THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS NEXT GENERATION NETWORK - vingn PROCUREMENT OFFICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INTEGRATED OPERATIONAL SUPPORT SYSTEM AND A BUSINESS SUPPORT SYSTEM (OSS/BSS) FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS NEXT GENERATION NETWORK (vingn)
TABLE OF CONTENTS VOLUME I BACKGROUND AND PROPOSAL TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 1. INTRODUCTION... 3 1.1 USVI BTOP awards... 4 1.1.1 About The Comprehensive Community Infrastructure Project:... 4 2. SERVICES REQUESTED IN THIS SOLICITATION... 5 2.1 Proposal Tasking... 5 2.1.5 OSS/BSS Specifications... 6 2.2 OSS/BSS Technical Requirements... 6 2.2.1 System Architecture Requirements... 7 2.2.2 Billing Applications Support Requirements... 7 2.2.3 Customer Database Requirements... 7 2.2.4 Service Order Management Requirements... 8 2.2.5 Billing, Accounting, and Report Requirements... 8 2.2.6 Administrative Services and Capability Requirements... 8 2.2.7 Flow-Through Provisioning and Interoperability Requirements... 8 2.2.8 Inventory Management Requirements... 9 2.2.9 Document and Support Requirements... 9 VOLUME II PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIVENESS 1. QUESTIONS AND SCHEDULE... 10 2. PROPOSAL CONTENTS... 10 a. OSS/BSS System Pricing Sheet... 12 3. RFP RESPONSE PACKAGING... 14 4. EVALUATION PROCESS... 15 4.1 Evaluation Process and Criteria... 15 4.2 Evaluation Timelines... 15 4.3 Compliance with Terms and Conditions... 16 Page 2 of 16
VOLUME I BACKGROUND AND PROPOSAL TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 1. INTRODUCTION This request for proposals seeks a qualified vendor to present an integrated solution for an Operational Support System and Business Support System (OSS/BSS) to support a Carrier Ethernet system delivering wholesale internet services to anchor institutions and public computer centers located on the islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. The successful bidder shall furnish, deliver, install, test, and turn-up and integrated software and hardware solution. ABOUT vingn The Virgin Islands Next Generation Network (vingn, Inc.) is a public corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority organized to construct and manage a middle mile fiber optic network in order to provide reliable high speed internet connections at affordable prices and equal terms to all retail providers and public infrastructure stewards who will in turn provide service to residents, businesses and the Government of the Virgin Islands. The services provided by vingn create the wherewithal for commerce, distance learning, on line training and technical opportunities to residents and citizens of all ages and socioeconomic levels. The efforts of the vingn also extend to increased capability for the University, the public school system and library system through citizen accessible learning programs, state of the art facilities, computing equipment and internet services. In essence, the ViNGN will provide the capability for Virgin Islands residents, visitors, government and businesses to access state of the art tools and internet accessible services through internet service providers at reduced costs. The NTIA BTOP Program The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided the Department of Commerce s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) with $7.2 billion to expand access to broadband services in the United States. Of those funds, the Act provided $4.7 billion to NTIA to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service, and develop and maintain a nationwide public map of broadband service capability and availability. NTIA administers the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) within four project categories: Comprehensive Community Infrastructure (CCI): Deploy new or improved broadband Internet facilities (e.g., laying new fiber-optic cables and/or upgrading wireless towers) and to connect community anchor institutions such as schools, libraries, hospitals, and public safety facilities. These networks help ensure Page 3 of 16
sustainable community growth and provide the foundation for enhanced household and business broadband Internet services. Public Computer Centers: Establish new public computer facilities or upgrade existing ones that provide broadband access to the general public or to specific vulnerable populations, such as low-income individuals, the unemployed, seniors, children, minorities, and people with disabilities. Sustainable Broadband Adoption: Focus on increasing broadband Internet usage and adoption, including among vulnerable populations where broadband technology traditionally has been underutilized. Many projects include digital literacy training and outreach campaigns to increase the relevance of broadband in people s everyday lives. State Broadband Data Development: The State Data and Development Program was the first award made to the Territory for the Broadband Program. In 2009, an