IT078 - Network Infrastructure Refresh - Birmingham City University

Concepts

• birmingham
• network upgrade
• birmingham city university
• network infrastructure refresh
• procurement of a new network solution
• current bcu network infrastructure
• network infrastructure
• current cisco network
• network
• competitive dialogue procedure

Location

UNITED KINGDOM

Description

Suppliers are invited for the procurement of a new network solution and support for 5+1+1 (five) years, including a hand over period with the newly appointed supplier at the end of the term to ensure business continuity. This tender process will be conducted under the Competitive Dialogue procedure. This will be in a number of stages, including the Selection, Invitation to Submit an Outline Solution (ISOS), Dialogue sessions and an Invitation to Submit a Detailed Solution (ISDS).

Total Quantity or Scope

Restricted Procedure - Competitive Dialogue Requirements involve design or innovative solutions that will be collaboratively worked through as part of the dialogue process to reach a final, acceptable solution. This could not be reached through either the open or restricted tender route. This tender process is focussed on delivering a new Cisco hardware refresh. Suppliers are invited for the procurement of a new network solution and support for 5+1+1 (five) years, including a hand over period with the newly appointed supplier at the end of the term to ensure business continuity. This tender process will be conducted under the Competitive Dialogue procedure. This will be in a number of stages, including the Selection, Invitation to Submit an Outline Solution (ISOS), Dialogue sessions and an Invitation to Submit a Detailed Solution (ISDS). Since 1843, Birmingham City University has been at the heart of Birmingham. The majority of our students are from Birmingham and the broader West Midlands. Each year we help over 26,500 students to achieve their ambitions. Meanwhile, BCU grows with Birmingham. We work closely with our city, with business, the community and our academic peers locally, nationally and internationally. We recruit students from just under 100 different countries. The network infrastructure underpins virtually everything that staff and students need at Birmingham City University. It must be fit for purpose, secure, and adaptable to cope with the demands of anticipated future growth in onsite and offsite working, and as an enabler for taking advantage of IT industry breakthroughs such as 5G and more extensive use of Artificial Intelligence and intelligent building functions. The current BCU network infrastructure The current Cisco network is now nearing end of life and within its current operating model there is hardware operating that is no longer in manufacturer support, and there is hardware across all sites running on non-manufacturer recommended support versions, due to the hardware being unable to support the latest firmware upgrades. Hardware security standards are not compliant with recognised industry standards and therefore the latest IT security functions are unavailable, leaving the University potentially exposed to cyber-attacks. Future University Plans The move away from predominantly campus based working and on-site student lectures due to the implications of the pandemic have shown the need for a network that is flexible to cope with sudden short-term changes in working practices and to be scalable enough to deliver current and future working teaching strategies. The University is working towards bringing into operation new buildings at Steamhouse, Harborne Road and Alexander stadium within the city of Birmingham, as well as expanding the business in overseas territories such as China and Dubai.

Renewal Options

There are two plus one year periods, subject to satisfactory performance, extending the agreement from 60 months (5 years) to 84 months (7 years).

CPV Codes

• 32428000 - Network upgrade

Indicators

• Bids should cover the whole contract.
• Renewals are available.
• Award on basis of price and quality.

Other Information

For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Birmingham:-Network-upgrade./8E9N6... To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/respond/8E9N6MUV88 GO Reference: GO-2021323-PRO-17971636