Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint an ICT service provider to deliver comprehensive internet and communication services to libraries and government entities in Limpopo Province. The services include internet connectivity, Virtual Private Network (VPN), Local Area Network (LAN), VoIP telephony, facial counting and recognition solutions, Wi-Fi support and maintenance, with a focus on enhancing digital access, security, and community engagement over a three-year period.

Scope

The scope encompasses the provision, installation, support, and maintenance of:

• Internet connection with speeds ranging from 20Mbps to 100Mbps per site, unshaped and uncapped.
• Virtual Private Network (VPN) with content filtering, hosted centrally on Department servers, not cloud-based.
• LAN infrastructure support and maintenance, including network points, switches, and cabling.
• VoIP telephony systems with features like call management, voicemail, IVR, billing, and local number porting.
• Wi-Fi infrastructure supporting Wi-Fi 6 standards with a 180m radius, dual-band access points, POE support, and seamless connectivity.
• Facial counting and recognition solutions using HD IP cameras, edge servers, and centralized data processing for real-time visitor analytics and reporting.
• Support and maintenance services, including remote and on-site support, equipment replacement, and cybersecurity measures.

The project covers 128 libraries and additional government sites, with installation and operational readiness expected within two months of contract award.

Technical Requirements

• Dedicated, uncontended, and unshaped internet links via fibre, microwave, LTE, or ADSL, with VSAT links limited to 5% of sites.
• Centralized content filtering and VPN management platform, hosted on Department servers, with MFA for external access.
• Wi-Fi 6 access points supporting dual-band, 180m radius, POE, and plug-and-play installation.
• Facial recognition system with HD IP cameras, edge servers for local processing, and a central server for data analytics, capable of offline operation with synchronization.
• VoIP system with on-premises PBX, gateways, and phones, supporting features like conferencing, call transfer, billing, and number porting.
• Network infrastructure support including cabling, power, surge protection, and rack installation.
• Cybersecurity, data privacy, and compliance with POPI Act, ISO standards, and Department policies.
• Real-time monitoring, reporting dashboards, and capacity planning tools for network and system performance.

Skills and Skills Requirements

• Proven experience in deploying and supporting large-scale ICT infrastructure in government or similar environments, with references.
• Technical expertise in network design, installation, and maintenance of LAN, WAN, VPN, and Wi-Fi systems supporting Wi-Fi 6 standards.
• Specialized knowledge in facial recognition and biometric systems, including HD IP cameras, edge computing, and data security.
• VoIP telephony system design, implementation, and support, with experience in PBX, gateways, and billing systems.
• Cybersecurity, data privacy, and compliance with POPI and ISO standards, including cybersecurity frameworks and incident response.
• Project management skills, with certified project managers (Prince2/PMP) and experienced technical managers.
• Support and maintenance capability, including remote and on-site support teams, equipped with ICASA ECNS licenses and operational vehicles.
• Capacity to conduct feasibility studies, system integration, and future scalability planning.
• Ability to provide comprehensive documentation, training, and ongoing support aligned with ITIL, ISO 9001, ISO 27001, and ISO 20000 standards.