The Provision of Design and Build Services for a modern and secure LAN, WLAN infrastructure for the Campus, Halls of Residence and Data Centre using a capital funded refresh approach

Award outcome

Description

The Network Transformation Programme has commenced by commissioning PTS Consulting to develop and present a number of key documents that have enabled the iSolutions team to develop and obtain approval for a Business Case for the new network infrastructure. The NTP has also allowed the University to consolidate data network projects addressing the active network equipment, data network security and network physical infrastructure into a single programme for this procurement. The Project will replace all end-of-life wired and wireless network infrastructure, at the various layers - core, distribution, access. The scope will include all permanently connected campuses and smaller sites in the local region (includes academic campuses, sport facilities, data centres and halls of residence), focusing on internal and external spaces. The project will engage strongly with the 10-year building programme. There is however more to this programme than simply replacing hardware. The scope will include the ongoing development of features and capabilities required to deliver the listed objectives, along with other user-orientated or device-orientated journeys required from a modern 'smart' campus network. The convenience and flexibility of wireless networking has resonated strongly with our user community. Wireless standards and technologies continue to develop such that network speeds equivalent to and sometimes in excess of wired network access are now achievable. This Project provides a strategic requirement to adopt a predominantly wireless campus approach, thus reducing investment and maintenance of wired infrastructure. The rollout of network switches is a large-scale and potentially long duration project that needs to be completed outside of business hours. As such the Project requires that switches are procured in line with the deployment to maximise equipment lifetime. The network already supports an increasing number of smart building management systems that contribute to creating a safe, comfortable, and efficient workplace. The network will underpin the transition to an intelligent campus, drawing information from a growing variety of IoT (Internet of Things) sensor devices. Procurement Process: This procurement process is being conducted using the Competitive Dialogue procedure; consisting of the selection stage, dialogues and Invitation to Tender stages. Selection Stage: An overall pass mark of 60 % shall apply to this stage. The intention is to arrive at a shortlist of a maximum of five qualified potential suppliers for formal invitation to participate in dialogue. Contract Period: The University proposes to enter into a Contract for seven years - this will be the maximum contract period, including any potential extensions with the successful tenderer(s). This will comprise of an initial contract period of five years with an option to extend by a further two years subject to satisfactory performance. Additional information: E-Tendering Portal: The University is utilising an electronic tendering tool, In-Tend (https://in-tendhost.co.uk/universityofsouthampton/aspx/Home) to manage this procurement and to communicate with potential suppliers and/or tenderers (as appropriate). All documentation in relation to this tender can be downloaded from In-Tend. Potential suppliers/tenderers are advised that there will be no hard copy documents issued and all communications with the University, including the submission of Selection Stage and/or Invitation to Tender responses will be conducted via In-Tend. Regular monitoring of the portal is the responsibility of the potential supplier/tenderer. If you are not already registered as a supplier with the University of Southampton, you will need to register in In-Tend in order to access the procurement documentation. Once you have logged in as a supplier: click on 'Tenders'; locate the relevant project; and click 'View Details'. Once you are in the project screen, you will be able to register your organisation against the project and access all documentation by clicking 'Express Interest'. Potential suppliers/tenderers are advised that formal expressions of interest in the project must be by way of completion and return of the relevant documents via In-Tend. Please note, to preserve the integrity of the procurement, all communications with the University must be made via the correspondence function within In-Tend. Publication of Award Details: In accordance with Regulation 50, paragraph (2) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and subject to Article 5 and Annex 5, Part D (13) of Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (if applicable), the University intends to publish the value of any resulting contract at the award stage, and reserves the right to do so. By submitting a response, potential suppliers/tenderers are consenting to publication of this information unless otherwise agreed in advance with the University. Costs and Expenses: Potential suppliers/tenderers are solely responsible for their costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation and submission of responses and participation in this and all future stages of this procurement. Under no circumstances will the University be liable for any costs or expenses borne by potential suppliers/tenderers or any of their supply chain, partners or advisers in this procurement process. The University is not liable for any costs in the event of the cancellation of this procurement process.

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