Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a qualified service provider to deliver Internet and VoIP (Telephone Management System) services for Umngeni Municipality over a period of 36 months. The goal is to ensure reliable, managed, and scalable internet connectivity and telecommunication solutions across multiple municipal sites to support operational efficiency and communication needs.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Provision of dedicated, uncapped, managed, and business-grade internet connectivity for approximately 250 users across various municipal sites, including offices, libraries, landfill sites, halls, and other facilities.
• Installation, configuration, support, and maintenance of internet infrastructure to ensure a minimum of 1:1 bandwidth ratio as specified.
• Deployment of a VoIP Telephone Management System featuring conference phones, switchboard functionalities (call answering, forwarding, transfer, retrieval), and 10 public IP addresses.
• Complete setup, installation, and ongoing support with guaranteed uptime of 99% or more, including response times for fault resolution.
• Skills transfer and technical support, including training for the ICT team on system management, firewall administration, and ad-hoc support.
• Scope extension capability to add new sites as required.

Technical Requirements

The technical specifications for the services include:

• Uncontended, unmanaged, business-grade internet connections with sufficient data capacity, loaded on NAP Africa or equivalent infrastructure.
• Guarantee of the specified bandwidth (e.g., 50mbps, 20mbps, etc.) at each site, with provisions for future scalability.
• VoIP system features such as conference calling, call forwarding, transfer, and retrieval, supported by 10 public IP addresses.
• Installation, full setup, and comprehensive maintenance support.
• Uptime guarantee of at least 99%, with response times within 30 minutes for fault resolution.
• Support for areas with fibre infrastructure, prioritizing fibre where available.
• Provision of training and technical support to the municipality’s ICT team, including firewall management and ad-hoc assistance.

Skills Requirements

The successful service provider must demonstrate:

• Experience with similar internet and VoIP projects, including at least three completed projects related to VoIP and Internet services, with relevant appointment letters or references.
• Technical expertise in deploying and managing business-grade internet connections and VoIP systems.
• Qualified personnel with certifications such as CCNA or equivalent in networking and ICT.
• Capability to provide ongoing support, system maintenance, and skills transfer to the municipality’s ICT staff.
• Ability to extend scope and support additional sites as required in future phases.