Dear Supplier,
The University of Chicago is seeking responses from qualified partners to provide access layer routing and switching hardware to replace our existing legacy infrastructure. We are seeking a partner(s) who can deliver this network hardware in a timeline that meets the University of Chicago's business requirements.
Information Technology Services (ITS) currently manages a project requiring 350 access layer switches and 20 building aggregation routers. The project deployment deadline is June 30, 2023, for these switches. Phase 2 of the project will require an additional 370 access layer switches and 47 building aggregation routers with an implementation due date of June 30, 2024.
The requirements for the network hardware that we are seeking from a partner(s) are listed below in order of importance:
• The switch and router must meet our technical requirements listed in Attachment D.
• Shipping interval from vendor receipt of PO to UChicago receipt of hardware must be detailed. This should be the date UChicago should expect to receive equipment and not the date the vendor will ship.
• Hardware costs
If you have refurbished hardware options, please provide separate pricing for these options in the cost response.
Your proposal should be limited to a single OEM's product or solution that meets the RFP's requirements. A proposal containing multiple OEMs' products or solutions will not be considered by the University.
If you are a VAR or a distributor submitting a proposal on behalf of an OEM, your proposal should include a document confirming that you are an authorized VAR or distributor of the OEM.
All information contained in this invitation to submit a proposal is considered strictly confidential and should not be shared with any individuals outside of your firm. If your firm does not plan to submit a bid, please decline accordingly, and return any confidential information to our attention.
Should your firm decide to bid, the proposal should be no more than 15 pages (excluding covers and table of contents.) Maximum page limits are specified below by section. We would like you to organize your proposal as follows:
1. Transmittal Letter (1 page) -- Summarize the solution/services being offered, the firm's recent and relevant experience in this space, and the name and qualifications of the individual that will have overall responsibility for the engagement.
2. Experience and Qualifications (<=4 pages) – Describe the relevant experience of the firm and key recently completed solutions provided to your clients.
3. Solution/Services Description (<=7 pages) – Describe solution/services proposed to meet the above listed capabilities we are seeking. We are looking to implement the solution by June 30, 2023.
4. Pricing (<=2 pages) – Provide an overall cost total and the basis of pricing for this solution.
5. References (1 page) – Provide three (3) references where your firm completed similar engagements for a higher education client. Include contact information for the day-to-day contact for your reference.
6. Attachment D filled in with responses to requirements. These requirements are listed in the Aggregation, Access, and Support Requirements tabs.
Response Timeline:
• Release Date: April 15, 2022
• Intention to participate and questions due: April 20, 2022, 4pm CT
• Responses to vendor questions: April 21, 2022, 4pm CT
• Proposal due: April 29, 2022, 4pm
Bidders are responsible for all costs of producing the proposal and submitting it on time. Bidders are encouraged to email the proposal with enough advance time so receipt can be confirmed within the deadline.
Note to Supplier: Please be advised that the requested quantities associated with this order are subject to change.
Regards,
Char Bermingham
IT Sourcing Manager, Procurement Services
The University of Chicago
6054 S. Drexel Ave., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60637
773-834-9096 / cberming@uchicago.edu
The University of Chicago