Provision of Wide Area Network (WAN) with Azure Express Routes (Multi- Site Connectivity)

Tender description

This Prior Information Notice (PIN) is to give advance notice that the General Dental Council (GDC) intends to undertake a tendering exercise for the provision of Wide Area Network (WAN) of internet access across the Councils two locations in London and Birmingham. We intend to use this notice to engage providers in written and or face to face interactions . This will give the GDC a better understanding of what is presently obtainable in the market in terms of price, technology and general trend. We intend to engage three providers in discussions on the 26th February 2024. This will be on first come first served basis. The WAN is expected to provide uninterrupted, fast internet access to the GDC for access to the wider world. GDC would like to take the opportunity to transit to latest technology available in the provision of this service. The WAN service will aim to deliver secure connectivity for authorised devices at GDC’s locations. The scope of the service includes WAN connectivity to provide secure access to staff. The engagement with the market will be via written and or face to face communication. The GDC will communicate any engagement opportunities via the Delta e-Sourcing portal. You will need to register against this requirement on Delta e-Sourcing to receive any further information on participating in any such engagement. Please see link at section VI.3) below. Lot 1: GDC’s current network consist of the summary as follows: •Internet Access to the outside world, WAN (Wide Area Network) Connectivity •RA02 Network with 500/1Gb diverse routing network out from both our locations Birmingham and London – WAN and Internet Connectivity •Azure Express Routes from Birmingham and London •External IPs for Birmingham and London – x28 in total x14 each location •SIP Trunks – x30 active in Birmingham •SIP Trunks – x30 active in London. •Telephone Lines – Active and Standby with free 01/02/03 Mobile Calls x 30 Going forward supplier to note the new solution proposed should be compatible with below GDC Firewalls. • London Palo Alto 1420’s x2 Active/Passive Birmingham Palo Alto 3220’s x2 Active/Passive Although not network capacity issues have been identified – a pre assessment of throughput and usage would be suggested and network bearer identified accordingly taking into account future demands on bandwidth. An insight into the onboarding and transition process is crucial so GDC can understand timelines involved. Additional information: The GDC has spent over £300,000 on this service over the past seven years