award was made for performing mapping and planning as part of the United States-wide SBDD grant program. The award was increased in 2010 to extend mapping and planning date development efforts through 2014.. The USVI s map is also available to all residents and users wishing to verify broadband coverage. In the long term, these Recovery Act investments will help bridge the digital divide, improve access to education and healthcare services, and boost economic development for communities held back by limited or no access to broadband communities that would otherwise be left behind. For example, the investments made in broadband infrastructure, public computer centers, and sustainable adoption will: Provide job training to the unemployed or under-employed, Help school children access the materials they need to learn, Allow rural doctors to connect to more specialized medical centers, and Allow small businesses to offer their services to national and international markets. The VIPFA applied for and was awarded funds in all four of these categories. 1.1 USVI BTOP awards 1.1.1 About The Comprehensive Community Infrastructure Project: On August 18, 2010, the PFA/OEO was awarded a federal grant for the Comprehensive Community Infrastructure (CCI) grant. The PFA established a wholly owned subsidiary, the Virgin Islands Next Generation Network (vingn, Inc.) that will implement and manage all BTOP funds. The vingn program is encapsulated in the following paragraphs: Page 4 of 16
Hurricanes and other heavy storms in the U.S. Virgin Islands often disable communications systems until aerial wiring can be restored, leaving key institutions like hospitals and public safety agencies without essential broadband services when they are most needed. The vingn project proposes to deploy a high-speed fiber network to the islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, creating a territory-wide middle mile network and connecting community anchor institutions with reliable high-speed Internet services. The project also intends to strengthen the Virgin Islands external broadband connections through use of 3,720 miles of undersea cable to Florida and Puerto Rico. vingn also proposes to: Construct a 244-mile fiber network and utilize over 3,000 miles of existing fiber strands to offer speeds between 10 Mbps and 10 Gbps to anchor institutions and local Internet service providers. Encourage economic development by utilizing several small business and/or Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) partners and enable access to online educational, healthcare, and government services to residents facing high unemployment and poverty rates. Facilitate more affordable and accessible broadband service for up to approximately 43,000 households and 2,500 businesses by enabling local Internet service providers to utilize the project s open network. Provide direct connections to as many as 325 anchor institution locations, including as many as 42 public safety entities, 92 K-12 schools, seven libraries, four colleges, 19 healthcare facilities, and 123 government buildings and centers. 2. SERVICES REQUESTED IN THIS SOLICITATION The following describes the technical services requested in this RFP: The services requested are a project with the broader Comprehensive Community Infrastructure Program. This solicitation requires a Contractor to provide an integrated Operational Support System and Business Support System (OSS/BSS) including installation and startup services of all required hardware, software, other related equipment and training. 2.1 Proposal Tasking The bidder is required to propose a solution that meets the following requirements and must demonstrate with clarity and in detail the solution proposed: 2.1.1 The bidder shall supply vingn with all necessary hardware, software, and training required for implementing a fully functional OSS/BSS system. 2.1.2 The OSS/BSS system will support a Carrier Ethernet system delivering wholesale internet services to multiple locations on the islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. 2.1.3 OSS/BSS hardware shall be installed and networked into vingn s private management LAN. Page 5 of 16
2.1.4 The OSS/BSS system hardware and software will implement vingn s objective of having a single provisioning, monitoring, management and billing system. 2.1.5 OSS/BSS Specifications 2.1.5.1 The OSS/BSS system shall include the following features, at a minimum: System Architecture Web Capability Customer Relationship Management Work Flow Management Order Entry Flow Through Provisioning Billing Reporting Customer History Plant Records Trouble Ticketing Equipment Inventory Tracking Scheduling 2.1.5.2 The OSS/BSS system shall be able to integrate with the management system of the optical based Carrier Ethernet system selected by vingn. In the event that the OSS/BSS system does not integrate with the selected Carrier Ethernet system the bidder will agree to develop the needed interface. 