Provision of a fully managed satellite connectivity service

The UN - World Food Programme (WFP) is the food aid arm of the United Nations and the largest international food aid Organization in the world.

WFP provides private network connectivity for about 180 locations via satellite in approximately 80 countries in which it operates. This network accommodates approximately 50 shorter term sub offices in some countries as a second part of the network coverage during emergencies. What is needed is a communications solution that does not have a high capital cost for the outstation and has flexibility of facilities and running costs.  WFP requires a system with an “entry level” set of limited communication services for a low running cost which can be expanded to provide the comprehensive communication services necessary during periods of emergency operation with the (natural) associated increase in running costs.

In addition there is a requirement to provide internet access for many offices that do not have access to a local ISP. The characteristics of this access are a best effort contention based service which can be delivered over the same satellite outstation which provides the corporate connectivity.

For some years there have been many VSAT systems that address either the lower end of contended internet browser access via satellite or the upper end of the large fixed capacity trunks needed for large corporate sites. WFP is aware that recent innovations in the satellite industry have done much to address both these categories and in addition the middle ground of 1-5Mb links for moderately sized corporate sites that need a mix of corporate application access and internet browsing using a single outstation modem/router. In issuing this RFP it is hoped that bidders will offer such systems allowing WFP to utilise additional bandwidth without an increase in the Periodic Recurring Cost.

The full technical requirements and details will be provided with a formal solicitation document to be issued at a later stage, soon after the closing date for this EOI.

General Conditions:

Vendors interested in participating in this solicitation are invited to express their interest via fax or email citing the full name of the company, complete address, telephone and fax number as well as the name and title of a designated point of contact.

This notice does not constitute solicitation. WFP reserves the right to change or cancel this requirement at any time in the EOI and/or solicitation process. WFP Procurement considers a firm's qualifications and experience in the particular commodity/service area, and previous performance, when preparing a list of invitees. Therefore, in case of EOIs concerning equipment or supplies, for responding vendors who are not manufacturers, full details of the vendor's status, as a factory-appointed wholesaler or distributor, must be provided if not already on file with WFP Procurement.