Designing and Implementing IT infrastructure and Server room for the Central Service Board (CSB)

III. Objectives and desired results

1) General objective
The objective of the assignment is designing and delivering the IT Infrastructure of CSB including cabling, switching, VoIP Telephony, Redundant Power supply, WIFI Hot spots, Internet connection cabling and a state-of-the-art Server room.

2) Specific objectives
a. Empower CSB in conducting its leading and focal role in supporting public administrations.
b. Provide a modern and stable infrastructure much needed for the smooth operations within the Central Service Board.
3) Anticipated results
Delivery of the required needed infrastructure and equipment immediately.

IV. Deliverables

1) Scope of Work

1.1. Network Infrastructure
• Design and deploy a structured cabling system based on industry standards.
• Provide and install high-quality network switches and related hardware.
• Ensure scalability for future expansion.
• Implement redundancy and failover mechanisms.
• Conduct testing and optimization for optimal performance.

1.2. Server Room
• Design and build a state-of-the-art Server Room facility.
• Install and configure servers, storage systems, and backup solutions.
• Implement virtualization technologies.
• Set up environmental monitoring, cooling, and power distribution systems.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

1.3. Security
• Integrate intrusion detection/prevention systems, and antivirus solutions.
• Implement access controls, encryption protocols, and secure network communication.
• Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.
• Develop and implement an incident response and disaster recovery plan.

2) Technical Requirements

2.1. Cabling
• Cat6 or higher structured cabling for data and voice.
• Power cables
• Proper labeling and documentation of cabling infrastructure.
• Compliance with TIA/EIA standards.

2.2. Network Switches
• Gigabit Ethernet Managed switches with PoE capabilities + dedicated UPS for each
• VLAN support and QoS features.
• Redundant power supplies and high availability features.
• Web-based or command-line interface (CLI) for easy configuration and management
• Operating temperature range suitable for the installation environment

2.3. Server Room Equipment

1. Infrastructure
• Purpose-built facility with redundant power and cooling systems.
• High-security physical access controls, including biometric authentication.
• Fire suppression systems compliant with industry standards.
2. Power Distribution
• Redundant power supply that can support the Server Room for 15 to 30 minutes of downtime.
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems for short-term power backup.
3. Cooling Systems
• Precision air conditioning systems to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels.
• Redundant cooling units for failover and efficiency.
4. Security
• Multi-layered security protocols, including 24/7 surveillance, access logs, and intrusion detection systems.
• Biometric access controls and secure access zones.
5. Rack and Cabinet Specifications
• Standardized server racks with cable management and airflow optimization.
• Dual power feeds and redundant network connections for each rack.
• Environmental monitoring sensors within each rack.
6. Real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, and air quality
• Automated alerts for environmental anomalies.
• Integration with Building Management System (BMS) for centralized control.
7. Fire Detection and Suppression
• Early detection systems for smoke and heat.
• Fire suppression systems using gas or other industry-approved methods.

8. Servers
o 1 Enterprise-grade server supporting 4 VMs
 VM 1: Active Directory (To be installed and configured by the Service provider). Service provider will be expected to work with CSB on creating users, the right groups and their RBAC)
 VM 2: File Server with local shared folders (To be installed and configured by the Service provider, CSB will advise on the needed shared folders and their permissions)
 VM 3: IP Telephony server (To be installed and configured by the Service provider)
 VM4: IP Cameras monitoring server (To be installed and configured by the Service provider)
o Virtualization platform for resource optimization.
o Microsoft Windows 2016 server license is available at CSB thus advanced Windows Server OS Licenses hence required are to be within the provider offer. Please justify any new license purchase.
CSB would like to peruse the currently available server thus, service providers are responsible for upgrading and updating its use to fit in within the new IT infrastructure.
The current server specifications are:
 Intel Xeon CPU E5-2650 -2.00 GHZ (2 processors)
 32 GB RAM
 1.3 TB HDD
 Operating System: MS Windows 2016 Server installed

