Business Internet and SIP Trunk Services for ECLAC Washington Office

The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UN ECLAC) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to gather information from qualified vendors regarding their capabilities to provide business Internet connectivity and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Trunk services for its Washington, D.C. office. UN ECLAC requires robust and reliable internet and voice communication services for its office located at 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1120 Washington, DC. These services are critical for daily operations, including data transfer, video conferencing, and general telecommunications. This RFI aims to identify solutions that align with both existing operational needs and newly defined technical standards. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or a commitment to purchase any services. The information obtained from this RFI will assist UN ECLAC in refining its requirements and determining the most suitable procurement approach for future solicitations. This RFI will have NO COST for ECLAC. UN ECLAC appreciates your assistance in this market survey and stresses that this effort is for planning purposes only. Responses will not be treated as proposals. To respond to this RFI, please submit the information requested in the questionnaire via e-mail to jesus.quinteroruiz@un.org with copy to marcela.morales@un.org on or before the deadline date indicated in the system. Specific Requirements/Information UN ECLAC seeks information on the provision of a comprehensive Internet link and SIP Trunk service package that includes, but is not limited to, the following components: A. Network Services 1. Connectivity: ◦ Service must be provided at the public switch ports of UN ECLAC's external switch. ◦ Hardware outside the public switch will be provided by the Internet Service Provider (ISP). ◦ A minimum 100 Mbps (upload and download) fiber optic link is required for integrated traffic. ◦ The link must include six (6) public routable IP addresses for the Router, Firewall, and videoconference equipment. ◦ The service must be provided without any traffic shaping or traffic restrictions. 2. Performance Metrics: ◦ The last mile connection must be over copper or fiber optic cable. ◦ A minimum monthly uptime of >= 99.7% is mandatory. ◦ The error rate must be < 1.E-7 (BER). ◦ Latency time must be < 100 ms to the Internet backbone in the USA. 3. Information Management Software: ◦ The provider must offer Information Management software to provide various reports on link usage, performance, and link status (real-time and historical data). B. Initial Configuration and Installation Service Scope of Work 1. Installation and Verification: ◦ Installation, configuration, and verification of all link cabling, hardware, and software required to enable the service. ◦ The entire installation process should not exceed 45 working days. 2. On-site Assistance: ◦ On-site assistance to the ECLAC staff in the initial verification of the installation (when the service is connected to the UNECLAC Santiago firewall). C. Service Level Agreement (SLA) 1. Router Monitoring with Proactive Customer Contact (Advanced Managed Router): ◦ UN ECLAC must have access to the Information Management software to provide various reports on link usage, performance with reports, and link status (real-time and historic). ◦ Proactive call to Customer upon failure of PING monitoring within a maximum of 30 minutes of outage detection. 2. On Call Support: ◦ Phone Support 24 x 7 must be available. ◦ Problem resolution response time must not be greater than half a business day. 3. Hardware Replacement: ◦ For hardware failure determination, hardware will be on site and operational by COB, not later than the next business day. D. Service Call Manager (SIP Trunk) 1. SIP Trunk Integration: ◦ Provision of a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Trunk between the office's Cisco Call Manager Express and the provider’s integration point. 2. Audio and Video Support: ◦ Mandatory support of G.711 or G.729 (desirable) audio codecs and at least 10 audio channels. 3. PSTN Connection: ◦ Connection to a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) through the mentioned link for local, cell phone, and long-distance calls from the office through the IP network of the provider with 5 voice channels. 4. DID and DoD Services: ◦ Direct Inward Dialing (DiD) and Direct Outward Dialing (DoD) services for incoming and outgoing calls with caller identification. ◦ Provision of 10 DID station numbers, including the range of existing numbers: 202.596.3713-3732. 5. Information Management Software: ◦ Information Management software to provide various reports on link usage, performance, and link status (real-time and historic).   E. Indicative Pricing Information: ◦ Provide an indicative price structure for the services, including: ▪ Monthly Comprehensive Internet Provision Service Fee for a minimum of 100 Mbps or higher speed using fiber optics. ▪ Monthly SIP trunk fee. ▪ Monthly rental fee for public IP addresses (please specify for 6 and/or 14 IPs). ▪ Installation fees (if applicable). ▪ Any other additional fees. ◦ An indicative total contract amount for 60 months. ◦ Please advise if annual fees would be readjusted and when new upgrades and services are available Interested parties are kindly requested to provide the information mentioned above and/or all additional information, e.g., specifications, delivery time, cost, etc., in PDF format to the e-mail addresses indicated. Please note the following: 1. All costs involved preparing a response for the RFI must be covered by the vendor. 2. This RFI is a separate and independent process. 3. Information received in response to the RFI will only be used by the UN for internal planning purposes. All responses will be kept strictly confidential and only authorized personnel will have access to it. 4. The response to this RFI will not be used to pre-qualify vendors. 5. The provided information will not be contractually binding to the vendor. 6. To keep response formats consistent, the responses must be in a PDF document.