1877 Provision of Replacement Networking Solution for De Monfort University, Leicester

The University requires the Provision of Replacement Networking Solution.

DMU has operated its existing campus network design and infrastructure since 2011. Our business model and demands of our customers have changed significantly during this period, as has the technical capabilities that network providers can deliver. The existing solution, whilst functional, is now end of life and cannot deliver the functionality required to securely support the growing digital demands of our users. Unless our campus network infrastructure is upgraded, we are unable to provide the enhanced security benefits and functionality of a modern, supported network and deliver the foundational elements that underpin our approved digital strategy.

Following the carrying out of a thorough network / market review at a vendor level, DMU has now identified that Extreme networks can provide and offer the best optimal technology to support DMU's future requirements. The Extreme wired network will also integrate well with our existing HP Aruba WiFi technology, to allow us to maximise recent investments in this area. This choice will also support the desired move to a hybrid cloud architecture, providing fast, secure, resilient access to systems regardless of their location

An internal business case has been produced and signed off within DMU and now DMU wish to proceed ahead with a competitive procurement to purchase such a replacement network. This procurement represents a Further Competition against the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) Framework RM6116 Network Services 3 (Framework), Lot 2a LAN: Local Connectivity Services; in order to now identify a trusted Extreme partner for the University to work with going forward that can provide a finalised design / Bill of Materials and implement / support a modern, secure and robust campus network in 2024 that will underpin the creation of a smart digital campus for DMU for the future.

Full details of the University's Requirements can be found in the Specification contained within this ITT (Schedule 2). As already alluded to in the preceding paragraphs above, DMU has now settled on a chosen technology platform going forward, following the carrying out of a comprehensive network / market review and now wishes to procure a Solution and associated working partner. This procurement is open to any supplier present on Lot 2a of the above-mentioned Framework, who is therefore certified / able at to provide the specified technology referred to in the paragraphs above, and as set out in more detail in our Requirements at Schedule 2 of this ITT.

Additional information: All information relating to the publishing and Requirements of this procurement and subsequent proposed Contract can be found on the InTend e-tendering portal at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/demontfort/aspx/Home.

Contract Reference: 1877/23. Contract Title: Provision of Replacement Networking Solution. For: De Montfort University, Leicester, UK.

Is a Recurrent Procurement Type? : No