9. Backup
• Backup strategy for all the VMs including complete and incremental scheme with the collaboration of CSB staff.
• Enterprise backup tool is desired as optional within the Service provider offering.
• 5 TB RAID 5 NAS storage

10. Antivirus/ Anti-SPAM protection
• Kaspersky is currently installed at CSB premises, yet its subscription has expired with no budget to renew it. A suitable quotation for 50 users is to be included for a 3-years renewal. Hence the provider has an alternative protection provider with more suitable price, please feel free to include an alternative offer with the same number of seats (20)

2.4. LAN Access points
• 50 LAN access points distributed over 3 floors occupied by CSB. The access points location and distribution will be delivered upon contracting.
• Each access point should fall under the category of a "Smart" or "Intelligent" outlet, which refers to outlets that go beyond traditional power supply by having LAN (RJ45), VoIP Telephony, USB-C (USB Type-C) , Power, and UPS outlets.

2.5. IP Telephony System

Devices: 50 to be provided.

The desired IP Telephony system should support the following:

1. Protocols and Standards
• SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) and H.323 for call signaling.
• RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol) for voice packet transmission.
• LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) for directory services.
• HTTPS for secure web-based administration.
2. Call Control
• Centralized call control managed by a dedicated server for efficient call routing, call setup, and tear-down.
• Support for features like call forwarding, call waiting, call transfer, and call hold.
3. Voicemail and Messaging
• Voicemail system with customizable greetings, message storage, and retrieval.
• Integrated messaging platform for voice, email, and fax.
4. Conferencing
• Multi-party conferencing capabilities with support for ad-hoc and scheduled conferences.
• Secure and encrypted conferencing options for sensitive discussions.
5. Quality of Service (QoS)
• Prioritization of voice traffic through the implementation of Quality-of-Service protocols.
• Bandwidth management to ensure optimal voice quality.
6. Security
• Encryption of signaling and voice traffic to prevent eavesdropping.
• Authentication mechanisms for user access and device registration.
• Firewall compatibility for secure external communication.
7. Scalability
• Ability to scale the system horizontally by adding additional servers and endpoints.
• Support for a growing number of users and devices without compromising performance.
8. Integration
• Seamless integration with existing IT infrastructure, including LDAP directories, CRM systems, and other business applications.
• API support for custom integrations with third-party software.
9. Redundancy and High Availability
• Redundant server configurations to ensure continuous operation in case of hardware or software failures.
• Failover mechanisms for uninterrupted service during planned or unplanned outages.
10. Management and Monitoring
• Web-based administration interface for easy configuration and monitoring.
• Real-time monitoring tools for tracking system performance, call quality, and user activity.

The selected provider should integrate the provided IP telephony system with the existing CSB OGERO line.

2.6 Wi-Fi Hotspots

1. Location
• CSB has no Wi-Fi network thus the service provider will be responsible to design and install Wi-Fi hotspots in the 3 floors occupied by CSB.
2. Infrastructure Requirements
• Propose and install the necessary infrastructure for the Wi-Fi hotspots, including access points, controllers, switches, and any other required hardware.
• Compatibility and integration with new network infrastructure should be ensured.
3. Coverage and Capacity
• Design the Wi-Fi network to provide seamless coverage in the all the 3 floors areas.
• Ensure sufficient capacity to support the expected number of concurrent users.
4. Network Security
• Implement robust security measures, including encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection, to safeguard the Wi-Fi network and users' data.
5. Authentication and Access Control
• The solution must support various authentication mechanisms for users accessing the Wi-Fi network including public users limited access.
• Implement access controls to restrict unauthorized access.
6. Quality of Service (QoS):
• Implement QoS policies to prioritize and optimize network traffic, ensuring a high-quality user experience.
7. Remote Management:
• Provide a remote management system for monitoring, troubleshooting, and configuration adjustments.

2.7 Capacity Building
Service provider is responsible for organizing onsite at CSB capacity building sessions for the IT Staff on the following solution components:
• Installing and configuring VMs using the provided virtualization environment
• Managing AD users, roles and groups.
• Managing the switches using Web based interface and CLI
• Managing the installed VOIP solution.
• Managing the installed Wi-Fi solution.

