Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a service provider to supply, implement, integrate, train, and support an Operational Support System (OSS) and an Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) system. These systems are intended to manage and support broadband networks (including WIFI hotspots, 5G, IoT, Cloud services) and ICT services for a period of five years. The solution aims to enhance service fulfillment, service assurance, network management, and field support operations, ensuring interoperability with next-generation networks such as 5G, cloud infrastructure, and SDN, in line with industry standards like TMF NGOSS, TAM, and ITIL.

Scope

The scope encompasses:

• Provision of an OSS to support day-to-day network operations, including network element management, fault detection, performance monitoring, and service assurance across physical, virtual, and cloud environments.
• Implementation of an ITSM module to manage ICT infrastructure, automate IT service requests, and facilitate internal IT operations.
• Integration with existing network elements, element managers, and management systems to avoid duplication and streamline management.
• Compliance with TMF NGOSS, TAM, Open Digital Architecture (ODA), and Open API standards to ensure interoperability and reduce integration costs.
• Support for next-generation networks such as 5G, cloud, and SDN, including virtualisation and software-defined networks.
• Functional management of network inventory, service provisioning, fault and incident management, performance management, change management, and security.
• Provision of self-service portals, dashboards, reporting, and analytics for operational teams and management.
• Integration with existing tools and systems used by SENTECH, including SNMP, REST APIs, and other protocols.

Technical Requirements

The technical specifications include:

• Seamless integration with existing network management systems and applications, supporting open standards and APIs.
• Scalability to handle increasing data volumes, users, and network complexity.
• Real-time data processing with low latency, fault tolerance, and high availability.
• Robust security features, including encryption, access controls, role-based permissions, and compliance with security standards.
• Maintainability with modular architecture, low-code/no-code options, and support for system updates without disruption.
• Support for southbound protocols for network element integration and northbound APIs for BSS and enterprise systems.
• Comprehensive backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity capabilities.
• Demonstrated system capabilities through live demonstrations, including all functional modules and AI integration.
• Compliance with TMF NGOSS, TAM, and Open Digital Architecture frameworks.

Skills and Skills Requirements

The tender specifies the following skills and expertise:

• Proven experience in implementing OSS/BSS solutions for telecommunications networks, including at least three references from communication service providers.
• Demonstrated ability to deploy systems aligned with TMF NGOSS, TAM, and Open Digital Architecture standards.
• Expertise in integrating with existing network management tools and protocols such as SNMP, REST APIs, and vendor-specific systems.
• Capability to support next-generation networks, including 5G, cloud, and SDN environments.
• Strong technical team with local support presence in South Africa.
• Experience in AI and automation practices within OSS platforms.
• Ability to demonstrate system capabilities via live platform demonstrations.
• Knowledge of security standards, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.

In summary, the successful bidder must possess extensive telecommunications network management expertise, technical proficiency in next-gen network standards, integration capabilities, and a proven track record in deploying scalable, secure, and interoperable OSS/ITSM solutions aligned with industry frameworks.