TR5105 - DWDM optical transport equipment

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) seeks a supplier for a Dense Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (DWDM) optical transport solution. This includes the provision of equipment, design, build, operation, and ongoing support. The solution will be deployed across eleven ESB Networks Telecoms locations, including ESB-owned telecoms, HV substations, generation stations, buildings, and third-party data centres within the Republic of Ireland. A key requirement is to support critical operational telecommunications services, including blackstart capabilities. The DWDM network will extend to data and control centres, enabling high-capacity links (10 to 100 Gbps channels) for smart grid applications and ensuring resilient connectivity for future ESB Networks and Eirgrid operational data centres.

The contract scope encompasses:

• DWDM Equipment Provision:
• High- and Low-Density active equipment.
• Passive DWDM filters.
• Active equipment enclosures.
• A network management system to support active equipment.
• National line interfaces supporting 100G.
• Optical line systems capable of supporting multiple 100G channels per link.
• Inline fibre monitoring capabilities integrated within the DWDM solution.
• Professional Engineering Services:
• Project management and coordination.
• Installation, configuration, commissioning, and testing of DWDM network infrastructure.
• Design approaches ensuring high levels of network resilience, survivability, and availability.
• Suitability for operational telecommunications infrastructure in electric utility, other utility, or emergency services environments.
• Use of appropriately qualified and experienced design and engineering resources.
• Site surveys for passive CWDM/DWDM network element installation.
• Staging of enclosures and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).
• Ongoing Support and Lifecycle Management:
• Operational support for DWDM hardware and software.
• Advanced technical support (Level 4 and Level 5 troubleshooting for hardware and software).
• Training of ESB personnel for Level 1 to Level 3 troubleshooting.
• Long-term lifecycle support, including security patching, firmware upgrades, hardware upgrades, repairs, and spare parts provision.
• Provision of a technical support contract for the full contract lifecycle.
• Network Management System:
• Design, deployment, and integration with the DWDM infrastructure.
• Capability to support large-scale, complex DWDM networks.
• An intuitive dashboard with integrated fibre and performance monitoring.
• Advanced tools for remote configuration, software patching, and firmware upgrades.
• Comprehensive monitoring and alarm management, including real-time event handling and fault identification.
• Provision of outputs to Northbound interfaces for integration with a central network management platform.
• Cybersecurity:
• Design and deployment in compliance with the Network and Information Systems (NIS) Directive 2016/1148 or equivalent.
• Compliance with international cybersecurity standards (ISO 27000 series, IEC 62443).
• Alignment with NIS Directive requirements and cybersecurity practices for critical national infrastructure.
• Use of appropriately qualified and experienced cybersecurity and engineering resources.
• Equipment Replacement:
• Decommissioning of existing equipment.
• Transfer of services through change management with the ESB Networks Telecoms Operations Centre.
• Training:
• Operation and Maintenance training for ESB TOC Team and Field Teams (5 days for Field Team, 3 days for TOC Team) at ESB premises. Training to be conducted twice for each team.

3. Background & buyer context

Electricity Supply Board (ESB), established in 1927 and majority owned by the Irish Government, is a vertically integrated utility operating across generation, transmission, and distribution. ESB's strategy, "Driven to Make a Difference: Achieving Net Zero by 2040," prioritizes sustainability and leadership in the transition to a net-zero future. ESB procures supplies, services, and works with positive environmental, social, and economic impacts, aligning with ISO 20400 Sustainable Procurement standards. The procurement of this DWDM optical transport solution supports ESB's commitment to modernizing its infrastructure for smart grid applications and ensuring reliable operational telecommunications. ESB is a founding member of the Irish Supply Chain Sustainability School.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement:
• A minimum average annual turnover of €1,500,000 (excluding VAT) over the two previous financial years. This applies to a single applicant without reliance on other entities, or to the combined turnover of an applicant and any entities being relied upon, or to each applicant member in a consortium (individually or consolidated with entities being relied upon).
• Insurance:
• Public/Products Liability Insurance: Minimum indemnity limit of €6.5 million per claim, and in aggregate for Products Liability.
• Employer’s Liability Insurance: Minimum indemnity limit of €13 million per claim.
• Cyber Liability Insurance: Minimum indemnity limit of €2 million per claim and in annual aggregate.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum indemnity limit of €2 million per claim and in annual aggregate.
• Bidders must provide a statement from their insurer(s) confirming required minimum cover is in place or willingness to provide higher levels if awarded the contract.
• Certifications:
• Compliance with EN ISO 9001 or equivalent, certified by an accredited independent third party.
• Compliance with ISO 14001 or EMAS.
• Compliance with ISO 45001, Safe T Cert, or an equivalent safety management system, certified by an accredited independent third party.
• Operation to a recognised information security standard such as ISO 27001 or equivalent.
• 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

Criterion Weight (%) Sub-criteria