E2BN Network Framework Tender.

Descriptions

The East of England Broadband Network (E2BN) is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced suppliers who wish to be considered for inclusion in a Framework Agreement(s) for the provision of Network associated equipment and services with the focus on last mile connectivity.E2BN was formed as part of the National Grid for Learning initiative and currently represents the local government authorities of Cambridgeshire County Council, , Norfolk County Council, Suffolk County Council, and the unitary authorities of Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, Peterborough, Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea. Other public authority members may properly be admitted from time to time. E2BN aims are to: (a) provide high quality learning content to schools, other learners, learning institutions and the general public; and (b) provide links with public institutions, such as Local Authorities, libraries; and (c) secure best value high bandwidth connectivity and other associated services for schools and other relevant bodies.E2BN are currently connecting many schools directly throughout the UK.Much of E2BNs existing provision is through existing contracted provision which expires in autumn 2014. E2BN are now seeking to refresh that contracted position with the award of a new framework contract which is expected to be for a period of up to 3 years with the option to extend by a further 1 year.The replacement of Framework Agreement arrangements for the following:1. Network routing and switching equipment (including wireless transmission equipment and antenna);2. Software for operating and managing network equipment;3. Other network associated equipment and services such as servers, firewall, cabling, caching equipment, content delivery mechanisms, telephony equipment, video communication, etc;4. Carrier services providing data, voice, video and other multi media services;5. Hosting, co-location and other services such as offsite backup;6. Installation, maintenance and support services for such equipment and services;7. Associated consultancy services such as network design, analysis, security, and project management.The framework is expected to enable not only E2BN but its members and their associated public partners and other educational users within the UK having a character similar to E2BN's members or their associated partners to benefit from competed best value call off of relevant services. It is also expected the framework will enable service users to expand, upgrade and replace network based services.E2BN will seek from suppliers the most appropriate, economically advantageous solution to the services and supplies referred to in the Descriptive Document and above. Contracts may be let for one or more of the requirements above or any part or parts thereof.Any company bidding should be adequately experienced in managing and administering contracts and services of this size. Financial and other information need not be supplied initially as a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire and a Descriptive Document will be issued to all companies expressing an interest.Note: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit http://www.mytenders.org/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA1747 or tender@e2bn.orgNote: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the myTenders Web Site at http://www.myTenders.org/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=139016.