Questions and Answers on Network Infrastructure Management Services RFSO

Q1. What are network infrastructure management services?

A1. Network Infrastructure Management Services (NIMS) include the management and maintenance of computer networks in order to ensure operational efficiency.

Q2. Why is the government changing the way it buys network management services?

A2. The Government of Canada (GC) is streamlining and transforming the way it purchases network management services. This will provide better value and accountability for Canadian taxpayers.

PWGSC is committed to ensuring that procurement is both accountable and cost-effective, supporting the goals of the GC’s new Accountability Act and Action Plan.

The goal of the procurement transformation is to ensure better value for Canadian taxpayers while making procurement simpler, and ensuring fair, and open access for suppliers – both large and small – across Canada.

Q3. How is the government currently purchasing network management services?

A3. Currently, there is no common procurement tool amongst government departments for network management services. Each department has its own network infrastructure management solutions depending on internal infrastructure and resources.

Q4. What is going to change?

A4. Through the Government of Canada’s Procurement Transformation initiative to consolidate government business volume and generate savings in select commodities, a new supply method was developed for network infrastructure management services. In addition, the GC will obtain better value for Canadian taxpayers.

The procurement process and the service delivery will be coordinated by the Information Technology Services Branch on behalf of all departments.

This change to the procurement of NIMS is taking place in the context of the transition to an Information Technology - Shared Services Organization (ITSSO). This ITSSO will be tailored to better deliver IT services government-wide. This will lead to better management of human resources, processes and better prices for Canadian taxpayers.

One supplier will have a standing offer to provide network infrastructure management services. A second category of services was created to include performance management services. For the second category of services, standing offers will be awarded to three vendors.

In addition, this change will allow the government to better manage its resources and networks.

Q5. What does this mean specifically for businesses?

A5. This will meanfair opportunity to access and achieve higher volume that historically may have been dispersed through several contractual arrangements.

A specific category of services (Performance Management) was created. This opens a new opportunity for suppliers to have access to government business.

Q6. How much is the government currently spending on network infrastructure information management services ?

A6. There is no government-wide data available to provide a specific amount since each department has its own infrastructure for Network Management Services. PWGSC estimates that $ 7 M is expended annually. However with the procurement transformation of network infrastructure management services, the government is hoping to save 5% annually.

Q7. You are saving a small amount of money compared to other commodities, is this really worth it?

A7. NIMS is one of many network management procurement initiatives which will generate savings to the taxpayer. Procurement transformation is not just about savings, it is about being a smarter consumer and a better customer as well. PWGSC is looking for ways to improve its procurement process, so it is less costly and time consuming for federal government departments and our partners in the supplier community.

Q8. Has the government consulted with the industry before issuing the RFSO for Network Infrastructure Management Services?

A8. Yes. Two requests for information were posted on MERX – the government’s electronic tendering system. Several companies reviewed a draft solicitation and statement of work and provided comments. Based on comments received, adjustments were made to the Request for Standing Offer such as reducing the number of certification of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) required.

Q9. What were the concerns raised by the Industry?

A9. The industry has raised concerns about the number of original equipment manufacturer certifications required, and as a result, the requirement for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) was changed from 52 to 10.

Q10. How will the RFSOs impact small and medium sized enterprises?

A10. A specific category of services (Performance Management) was created. This opens a new opportunity for small and medium sized enterprises. In addition, joint ventures will be accepted. It should be noted that small and medium sized enterprises often have a piece of the government’s business through sub-contracts.

Q11. When will the RFSO be issued?

A11. The RFSO will be published on the Government Electronic Tendering Service (MERX) from October 11 to December 18, 2006.