2024PR076 RFT for the provision of Cisco Network Equipment, Licenses, and Support to the NTMA

AI-generated analysis of the documents. Check the official notice and any amendments for current submission details.

1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

The NTMA seeks a contractor to supply Cisco Network Equipment, licenses, and support services. The contract spans three years and involves the provision of hardware, software licenses, and technical support for network infrastructure.

• Hardware: Supply of Cisco Catalyst switches and wireless LAN controllers. Specific models include Catalyst C9500-48Y4C, C9300-48U, C9300-24T, Cisco 5520, and 3504 Wireless LAN Controllers.
• Licensing: Provision of Cisco DNA Essentials and Advantage licenses, along with Cisco ISE Essential, Advantage, and Premier licenses.
• Support Services:
• 24x7x4 response for major incidents, ensuring round-the-clock availability.
• Next Business Day response for less critical issues, operating 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.
• Volume and Duration:
• Support for 2 units of Catalyst C9500-48Y4C and 4 units of Catalyst C9300-24T with 24x7x4 support.
• Support for 14 units of Catalyst C9300-48U with 8x5xNBD support.
• Support for 2 units of Cisco 5520 and 3 units of Cisco 3504 Wireless LAN Controllers with 24x7x4 support.
• Additional Services: The NTMA may request additional services or supplies, potentially requiring a fixed fee or negotiation for similar services at the contract's end.

3. Background & buyer context

The NTMA manages Ireland's national debt and various investment funds, providing asset and liability management services to the government. This procurement aligns with the NTMA's strategic objective to maintain robust and secure network infrastructure. The NTMA's existing network infrastructure requires upgrading and support to ensure continuity and efficiency in managing financial operations and services. The procurement is part of a broader initiative to enhance technological capabilities and service delivery.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €12.7 million
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Product Liability: €1 million
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million
• Certifications:
• Cisco Gold Partnership and Reseller authorization.
• Minimum of one Cisco CCIE Certified Engineer and one Cisco CCNP Certified Engineer.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) criteria, with a 60/40 split between quality and cost.

6. Submission requirements

• Method statement / response document: Use Schedule 3 (Form of Tender).
• CVs: Not specified.
• Pricing schedule: Provide costs in euro, exclusive of VAT.
• Case studies: Not specified.
• Declarations: ESPD, Tax clearance, Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: eTenders; electronic submission only.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract duration is three years, with no specified extensions. Payment terms are not detailed. Key SLAs include a 4-hour response to major incidents and Next Business Day response for less critical issues. Liquidated damages or penalty regimes are not specified. Termination clauses include potential termination due to conflicts of interest. IP ownership and sub-contracting rules are not detailed. No parent-company guarantee or bond requirements are specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The tender requires a Cisco Gold Partnership, potentially limiting the bidder pool. The insurance requirements are substantial, which may pose a barrier for smaller firms. The contract's scope may be increased or reduced at the NTMA's discretion, introducing uncertainty in workload and revenue. The requirement for specific Cisco certifications could favor incumbents or established Cisco partners.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for firms with a strong Cisco partnership and the ability to meet high insurance thresholds. Companies should have Cisco-certified personnel and experience in network equipment supply and support. Consortium bids are allowed, with joint and several liability. Bid preparation may take several days, given the need for detailed technical and pricing submissions. The presence of incumbent-like requirements suggests strong competition from established Cisco partners.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: 2024PR076 RFT Cisco Network Licensing and Support.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: eTenders messaging facility
• Important attachments:
• Schedule 1 (Minimum Requirements)
• Schedule 2 (Award Criterion)
• Schedule 4 (The Supplies)