Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure a Network Time Protocol (NTP) Server Device Managed Service, including maintenance and support, for a period of 5 years. The solution aims to provide accurate, secure, and reliable time synchronization services to support Eskom’s operational requirements.

Scope

The scope encompasses the supply, implementation, configuration, testing, deployment, stabilization, data migration, and integration of a Network Time Protocol Server device and associated software. It also includes ongoing maintenance, support, and managed services over five years. The solution must adhere to specified technical standards, security requirements, and compliance obligations, including support for various timing protocols and industry standards such as IEC 61850 and IEEE 1588 PTP.

Technical Requirements

• Reference Clock Technology: Utilize multiple atomic references (cesium/rubidium) with GPS/GNSS synchronization; device must maintain stratum 1 operation with ±100 nanoseconds RMS accuracy to UTC.
• Holdover Stability: Feature OCXO oscillator with stability of ±250ms/year or rubidium atomic clock with ±1ms/year during reference signal loss.
• Timestamping: Hardware-based timestamping on all network interfaces with ±15 nanoseconds precision.
• Security Capabilities: Support NTP authentication with SHA-256 or better, TACACS+/RADIUS integration, encrypted communications (IPsec/TLS), DoS detection/protection, GPS spoofing/jamming detection, role-based access control, secure management interfaces (SSH/TLS), and disable insecure protocols.
• Management & Monitoring: Include power and hardware redundancy, support multiple time sources with automatic failover, web-based management with REST API, SNMP, syslog, and enterprise monitoring system support.
• Reliability & Redundancy: Dual power supplies, hot-swappable components, modular design, and compliance with IEC 61850 standards for utility substation integration.
• Scalability & Performance: Support ≥10 GbE interfaces capable of handling ≥500,000 NTP requests/sec, and support for multiple protocols (NTP, SNTP, PTP, SyncE, IRIG-B, 1PPS, ToD).
• Support for Industry Standards: IEEE 1588 PTP grandmaster functionality, IEC 61850 compliance, and support for multi-protocol operation.
• Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity: Include detailed DR plans, redundancy, and failover capabilities to ensure continuous service during disasters.

Skills Requirements

• Solution Architect: Expertise in clock synchronization technologies, industry standards, and security protocols.
• Technical Architect: Skills in network architecture, security, and system integration.
• Senior Tester & Intermediate Tester: Proficiency in testing hardware and software components, timestamping accuracy, security features, and protocol support.
• Implementation Specialist & Technical Application Specialist: Experience in deploying, configuring, and integrating NTP/PTP devices within complex networks.
• Data Engineers: Capable of data migration, backup, and restore activities, ensuring data integrity and security.
• Support & Maintenance Team: 24/7 monitoring, incident response, firmware/security updates, and support services with a response time of ≤1 hour for critical issues.