Procurement of equipment for the deployment of a Network Monitoring Centre.

Invitation for Bids

Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation

Project: Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project

Procurement of Equipment for the Deployment of a Network Monitoring Centre

Procurement Number: SL-MOF-482672-GO-RFB

Date of First Issue: 14th April 2025

The Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project, through the Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation has received grants from the International Development Association (IDA) and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this grant to eligible payments under the contract for the procurement of goods, and now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the procurement and supply of: Equipment for a deployment of a Network Monitoring System at the Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation.

As MDAs are steadily incorporating digital solutions into their operations and work processes, it has become ever so critical that MoCTI, through Zoodlabs and Leonecom, ensures that these MDAs receive adequate, efficient and high-speed internet service through a robust, resilient and reliable e-Gov WAN connection. Through the SLDTP, with the support from the World Bank, there is support for the upgrade of both MDA local area networks and the Government-wide area network, through which MDAs benefit from the internet and other services. Added to these upgrades is the provisioning of adequate internet service for the effective rollout and management of digital services, which the World Bank also supports through SLDTP. To meet the MDA’s requirements and centrally manage and monitor the availability, performance, capacity and health of such a heterogeneous mix of MDA infrastructure, MoCTI desires a network monitoring and management system. Beyond the MDAs infrastructure on the e-Gov WAN to be monitored, MoCTI also has its internal LAN infrastructure and systems, which it aims to manage and monitor. This platform would also help monitor MDA internet bandwidth usage and adequately adjust it from the central platform so that the bandwidth provisioned for the government institutions would be effectively used.

Bidding will be conducted through national competitive procurement using a Request for Bids (RFB) as specified in the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” 6th Edition, February 2025 as per legal agreement] (“Procurement Regulations”), and is open to all eligible Bidders as defined in the Procurement Regulations. Additionally,

Bidding is open to all suppliers who can demonstrate that they have

• Financial Capability- The bidder must have an average annual turnover of at least $300,000.00 over the last three (3) years. (Submit audited financial statements.)

• Relevant Experience- The bidder must have successfully completed at least two (2) similar contracts (network equipment supply, installation, and commissioning) in the past five (5) years. (Submit copies of contracts, reference letters, or completion certificates.)

• Equipment offered must comply with recognized international standards (e.g., ISO, IEEE) for network and monitoring equipment.

• The bidder must not have been blacklisted by any government, international agency, or financial institution. (Submit signed declaration.)

Interested bidders may obtain further information and inspect the bidding document at the address below between 09.00 hrs to 16:30hrs from Mondays to Thursdays. Bidding documents may be purchased upon payment of a non-refundable fee of SLE2,500. (Two thousand, five hundred leones). The method of payment will be direct payment into the following bank account below;

Bank: Sierra Leone Commercial Bank

Account Name: Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project

Account Number: 003001127516112127

BBAN: 003001127516112127

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before 26th May 2025 at 12:00 Noon. All bids must be accompanied by:

• A valid Business registration certificate

• Bid Security of $7,000.00 in accordance with clause 15.1 & 12.2 – in the form of bank guarantee, or irrevocable letter of credit, a cashier’s or certified cheque.

• A valid tax clearance certificate;

• A valid NASSIT clearance certificate;

• A signed Integrity Pact; [see attached]

All International registered firms shall not be required to submit the below required documents.

• a valid tax clearance certificate,

• a valid NASSIT clearance certificate.

The address referred to above is:

Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation

Joe Gbouma-Alieu, MCIPS, Project Procurement Specialist

8th Floor, Youyi Building, Brookfields, Freetown,

Sierra Leone

+232 76 369269

[email protected]