LINK Network and Telephony Services RFI

Tender description

This RFI has been published to make suppliers aware of the requirement to procure replacement contracts for the next iteration of the LINK contracts. This RFI provides supplier's with the opportunity to help develop and shape the future requirements and enable the Council to receive high quality and innovative proposals once the procurement has been published. Initial requirements have been expressed as a series of desired outcomes, which are as follows: o A network connectivity (underlay) and associated services (overlay) solution that can be used by public sector organisations in East Sussex and beyond. o A solution that is delivered as a fully managed service. o A solution with a clear and simple pricing structure where all costs are related to consumption. o A solution that is highly available. o A solution with no single points of failure other than individual access circuits. o A solution that complies with the relevant security requirements for a shared public sector network. o A solution that can easily scale in access circuits as new members join The Link. o A solution that can cope with constant change in the physical estate. o A solution that can cope with rising traffic levels. o A solution that can offer options in terms of access technologies, access speeds and access resilience. o A solution that can carry all forms of voice, video and data communications. o A solution that can meet the performance requirements of the latest UC applications, e.g. Microsoft Teams. o A solution that logically and securely separates traffic by individual organisation. o A solution that can securely support inter-organisational traffic, if required. o A solution that can offer access to the Internet, Cloud Services, HSCN, PSN and the local NHS COIN on a per organisation basis. o A solution that provides detailed management information on a per organisation basis. o A solution that is complemented by high quality service management and account management. o A solution with a responsive support service that resolves faults and issues in a timely manner o A solution that represents value for money. o A solution that can also deliver social value to local communities. o A solution that can support a third party telephony service. o A solution that can support a third party Wi-Fi service. o A solution that can support a seamless transition from the current arrangements. o A solution with innovative contract terms that help to address the issues faced by public sector organisations with ever changing physical estates.