2.1.5.3 The OSS/BSS system shall be able to interface with the vingn network operations center (NOC) as it is developed. The OSS/BSS systems shall be able to integrate with multiple Ethernet operations, administration, and management (OAM) systems and generate the appropriate trouble tickets. In the event that the OSS/BSS system does not integrate with the OAM systems selected to be used in the NOC the bidder will agree to develop the needed interfaces. 2.1.5.4 The bidder shall include Services and Support for all components of the solution. 2.1.5.5 The bidder shall include Warranty and Maintenance for all components of the solution. 2.1.5.6 The bidder shall include basic system support training at vingn s location to students identified by vingn. 2.2 OSS/BSS Technical Requirements The bidder must address the following technical requirements. Page 6 of 16
2.2.1 System Architecture Requirements 2.2.1.1 The bidder will provide a graphical and narrative representation of the technical infrastructure required to run the OSS/BSS system, including the hardware and software for servers, clients, and networks. 2.2.1.2 The bidder will provide details of recommended technical configurations (application software, third party software such as report writers, supporting hardware, operating system software, database software, etc.). 2.2.1.3 The bidder will include all hardware and software, other than the network, that is required to make the OSS/BSS system work effectively. 2.2.1.4 The bidder will describe the design and layout of the user interface to the OSS/BSS system including defining which elements of data entry are done via keying versus pull-down menus. 2.2.1.5 The bidder will describe the scalability of the OSS/BSS system. 2.2.1.6 The bidder will describe how existing databases are incorporated into OSS/BSS system. Based on the estimate customer base as outlined in section 1.1.1 it is not anticipated that there will be a significant amount of database information available. 2.2.1.7 The bidder will describe system access levels for vingn personnel. 2.2.1.8 The bidder will describe how the system data is backed up. Describe the failover capability of the proposed OSS/BSS system in case of server failure. 2.2.2 Billing Applications Support Requirements 2.2.2.1 The bidder will specify the capability of the OSS/BSS system to provide billing system support for current and future vingn broadband services. 2.2.2.2 The bidder will describe additional products and services supported by the OSS/BSS system. 2.2.3 Customer Database Requirements 2.2.3.1 The bidder will describe the capability of the OSS/BSS system to capture and record customer premise information. 2.2.3.2 The bidder will describe the capability of the OSS/BSS system to reference customer information to support customer service request. Page 7 of 16
2.2.3.3 The bidder will describe the capability of the OSS/BSS system to capture and record network engineering information. 2.2.4 Service Order Management Requirements The bidder will specify the capability of the proposed system to support the creation of various work order types in the support of the service provisioning process. Work order types should include connection orders, disconnect orders, change orders, and service orders/trouble tickets. 2.2.5 Billing, Accounting, and Report Requirements 2.2.5.1 The bidder will describe capability of the OSS/BSS system to provide complete billing system functionality, including: bill rendering, payment and collections processing and web interface for customers. 2.2.5.2 The bidder will specify the embedded reports that are included in the OSS/BSS system. Provide a listing of all reports that are provided. 2.2.5.3 The bidder will describe any tools embedded in the OSS/BSS system that will create customized reports. 2.2.6 Administrative Services and Capability Requirements 2.2.6.1 The bidder will describe the internet services supported by the OSS/BSS system. 2.2.6.2 The bidder will describe the subscriber administration capabilities of the OSS/BSS system as it relates to the following: Ability to create customer accounts Ability to activate/deactivate services 2.2.7 Flow-Through Provisioning and Interoperability Requirements 2.2.7.1 The bidder will describe the available interfaces and the ability to inter-operate with the element management systems of the proposed Ethernet Carrier network technology. 2.2.7.2 The bidder must describe the process and capabilities of the OSS to provision an element of the Ethernet Carrier network directly from a work order. The elements of the Ethernet Carrier network may consist of, but may not limited to, the following: Cisco Ciena Brocade Juniper Page 8 of 16
2.2.8 Inventory Management Requirements 2.2.8.1 The bidder will describe the capability of the OSS/BSS system to provide inventory tracking and reporting of the Ethernet Carrier elements. 2.2.9 Document and Support Requirements 2.2.9.1 The Bidder will describe the capability of the OSS/BSS system to provide user help and documentation either within the system or online. 2.2.9.2 The Bidder will describe the ongoing system support and maintenance as it applies to the following: Ongoing production support Problem reporting and resolution Management and distribution of software patches Software upgrade process and frequency Methods to access support Annual maintenance and support fees Page 9 of 16
