The University of Chicago (UChicago) is seeking responses from qualified partners to provide a network access control (NAC) solution. We are seeking a partner(s) who can work with Information Technology Services (ITS) to develop a solution that meets business requirements.
UChicago's network connects 60,000+ wireless devices, and 45,000+ wired devices. Up to 10,000 users can connect to the UChicago network via VPN. The NAC solution UChicago seeks should be able to classify all of these devices properly and configure connectivity for these devices based on pre-configured criteria. UChicago is a BYOD environment supporting all kinds of user devices and operating systems. All kinds of non-user devices (printers, security cameras, etc.) are also connected and need to be placed in the proper VLAN for the device profile. UChicago supports best-of-breed network technology and the NAC solution should be capable of interfacing with any vendor. Support limitations to device or network systems should be listed in the requirements section of this document.
The requirements for the NAC solution are detailed in the attachment D spreadsheet. Criteria for selecting a vendor are listed below in order of importance:
• Adherence to the technical requirements.
• Costs.
• Ease of management and use of the NAC solution.
If you are an OEM, please indicate if you will be responding to this UChicago RFP directly or through a VAR. If through a VAR, please provide a primary or secondary.
Please note, UChicago does not allow a VAR to work with multiple OEMS and will assign the VARs based on order.
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: July 6th, 2022
- Intention to participate and questions due: July 13th, 2022, 4pm CT
- Responses to vendor questions: July 15th, 2022, 4pm CT
- Proposal due: July 29, 2022, 4pm CT
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.