TorchLight Approved as Vendor for Educational Institutions in California and Washington

Liberty Lake, WA, March 5, 2026 – TorchLight, a leading managed cybersecurity services provider, has recently secured authorization as a vendor through two prominent cooperative purchasing programs aimed at educational and public institutions across California and Washington.

Expanded Access to Cybersecurity Solutions

TorchLight’s approval comes via the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC) and Washington Learning Source (WLS). This allows educational facilities to access essential services like managed security, compliance auditing, penetration testing, and virtual Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) consultancy without the complexities often associated with independent solicitations.

Foundation for California Community Colleges

FoundationCCC serves as the official auxiliary of the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, bringing together collective buying power to enhance procurement efficiencies. Through its Enterprise and Procurement Services programs—including CollegeBuys, SchoolBuys, AICCUBuys, and CivicBuys—TorchLight’s cybersecurity services are now readily available across all 73 California community college districts, K-12 schools, independent colleges and universities, and municipalities.

Key Programs Offered

• CollegeBuys: A cooperative procurement hub for California’s community colleges, optimizing resources for public higher education.
• SchoolBuys: Specifically targets K-12 institutions, enhancing access to competitive bids for technology and operational services.
• AICCUBuys: Supports independent colleges and universities, addressing the unique procurement needs of AICCU members.
• CivicBuys: Focuses on procurement solutions for local and state government agencies.

These programs allow institutions to engage TorchLight directly for cybersecurity monitoring and compliance support without requiring their own bid processes.

Washington Learning Source

The WLS, managed by the Puget Sound Educational Service District, serves all nine Educational Service Districts in Washington State. Through its Contract WLS343, K-12 schools and eligible public agencies can procure TorchLight’s security services at pre-negotiated prices.

Significance of Cybersecurity Services in Education

Educational institutions increasingly face complex cybersecurity challenges, managing sensitive information like student records and financial aid details. Ransomware attacks targeting these facilities have surged, making cybersecurity a critical concern at all levels of management.

By participating in cooperative purchasing programs, institutions can swiftly address their security needs without the time-consuming process of independent solicitations.

Comprehensive Security Solutions Available

TorchLight offers a diverse range of security services tailored to the educational sector:

Managed Security Services

• 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) for real-time monitoring and threat response, including services like Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM).

GLBA Audit and Compliance Services

• Offers an array of auditing and assessment services aligned with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), helping institutions meet federal compliance requirements.

Penetration Testing and Security Assessments

• Conducts independent validation through penetration tests and vulnerability assessments, ensuring institutions are equipped for current threats.

Virtual CISO Advisory

• Provides strategic cybersecurity guidance without the overhead of hiring full-time executives, focusing on security protocol development and incident response planning.

K-12 Specific Capabilities

• Tailored services addressing the unique needs of K-12 educational environments, including managed endpoint protection and network security.

Advantages of Cooperative Purchasing Programs

Both FoundationCCC and WLS present significant advantages for educational institutions:

• Access to competitively bid contracts compliant with public procurement regulations.
• Standardized pricing and terms for all participating institutions.
• The absence of registration or membership fees to access contracts.
• Direct purchasing relationships, allowing institutions to negotiate specific terms.

Leadership Insights

Nolan Garrett, CEO of TorchLight, emphasizes the urgency of tackling cybersecurity vulnerabilities in educational settings. “These contract awards remove procurement barriers, enabling institutions to swiftly address security gaps, which is crucial in an evolving threat landscape.”

Learn More About TorchLight

TorchLight is committed to providing comprehensive cybersecurity solutions designed to protect sensitive data across various sectors. For more detailed information about their services, visit TorchLight’s official site.

Explore Educational Procurement Programs

For additional details on the Foundation for California Community Colleges’ procurement services or to learn about the Washington Learning Source, go to walearningsource.org.

This article provides an overview of TorchLight’s new vendor status for education institutions in California and Washington, highlighting the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting sensitive information.