Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a reputable service provider to deliver comprehensive network connectivity, security, and cloud integration services for CapeNature over an initial period of 3 years, extendable to 5 years. The solution aims to ensure reliable, scalable, and secure wide-area network (WAN) and internet services, including SD-WAN infrastructure, firewalls, Azure ExpressRoute, telephony, and mobile connectivity (APN), supporting CapeNature’s operational and strategic needs with high availability and minimal disruption.

Scope

The scope encompasses:

• Provision, installation, configuration, and maintenance of SD-WAN infrastructure across 43 sites and the Cape Town head office.
• Deployment of enterprise-grade firewalls with high availability and security features.
• Establishment of a centralised internet breakout and redundant internet links with failover capabilities.
• Provision of a secure corporate APN service supporting approximately 400 SIM cards with management portal and security controls.
• Implementation of Microsoft Teams telephony with PSTN breakout, call routing, and integration.
• Provision of a dedicated Azure ExpressRoute connection for secure cloud connectivity.
• Transition planning, business continuity, and ongoing support to ensure seamless migration and minimal operational impact.

Technical Requirements

The technical scope includes:

• Network Infrastructure: SD-WAN devices (preferably Cisco Meraki MX series or equivalent), dual WAN links with automatic failover, proactive monitoring, QoS prioritisation, and support for future scalability.
• Security: Enterprise firewalls supporting IPS/IDS, UTM, VPN, malware protection, web filtering, DLP, and detailed logging. Firewalls must be highly available, support active/passive configurations, and be manageable remotely with 24/7 monitoring.
• Connectivity: Dedicated fibre connections (minimum 200 Mbps), wireless backup links, and Azure ExpressRoute with zone redundancy, BGP routing, and QoS features.
• Mobile Connectivity (APN): Secure, centrally managed SIM-based mobile data service with real-time usage monitoring, device binding, and security controls.
• Telephony: Microsoft Teams integrated voice services supporting PSTN breakout, number porting, QoS, encryption, and redundancy.
• Transition & Support: Detailed migration, rollback, and business continuity plans, SLA commitments with 99.8% uptime, proactive incident management, and regular reporting.

Skills Requirements

The bidder must demonstrate:

• Proven Experience: Documented successful delivery and support of large-scale WAN, SD-WAN, firewall, and cloud connectivity solutions within South Africa, preferably for public sector or enterprise clients.
• Technical Certifications: Relevant industry certifications such as Cisco, Fortinet, Microsoft, VMware, ITIL, ISO/IEC 27001, or equivalent.
• Client References: At least four references from similar projects, highlighting scope, duration, and client contact details.
• Financial Stability: Evidence of sufficient resources and financial stability to support long-term service commitments (minimum 5 years).
• Local Presence: Management teams and support personnel based in South Africa, with capability to support remote sites, including rural reserves.

The successful bidder must also possess strong project management skills, ability to develop detailed transition plans, and provide ongoing support aligned with ITIL best practices, ensuring high service availability, security, and continuous improvement.