Objectives

The primary objective of the tender is to supply, install, and maintain an integrated telecommunications solution for Internet Service Provision, Network, Hosted VoIP, and Call Center management over a period of 36 months. The solution aims to enhance connectivity, communication, and operational efficiency for Mkhondo Local Municipality by providing reliable internet, VoIP telephony, and related network infrastructure.

Scope

The scope encompasses:

• Provision of internet access with specified bandwidths at multiple municipal sites.
• Installation and configuration of SD-WAN technology for network connectivity.
• Deployment of Local Area Network (LAN) infrastructure including switches, cabinets, and fiber components.
• Implementation of a digital telephony system (VoIP), including hosted PBX, on-site PBX, and associated hardware.
• Provision of call center and service desk solutions with necessary hardware and software.
• Provision of support, maintenance, and training for all systems over 36 months.
• Number porting and management of telephony numbers.

The solution must support a minimum of 100 IP phones, include capacity for future expansion, and ensure seamless integration across all sites.

Technical Requirements

• Reliable high-speed internet connectivity (e.g., 100Mbps fiber lines, wireless links).
• SD-WAN technology supporting cloud management, analytics, and reporting with vendor support (minimum Gold status OEM partnership).
• Structured LAN infrastructure with specified hardware (cabinets, switches, fiber components).
• VoIP system with features such as call recording, conferencing, softphones, and integration with existing telephony infrastructure.
• Hosted PBX with capacity for over 100 IP phones, supporting SIP protocol, PoE phones, and remote management.
• Call rates for national calls (landline and mobile) to be provided.
• Call center solution with ticketing, reporting, and integration capabilities.
• Number porting of existing municipal numbers to the new system.
• Support for wireless links, fiber, and SD-WAN configurations across multiple sites.
• Compliance with relevant standards and specifications, including security, redundancy, and scalability.

Skills and Skills Requirements

The successful bidder must demonstrate:

• Proven experience in deploying integrated telecommunications and network solutions, with at least five years in similar projects.
• Capability to design, implement, and support SD-WAN, LAN, and VoIP systems.
• OEM accreditation and partnership status (minimum Gold level) for SD-WAN and network hardware.
• Technical expertise in fiber optics, wireless links, network hardware, and VoIP telephony.
• Qualified personnel with relevant ICT certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCNP, Cisco, or equivalent).
• Ability to provide comprehensive project management, including planning, installation, testing, and post-installation support.
• Capacity to conduct training and knowledge transfer to municipal staff.
• Demonstrated financial stability and resources to undertake and sustain the project over 36 months.
• Experience in managing large-scale, multi-site ICT infrastructure projects with a focus on security, redundancy, and scalability.