Dates and time are to be agreed on with CSB IT staff and based on their availability.

3) General Requirements

• All proposed equipment must be available in stock or within 3-4 weeks of the onsite delivery time frame.
• Proposed equipment must have at least 5 years end of life (EOL)
• The suggested solution might require civil works to be conducted such as wall painting, false ceiling, electrical works, ….. , Service Providers should accommodate this and should include it within their suggested technical and commercial proposal.
• Software licenses including OS and others must be perpetual, no SaaS licenses are accepted.
• The proposed solution must include 3 years’ onsite maintenance and support with a proper SLA.
• Maintenance and Support must be conducted in Lebanon and onsite at CSB. Remote support is not acceptable.
• Service Provider is supposed to deliver and at the implementation a detailed Network Infrastructure map showing all the cabling, switching, WIFI Hot spots, cameras and their supporting equipment in AutoCAD and image format.
• Delivery is onsite at Central Service Board (CSB) premise located in Beirut - Verdun– Lebanon (location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wDzfvf3SAUTMFoAc9 ).
• None of the overall solution components can be installed or delivered remotely. All must be installed onsite and in presence and collaboration with CSB IT Staff.
• CSB working hours are Monday to Friday from 800 AM – 3:00 PM excluding public holidays as depicted by the Republic of Lebanon, all related works must be conducted within this timeframe. Extra working hours work are not possible.
• Daily onsite presence of the service provider staff must be coordinated with the CSB IT Staff and focal point, no service provider staff is expected to be onsite without the consent, presence, and the approval of the CSB focal point.

4) How to Participate
Interested qualitied service providers should send an email to Lebanon.procurement@expertisefrance.fr before 30th of October 2024 COB stating their interest to participate in this call for tender. Any email received post this date will not be considered under any circumstances.

5) Service Level Support
The Supplier shall describe the support procedures that are to be during & followed the end of the Warranty period, according to the below table summarizing the levels of severity and corresponding Response/Resolution times.

Level of urgency & specification Response time
Priority A
Failure of software and hardware that causes service interruption within 4-6 hours
Priority B
Error or problem that has caused loss of some functionality and/or may lead to service interruption Within 1-2 Business days

Priority C
Problem during live operation that is clearly due to faulty behaviour; problem that shall have a long-term effect on production, although it shall not lead to immediate service failure Less than 2-3 Business days
Priority D
Technical Queries from the Customer not related to a System fault and not affecting the operation and functionality of the system Within 5 business days

6) Site Visit
Interested Service Providers will be invited to participate in a mandatory site visit as part of these Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Server Room and Infrastructure project. The site visit shall be scheduled to provide potential Service Providers with an in-depth understanding of the existing infrastructure, physical layout, and environmental conditions of the needed solution. This on-site experience will enable Service Providers to assess the current facilities, evaluate spatial considerations, and gain insights. The visit scheduled shall take place between on the 1st of october 2024 at 10:30 am. Specific date/time will be communicated by email, 1 week ahead.
Service Providers are requested to confirm their attendance by email 2 days in advance. Detailed information regarding the agenda will be communicated upon confirmation of participation. We are unable to organize any additional/alternative site visits thus potential Service Providers are kindly requested to plan themselves accordingly.

Any site visit, requested by the service provider, outside the aforementioned and directly with CSB staff will automatically disqualify them from the bidding process.

Attendance at the site visit is mandatory to be eligible to apply for the call.

7) Service providers questions

Questions are possible at any time before the 5 th of October 2024 COB and will be answered within 2 to 3 business days. Answers will be sent to all participating service providers. Please send all your questions, by email, to Lebanon.procurement@expertisefrance.fr solely using the provided MS Excel template “Questions & Answers.XLSX”. No Phone or personal contact questions will be answered. Your email should be titled “CSB - IT infrastructure Questions”. Any inquiry that does not follow the mentioned template and the stated above title will be ignored. Furthermore, any inquiry after aforementioned date will be ignored.