Design and Build of Gambia Research and Education Network

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Consultancy Services for the Design of the Gambia Research and Education Network (GAMREN)

Country: The Republic of The Gambia

Project Name: Digital Transformation for Africa / Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (DTfA/WARDIP SOP-1)

Project ID: P176932

Reference: WARDIP/C2.8/2024/QCBS0010

Assignment Tittle: Consultancy Services for the Design of the Gambia Research and Education Network (GAMREN).

Duration of the assignment: Six (6) months

Date of Issued: 20th November 2024

Deadline of submission: 4th December 2024, 12:00 (Gambian Time)

Selection Method: QUALITY AND COST BASED SELECTION (QCBS)

Background:

The Government of The Gambia has secured funding from the International Development Association (IDA), referred to as ‘the Bank,’ under the Digital Transformation for Africa - Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP) Series of Projects (SOP)-1, with an allocation of USD 50 million.

The primary goal of DTfA/WARDIP-SOP1 is to strengthen the digital infrastructure and ecosystem within The Gambia to support national and regional digital transformation. Among its objectives, the project aims to foster broadband connectivity, enhance digital public services, and establish a seamless digital ecosystem that aligns with the broader goal of creating a Single Digital Market in Western Africa.

A key component of this initiative is the establishment of the Gambia Research and Education Network (GAMREN), which will be pivotal in providing high-speed, reliable connectivity and research services to academic and research institutions across the country. GAMREN will also enable integration with the broader regional Research and Education Network (REN) through WACREN and AfricaConnect3, fostering collaboration, resource sharing, and innovation among local, regional, and international academic communities.

To achieve these goals, GAMREN will require a robust and scalable design for its national network infrastructure. This design will guide the phased implementation of the network, starting with a pilot at the University of The Gambia (UTG) and expanding to other institutions as resources permit. The design will also address infrastructure needs for Points of Presence (PoPs), backhaul connectivity, and the Network Operating Center (NOC), ensuring continuous operation in tropical conditions.

In view of the above, DTfA/WARDIP, through the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (MOCDE), is seeking to engage a qualified consultancy firm to conduct a comprehensive design of GAMREN, including a needs assessment, network design, phased implementation strategy, and capacity-building support. The outcome of this consultancy will form the foundation for GAMREN’s implementation, supporting the long-term vision of fostering academic and research excellence in The Gambia.

Objectives

The primary objective is to develop a scalable, future-proof, and legally compliant network design for GAMREN. This includes:

• Conducting a comprehensive infrastructure needs assessment.

• Developing a detailed network infrastructure plan, including Points of Presence (PoP), backhauls, and a Network Operating Center (NOC).

• Proposing a phased implementation strategy, starting with a pilot design for the University of The Gambia (UTG) at Faraba Banta Campus.

• Preparing GAMREN staff for eventual implementation through training on design principles and operational planning.

Scope of Work

The consultancy will include:

• Infrastructure Needs Assessment:

• Evaluate existing connectivity among higher education institutions.

• Identify infrastructure gaps in interconnectivity, hardware, middleware, and security.

• Assess challenges in policy, regulation, budget, and technical skills.

• Network Design:

• Develop a scalable network architecture and connectivity framework.

• Design components, including PoP, backhaul infrastructure, and NOC specifications.

• Address environmental factors like continuous operation in tropical conditions.

• Provide a costed phased implementation strategy, beginning with a pilot design.

• Training and Capacity Building:

• Conduct knowledge transfer workshops on network design, scalability, and management principles.

• Documentation and Reporting:

• Deliver a comprehensive design report, including all assessments, architectural diagrams, and phased implementation plans.

Key Deliverables The selected firm will provide the following deliverables:

• Needs Assessment Report:

• Comprehensive analysis of connectivity gaps, regulatory challenges, and financial requirements.

• Costing models for CapEx and OpEx under different scenarios.

• Network Infrastructure Plan:

• Detailed architecture, including designs for PoPs, backhauls, and NOC.

• Specifications for hardware, software, and network components.

• Pilot Network Design:

• A detailed pilot design connecting WACREN to GAMREN PoP at UTG.

• Phased Implementation Roadmap:

• A step-by-step plan for future network expansion, including cost estimates.

• Training Program Materials:

• Training materials and workshop reports covering traffic monitoring, network management, and scalability planning.

• Final Design Documentation:

• A comprehensive report summarizing all designs, assessments, and recommendations.

Duration

The consultancy is expected to last for six (6) months, starting from the contract date.

Firms Qualification

Interested firms must demonstrate:

• The firm must have successfully designed, at least two (2) REN projects within the last five years. Development of large-scale network infrastructure projects within the last five years may be considered as an alternative. These projects should demonstrate the firm’s ability to deliver high-performance, secure, and scalable network solutions specifically tailored to the needs of academic and research institutions.

• The firm should have a strong track record in deploying network infrastructures that support high performance computing and data intensive research activities.

• The firm must have demonstrated expertise in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects. This includes experience in coordinating with government bodies, research and educational institutions, and international partners, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget. Familiarity with World Bank or similar procurement regulations is a plus.

• The firm should have significant experience in implementing and managing network security, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and encryption protocols.

• The firm must have a strong track record in providing training and capacity-building services as part of project delivery. This includes experience in knowledge transfer to local teams, ensuring they are fully equipped to manage, operate, and maintain network post-deployment.

• The firm should have a proven history of client satisfaction, evidenced by testimonials, repeat contracts, or industry recognition. A solid reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable, and sustainable network solutions is crucial.

The attention of interested firms is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” (July 1st, 2016, revised in November 2017, Augus 2018 and September 2023) (“A Candidate will be selected in accordance with the QUALITY AND COST BASED SELECTION (QCBS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information and the full TOR can be obtained from the email addresses below during office hours from 08:00 to 16:00 GMT on Mondays to Thursdays and from 0800 to 12:30 GMT on Fridays.

Expressions of interest together with relevant documents must be delivered digitally in a written form via email addresses below not later than 12:00pm 6th December 2024. Submissions should be digitally in softcopy marked as Expression of Interest for the Consultancy Services for the Design of the Gambia Research and Education Network (GAMREN).

All interested firms are urged to send their expression of interest letters with attached documents to the following email addresses:

• Sent to the Project Coordinator: [email protected]

• Attention to the Project Procurement Specialist: [email protected]

Physical Address of the Project:

Digital Transformation for Africa/Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program

C/O Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy

Bertil Harding Highway, Stadium Junction, Bakau, The Gambia, West Africa.

Digital Address (Google Maps): F889+WWH