VOLUME II PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIVENESS Proposals will be considered responsive by conforming to all the submittal requirements contained in this RFP. 1. QUESTIONS AND SCHEDULE 1.1 All questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing or by email to: Mr. Julito A. Francis, President/CEO The Virgin Islands Next Generation Network, Inc. c/o VI Public Finance Authority 32-34 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, Virgin Islands jafrancis@vingn.com; with copy to jsalter@aeg.cc 1.2 The following schedule will govern critical dates for this RFP: RFP Issued and Available Monday, April 4, 2011 Deadline for Questions and clarifying Monday, April 11. 2011 inquiries Solicitation Responses Due Monday, April 25, 2011 Contractor Selection Monday, May 2, 2011 1.3 Proposals received after the date and time of Monday, April 25, 2011 at 4:00 p.m., will not be accepted. The vingn accepts no liability for costs associated with late proposals or for costs associated with proposal preparation. The vingn reserved the right to reject any and all parts of proposals submitted. 2. PROPOSAL CONTENTS In order to be considered responsive, RFP responses shall consist of the following: PART 1 Technical Proposal 1. Transmittal/Cover Letter Describing Response and Ability to Provide All the Services Requested with any attestation described in this solicitation 2. Firm profile including location, DUNS No. and current CCR No. (Required for this contract) 3. Understanding of the Business Needs 4. Vendor Qualifications to Show Completion or Significant Progress of Projects of Similar Scope 5. No Less that 3 Past Performance Projects Page 10 of 16
6. Current Project Obligations 7. Detailed Technical Approach that defines and explains how all tasks in the RFP will be accomplished. 8. Firm Credentials and Resumes of Staff Assigned to the Project with Key Personnel identified 9. Anticipated Subcontractor(s) If any subcontractors will be used for this project, provide the following information for each: Company name: Role of subcontractor: Briefly describe current business: Total years in current business: Address: Name of subcontractor contact: Title: Phone: Fax: 10. Project Management and Quality Assurance Plan 11. Preliminary Project Schedule PART II Price Proposal 1. Transmittal/Cover Letter 2. Firm profile including DUNS No. and CCR No. 3. Virgin Islands Business License or Acquisition of Such License within 15 days of award 4. The respondents shall provide information on any current litigation or prior litigation within the past 3 years wherein respondent is named as a defendant or in which a counterclaim is asserted against it and a statement that it is not currently, nor has it ever been, debarred, suspended, or otherwise ineligible for participation in any public programs authorized by federal or local laws, codes or Executive Orders including Title 31 V.I.C. Chapter 23 or Executive Order 12549 and 44 CFR Part 17. 5. Pricing and Payment Schedule commensurate with the Sheet identified as part of this Item 5. In addition to the detailed response to the technical proposal, the bidder will complete and submit the following OSS/BSS system pricing sheet for submission with its price proposal: Page 11 of 16
a. OSS/BSS System Pricing Sheet Pricing Sheet Instructions: Items included in the detailed desriptions below are for example only and may be added or deleted. Hardware Section - Please list all hardware costs, by component, needed for the OSS/BSS system in addition to equipment being provided by vingn. Yearly Maintenance/Licensing Section - Please list all annual maintenance and licensing fees for the proposed solution by component: software and hardware. Installation Section - Please list all costs to install the OSS/BSS system. Training Section - Please list all training cost for the OSS/BSS system by component. Please note if training is on-site or off-site. Other Section - Please list all other costs associated with the OSS/BSS system not covered in the previous sections. Please subtotal each section and calculate the overall cost of the OSS/BSS system. 1.1 1.2 1.3 2.1 3.1 4.1 ITEM PRICE Hardware -Primary and Ancillary Hardware -Spare Equipment -Optional Supporting Equipment Subtotal $ - Software: List all software components: Subtotal $ - Yearly Maintenance/Licensing Fees -Hardware -Software Subtotal $ - Hardware and Software Subtotal $ Installation -Hardware -Software Integration -Software Implementation Training -Remote training per student -On-site training per student Other Items Total OSS/BSS Sytem Pricing Installation Subtotal $ - Training Subtotal $ - Hardware and Software Subtotal $ - $ NOTES - - Page 12 of 16
