supported decision.
Why This Evaluation Can Feel Difficult
Cybersecurity audits are technical, and the stakes feel high. It is not always obvious what questions to ask, how to compare proposals, or how to document the rationale in a way that makes sense later to a committee, counsel, or leadership.
The DOL Best Practices
The DOL best practices cover areas that sponsors and service providers are expected to take seriously, including:
- A formal, well-documented cybersecurity program
- Prudent risk assessments
- A reliable annual third-party audit of security controls
- Clear security roles and responsibilities
- Strong access control procedures
- Appropriate security reviews for cloud or third-party managed data and systems
- Periodic cybersecurity awareness training
- A secure system development life cycle (SDLC) program
- Business resiliency planning: business continuity, disaster recovery, incident response
- Encryption of sensitive data, stored and in transit
- Strong technical controls aligned with best practices
- Appropriate response to past cybersecurity incidents
DOL Guidance Documents
- Cybersecurity Program "Best Practices"
- "Tips" to help plan sponsors and fiduciaries select service providers
- "Online Security Tips" for plan participants and beneficiaries
“The committee was extremely pleased with the process, results, and education supplied to it. I highly recommend the Culpepper Group to other organizations for similar assignments.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this meant for someone like me in HR or Finance, or is it really for advisors and attorneys?
If you are the person carrying the responsibility for benefits decisions inside the organization, this will feel familiar. Culpepper RFP supports HR and finance leaders, ERISA counsel, and committees, because the pressure and the risk often land on your desk either way.
What would you actually take off my plate?
Culpepper RFP manages the RFP process itself, so you are not piecing together vendor comparisons, chasing information, and trying to document everything between your day-to-day responsibilities. You are still involved in direction and fiduciary decisions, but the heavy lift of gathering, organizing, and evaluating is handled through our documented process.
How much time is this going to take from me and my team?
Our services are designed to reduce the time executives and internal teams spend managing details. Expect some upfront coordination and a few check-ins along the way. The goal is that you are not carrying weeks of follow-up, tracking, and evaluation work on top of everything else.
RFPs can get political. Does this make it harder?
That is a real concern. Our services are positioned as an independent third-party evaluation process, which can lower the temperature and keep the focus on documented criteria instead of internal pressure or preference. It will not erase politics, but it gives you a clear, neutral structure to point back to.
Do I need to already understand fees and benchmarking to get value from this?
No. Our evaluation processes support people who are accountable for the outcome, even if the technical details are not your daily focus. We can also help you evaluate whether going to an RFP is even necessary.
How do I know whether I need a full RFP, an RFI, or just a benchmarking audit?
You are not alone in asking. Before you sign up we review your objectives and discuss the most cost-effective and time-effective solution. Our services include fee and service benchmarking, RFI evaluation, and full RFP evaluations, so the approach can match the situation instead of defaulting to the most intensive option.
Schedule a Call
- Phone
- (203) 952-3776
- Hours
- Monday–Friday, 8 am–6 pm
- Schedule
- calendly.com/jgepfert