Terms of Reference (ToR) for Procurement of Internet Switches and Routers
Background
VVOB Tanzania partners with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) through its implementing agency, the Agency for the Development of Education Management (ADEM), to provide pedagogical support for the effective implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in secondary schools. Through the Leaders in Teaching (LIT) programme, the partnership aims to strengthen teaching and learning at the secondary level so that young people acquire the 21st-century skills and competencies needed for employment, lifelong learning, and adult life. As part of this initiative, the programme will develop and implement a blended learning trajectory for school leaders, including headteachers and deputy headteachers. This trajectory will combine in-person training with app-based learning and include built-in feedback mechanisms to ensure continuous improvement. With the support of VVOB Tanzania, the Agency for the Development of Educational Management (ADEM) will enhance its ICT infrastructure by purchasing and installing modern network infrastructure. This upgrade aims to improve operational efficiency, ensuring reliable, high-speed internet connectivity within the server room at ADEM Bagamoyo Campus.
Objective
To improve internet connectivity by procuring and installing modern network infrastructure, including enterprise-grade switches and routers. The goal is to ensure efficient and secure data transmission, enhance network management capabilities, and establish a reliable, high-speed internet connection at the ADEM campus at Bagamoyo, where the online learning environment will be hosted.
Scope of Work
- Supply of Network Hardware (details in Technical Requirements):
- Access switches with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities.
- High-performance routers and switches with advanced security and traffic management features.
- Installation and Configuration:
- Install and configure all supplied equipment to ensure optimal network performance, scalability, and security. This includes integration with existing infrastructure where applicable.
- Testing and Validation:
- Conduct comprehensive testing procedures to verify the functionality, performance, and reliability of the installed network infrastructure. This includes stress testing, failover validation, and performance benchmarking.
- Service Level Expectations:
- Installation and configuration must be completed within the specified schedule, with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.
- The installed network must support high-speed, stable, and secure internet connectivity, with an uptime of at least 99%.
- Support and Maintenance:
- Provide a minimum of 12 months of post-installation support, including:
- On-site and remote troubleshooting.
- Firmware and software updates.
- Replacement of faulty hardware under warranty in a timely manner.
Deliverables
- Procured Equipment: Delivery of all hardware and accessories (switches and routers) as per the agreed specifications.
- Installation Report: Confirmation of successful installation and configuration.
- Testing Report: Results of all tests conducted post-installation.
- Documentation: Provide complete documentation, including network diagrams, configuration details, and user manuals.
Technical Requirements
- Switches:
- Minimum of 48 ports with PoE support.
- Support for VLANs, QoS, and link aggregation.
- Managed switches with web-based GUI and CLI access.
- Routers:
- Dual WAN support for redundancy.
- Advanced firewall capabilities.
- VPN support (IPSec, SSL).
- Bandwidth management features.
Timeline for Procurement and Installation
As part of the evaluation process, service providers are required to propose their own anticipated timeline for completing the assignment based on the background information provided in the request quotations. The proposed timelines are then assessed to determine the provider’s technical capacity and ability to meet the project’s delivery expectations.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Demonstrated experience in similar projects showcasing your technical expertise.
- Adherence to the technical requirements specified and, if possible, propose modern equipment not listed here.
- Competitive pricing and value for money.
Submission Details
Send your proposals to: procurement.tz@vvob.org by 02 November 2025.
