Stadtwerke Bielefeld GmbH operates, among other things, the IT infrastructure and telecommunications within the Stadtwerke Bielefeld group of companies, as well as for the city of Bielefeld, including the schools. Components of Cisco are central components of the GROUP's IT infrastructure. The solutions used have a high degree of complexity and are deeply integrated into the network network. In addition to the network, Cisco solutions are also used today in the field of data centers and IT security. For this reason, a high level of qualification and in-depth understanding is required. For the future, the aim is to work with a Cisco Gold Partner, so that it is ensured that the framework contractor can always provide a larger number of consultants and service technicians with the highest possible qualifications.

Stadtwerke Bielefeld is a company that is one of the KRITIS companies. This means that the smooth operation of Stadtwerke Bielefeld, which must be ensured, among other things, by a perfectly functioning IT network system, has top priority. Possible failures of the operation of Stadtwerke Bielefeld due to system failures in the IT due to incompatibility or harmful interactions of system components from different manufacturers must be avoided. The associated possible risk of system malfunctions up to system failures can only be minimized or almost eliminated in the sense of risk minimization by using components from a provider/manufacturer (here: Cisco).

The network comprises approximately 380 locations in a homogeneous Cisco network environment, with the appropriate switches, routers, WLAN components and the associated management tools of this manufacturer. The network system with around 46,000 active ports includes approximately 1,300 switches and routers. The routers and/or switches are partly modular. In addition, 5 WLAN controller systems with a total of approx. 700 access points are operated. Furthermore, a cloud-powered solution with around 3,400 access points, as well as switches and security appliances is in use. In addition to the enterprise network components, Industrial Ethernet and provider devices are used. The following manufacturer-specific management tools are operated: Prime Infrastructure, ISE (Radius, TACAS+) and Meraki Management Dashboard. The described requirements for a framework agreement for the procurement of Cisco components serve to replace and/or expand the existing network components. Thus, the present tender is not intended to completely replace the existing networks or to change the basic network design. The aim of the tender is the conclusion of a framework agreement for the procurement of required components from Cisco, as well as for the commissioning of services, services and support services at specified conditions.

The subject of this call for proposals are:

— the supply of new network components;

— service and maintenance for new network components;

— Provide service and maintenance for existing network components and management tools;

The term of the framework agreement is expected to start on 01.03.2023 and is expected to end on 29.02.2028. The maximum term of the framework agreement is therefore 60 months (until 29.02.2028). The conclusion of a framework agreement does not entail any acceptance obligation for the client. The contract ends before the end of the agreed time, without the need for termination when the maximum value is reached. The maximum value for this framework agreement is a maximum of 150 percent of the expected, non-binding order volume of approx. EUR 6.5 million.

Framework agreement on the procurement of network components (Cisco), as well as the support and maintenance of them. Support includes replacing defective Cisco components, providing firmware and software updates, and remote and on-site troubleshooting activities.