6. Financial Condition of Bidder (Minimum 2 years of non-audited financial statements or audited financial statements if available) Page 13 of 16
3. RFP RESPONSE PACKAGING An original and 5 copies of the responses must be delivered to the address identified below and labeled as such: RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INTEGRATED OPERATIONAL SUPPORT SYSTEM AND A BUSINESS SUPPORT SYSTEM (OSS/BSS) FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS NEXT GENERATION NETWORK (vingn) PART I TECHNICAL PROPOSAL AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS NEXT GENERATION NETWORK, Inc. c/o VIRGIN ISLANDS PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY 32-33 KONGENS GADE, GOVERNMENT HILL CHARLOTTE AMALIE, ST. THOMAS 00802 ATTN: BID OPENING Monday, April 25, 2011, 4:00 p.m. RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INTEGRATED OPERATIONAL SUPPORT SYSTEM AND A BUSINESS SUPPORT SYSTEM (OSS/BSS) FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS NEXT GENERATION NETWORK (vingn) PART II PRICE PROPOSAL THE VIRGIN ISLANDS NEXT GENERATION NETWORK c/o THE VIRGIN ISLANDS PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY 32-33 KONGENS GADE, GOVERNMENT HILL CHARLOTTE AMALIE, ST. THOMAS 00802 ATTN: BID OPENING Monday, April 25, 2011, 4:00 p.m. The bidder s name and contact information must also be clearly visible on the envelope. Responses must be concise, written on 8½ x 11 inch paper; Times New Roman 12 Point. Page 14 of 16
4. EVALUATION PROCESS 4.1 Evaluation Process and Criteria 4.1.1 The evaluation committee will evaluate each responsive bid. After submission and review of responses, interviews or oral presentations of the technical approach may be requested. 4.1.2 Bidders responses to the RFP must demonstrate a clear and complete understanding of the goals of the overall project. 4.1.3 The following criteria and corresponding weights will be prime in selecting a vendor: Applicant Experience and Qualifications 35% Technical Approach and Methodology 35% Price/Schedule/Deliverables 30% 4.1.4 The vingn reserves the right to (i) vary the weights assigned to these criteria; and (ii) consider such other relevant factors as it deems appropriate in order to hire the best value firm for these services. VINGN may or may not seek additional information from Respondents prior to making a selection. 4.1.5 The vingn expects to make one award for these services. However, if in the best interest of the vingn, multiple awards may result. 4.1.6 This RFP does not commit vingn to select any organization, award any work order, pay any costs incurred in preparing a response, or procure or contract for any services or supplies. 4.1.7 The vingn reserves the right to accept or reject any or all submittals received, cancel or modify the RFP in part or in its entirety, or change the RFP guidelines, when it is in the best interests of vingn to do so. 4.2 Evaluation Timelines 4.2.1 The evaluation process will follow the following planned timelines: Solicitation Responses Due Monday, April 25, 2011 End of Responses Evaluation May 6, 2011 Execution of Master Agreement with May 16, 2011 Successful Bidder Page 15 of 16
4.3 Compliance with Terms and Conditions 4.3.1 A statement signed by an authorized representative of the Firm indicating compliance with the terms, conditions and specifications contained in this RFP must be presented in the response. A signature by an authorized representative shall satisfy this requirement. 4.3.2 Any and all data, materials, and documentation submitted to vingn in response to this RFP shall become vingn s property and shall be subject to public disclosure. In this regard, Respondents are required to sign and submit an acknowledgement. 4.3.3 Respondents please note: By executing the statement required in 4.3.1 above, and submitting a response to this RFP, the Firm certifies that it : 4.3.3.1 Acknowledges and understands the procedures for handling materials submitted to the PFA; 4.3.3.2 Agrees to be bound by those procedures, and 4.3.3.3 Agrees that the PFA shall not be liable under any circumstances for the disclosure of any materials submitted to it pursuant to this RFP or upon Firm s selection. 4.3.4 The PFA reserves the right to contact all references submitted in the Firm s response. 4.3.5 The PFA intends to enter a firm contract with the successful bidder. Submittal of a proposal reflects an agreement to enter a contract for the services post any discussions required by the vingn. Note to Bidders: Strong consideration is given to Firms demonstrating an understanding and experience with the BTOP process and the USVI environment. The successful bidder will need to show strength in all areas described for the assignment as the PFA intends to make one award. Any unique qualifications and experience that distinguish your team s ability to provide the requested technical and consulting services should be highlighted in the appropriate section of your proposal. Page 16 of 16