The Information Systems Agency of Armenia (ISAA) invites interested stakeholders to participate in a market sounding exercise in preparation for the planned launch of a Cybersecurity Research and Development (R&D) Grant Program, as outlined in the attached Technical Terms of Reference (TOR). 

This initiative aims to position the Republic of Armenia as a regional center for advanced cybersecurity innovation, fostering the development of preemptive, scalable, and verifiable cyber defense solutions across government and critical infrastructure sectors. 
Accordingly, ISAA invites market participants to review the attached TOR and provide feedback to support the refinement of the program design prior to its formal launch. 

The purpose of this market sounding is to gather expert feedback from market participants, including private sector entities, research institutions, and international organizations, in order to validate the proposed approach, ensure alignment with international best practices, and refine the TOR prior to its formal issuance. 

Participants are invited to provide input on the following aspects: 

1․ Innovation Ambition and Global

Attractiveness The extent to which the proposed scope reflects cutting-edge cybersecurity innovation across relevant domains (including but not limited to AI, formal methods, deterministic models, and advanced cyber defense techniques), and whether the initiative is sufficiently attractive to international participants, partners, and potential co-investors. 

2․ Timeline Feasibility 

The feasibility of the proposed schedule for delivering robust and credible prototype solutions: • Stage 1 – Vendor Information Gathering: Is the timeline sufficient for applicants to prepare detailed technical, financial, and roadmap submissions for all proposed use cases? • Stage 2 – Prototype Development and Validation: Is the proposed 6–9 month period adequate to develop functional prototypes, validate use cases, and prepare implementation proposals? 

3․ Five-Year Roadmap and Scalability 

The suitability and realism of the requirement for a five-year roadmap, including considerations related to scalability, long-term sustainability, and commercial viability. 

4․ Intellectual Property (IP) and Commercial Model 

The adequacy and balance of the proposed IP framework, including ownership by the grantee and the feasibility of subsequent engagement under a non-exclusive, royalty-free licensing model or standard product licensing arrangements. 

5․ Overall Attractiveness and Participation Incentives 

The extent to which the program is likely to attract qualified and competitive participants, and any recommendations to enhance its structure and appeal. 

Participants are free to submit their feedback in any format of their choosing. There is no prescribed response template; however, respondents are encouraged to structure their input in alignment with the topics outlined above where possible. 

Written feedback should be submitted to procurement@isaa.am. ISAA may engage  in follow-up discussions with selected participants where further clarification is required. 

Deadline for Clarification Questions: 10 May 2026, 17:00 (GMT+4) 
Submission Deadline: 20 May 2026, 17:00 (GMT+4) 

All submissions will be treated in accordance with applicable confidentiality considerations. 

ISAA appreciates the valuable contribution of market participants in shaping this strategic initiative and looks forward to your feedback.