Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT) organises a network equipment tendering process in which LAB University of Applied Sciences, the University of Helsinki and the University of Eastern Finland participate in the tendering process. The contracting entities participating in the tendering process have discussed possible cooperation and assessed that combining network equipment purchases (overall economy brought about by a larger procurement volume) makes overall economic sense. Cooperation in the procurement phase also creates conditions for the exchange of information and competence development in the later stages of development and maintenance.

The object of competitive tendering and procurement is telecommunications network equipment, software, as well as support and installation services. On the basis of joint competitive tendering, each participating contracting entity independently makes decisions, framework agreements and procurements based on contracts.

In the tendering process, suppliers are selected for sub-area-specific priority orders. Areas B to H are technology-specific. Three suppliers are selected for each of the technology-specific areas. All suppliers selected for other areas are automatically selected for Lot A, and sub-tenders cannot be submitted for Lot A alone. Within area A, possible other technologies or technology-independent solutions that are closely related to telecommunications network devices and serve their purposes can also be put out to tender.

The selection of suppliers for lots B to H within the framework agreement takes place through a priority procedure. During the framework agreement, mini-tenders covering all framework agreement suppliers may be organised under Lot A.

The object of the acquisition and its requirements are described in detail in the call for tender and its annexes.

The objective of the procurement is to ensure the availability of telecommunications network equipment, software and any related additional services, as well as compatibility with the contracting entities' existing equipment base and with the new hardware and software acquired under this agreement.

The comparison of offers compares the benchmark prices generated through the pricing of the hardware configurations provided on the Price Form.

Contracting entities do not commit to any purchase volume, but place separate orders for the equipment or related services they need.

All suppliers selected for other areas will automatically be selected for area A, and within sub-area A, possible other technologies or technology-independent solutions that are closely related to telecommunications network devices and serve their purposes can also be mini-tendered.

Purchase Aruba Networks branded hardware and software when technical reasons require such brand. The contracting entity procures the procurement from the suppliers of the sub-area in the order of priority determined on the basis of competitive tendering in the framework agreement.

Juniper Networks branded hardware and software is purchased when technical reasons require such brand. The contracting entity procures the procurement from the suppliers of the sub-area in the order of priority determined on the basis of competitive tendering in the framework agreement.

Purchase Cisco-branded hardware and software when technical reasons require such brand. The contracting entity procures the procurement from the suppliers of the sub-area in the order of priority determined on the basis of competitive tendering in the framework agreement.

Dell Technologies branded hardware and software is purchased when technical reasons require such brand. The contracting entity procures the procurement from the suppliers of the sub-area in the order of priority determined on the basis of competitive tendering in the framework agreement.

F5 branded hardware and software are purchased when technical reasons require the device brand in question. The contracting entity procures the procurement from the suppliers of the sub-area in the order of priority determined on the basis of competitive tendering in the framework agreement.

Purchase Fortinet-branded hardware and software when technical reasons require such brand. The contracting entity procures the procurement from the suppliers of the sub-area in the order of priority determined on the basis of competitive tendering in the framework agreement.

Purchase Palo Alto Networks branded hardware and software when technical reasons require such brand. The contracting entity procures the procurement from the suppliers of the sub-area in the order of priority determined on the basis of competitive tendering in the framework agreement.