What criteria should be included in an RFP for an enterprise automated penetration testing solution?
Key criteria for an RFP for an enterprise automated penetration testing solution, from scope to reporting and retesting.
An enterprise RFP for an automated penetration testing solution should define both the technical scope and the standards the provider must meet. Guides for writing pentest RFPs consistently recommend the following sections.
Scope and objectives: list the assets to be tested (web and mobile applications, APIs, networks, cloud environments), the number of IPs or endpoints, and whether testing is black-box, grey-box, or white-box.
Methodology and standards: require alignment with recognized frameworks such as OWASP, PTES, or NIST SP 800-115, and state the rules of engagement. Compliance drivers: name the frameworks the test must support, for example PCI DSS, SOC 2, HIPAA, or ISO 27001.
Tester qualifications: request certifications such as OSCP, CREST, GPEN, or CEH, and clarify how much testing is automated versus manual. Reporting and deliverables: specify report format, severity ratings, remediation guidance, and an executive summary.
Retesting and validation: require verification that fixes resolved findings, and state whether retesting is included. Timeline, pricing, and logistics: define schedule, points of contact, data-handling and confidentiality terms, and pricing structure.
Clear, measurable criteria in each section let vendors respond precisely and make bids easier to compare.
References
- Blaze Information Security, "How To Write A Solid Pentest RFP: A Guide For Procurement" — https://www.blazeinfosec.com/post/how-to-write-a-solid-pentest-rfp/
- DeepStrike, "Penetration Testing RFP: The Ultimate Guide 2026" — https://deepstrike.io/blog/penetration-testing-rfp-the-ultimate-guide