**GÉANT GN5 - Packet Layer Routing Infrastructure Replacement - Supply & Support **
GÉANT is a fundamental element of Europe’s e-infrastructure, delivering the pan-European GÉANT network for scientific excellence, research, education and innovation. Through its integrated catalogue of connectivity, collaboration and identity services, GÉANT provides users with highly reliable, unconstrained access to computing, analysis, storage, applications and other resources, to ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of research.
GÉANT is seeking secure a long term supplier of non server based, carrier grade, packet layer router equipment and a comprehensive range of support services for use as our GÉANT hosted, “on premise” solution within the whole of the GÉANT European research network for a period of up to 10 years.
Note that the value given below is an estimate of total for the entire possible term and is not a guaranteed value.
The existing GEANT packet layer equipment has been in operation for approaching 10 years and is reaching the end of its supportable life. With an economic life expectancy in the region of 8-10 years from installation we now require a new commercial and contractual model that supports the acquisition(and ongoing, ‘in depth support’) of new packet layer routing equipment in a flexible and cost-effective way.
The aim of this procurement exercise is the award of a single Framework Agreement for the supply and support of packet layer routing equipment and services which GÉANT will use for the purchase and support of said equipment in its core business – that of designing, building and operating the GÉANT network.
GÉANT intends to award a framework agreement to a single supplier once this tender exercise is complete. The term is intended to be a maximum of 10 years with an initial term of 4 years, followed by 6 potential (and optional at GÉANT’s discretion) extension periods of one year each.
The rationale for the extended term duration of the proposed Framework is linked to the typical return on investment period for this type of equipment which is in the region of between 8 to 12 years. The existing estate has been in use within GEANT since 2013 and it is planned to start the replacement during 2023/24.
GÉANT will require continuity of supply over a period of greater than 4 years thus the term of the Framework will be set at a maximum of 10 years. The total framework agreement term, including possible extensions is therefore 10 years.