Alberta ShareIT Program - Negotiated Request for Proposal - NRFP C25-001 - Telephony Hardware & Services

This Negotiated Request for Proposals (“NRFP”) is an invitation by Cybera and ShareIT’s Participating Members to prospective Proponents to submit proposals for Telephony Hardware & Services Section 1: Core Telephony Services Focus: Traditional telephony infrastructure, foundational services, and connectivity. Cybera's ShareIT program, on behalf of its Members, is inviting experienced and qualified telephony carriers to provide Core Telephony Services, Software, Licensing, and Professional Services solutions. This procurement project aims to meet the diverse telephony needs of all ShareIT Members through an open and public competition. SIP Trunking Services There is a significant demand from ShareIT members for reliable and cost-effective Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) access through SIP Trunking Services. Suppliers should propose solutions that integrate seamlessly with members' existing telephony infrastructures and support features such as Direct Inward Dialing (DID) number porting, long-distance communication, and PSTN access. PRI and Analog Services This NRFP includes the requirement for PRI (Primary Rate Interface) and Analog communication services to support ShareIT members’ diverse telephony needs. Suppliers should provide reliable PRI and Analog services that ensure backward compatibility with legacy telephony systems while supporting institutions transitioning to more modern communication technologies. Telephony Security Services and PCI Compliance To ensure the security of telephony systems and protect sensitive communications, this NRFP includes a call for Telephony Security Services. Carriers should provide secure solutions that safeguard against unauthorized access, fraud, and data breaches, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of telephony services. Suppliers must ensure compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), particularly for environments where payment processing is integral to telephony operations. Additional & Managed Services The scope of this NRFP includes Managed Services to support telephony systems across ShareIT members’ institutions. Services should include: System performance monitoring Disaster recovery planning Security management Compliance with relevant standards, including PCI DSS Tailored service packages for small schools to large multi-campus universities Section 2: Enterprise Telephony Solutions Focus: Modern communication platforms, hardware, software-based tools, and integration services. Cybera is inviting proposals from established telephony carriers and Authorized Dealers (VARs) that can deliver comprehensive solutions, including installation, integration, and support services to meet ShareIT’s Participating Members' needs. Required services include SIP Trunking, Analog Communications, and other essential telephony solutions. The goal is to establish a Preferred Supplier Agreement(s) in accordance with the specifications outlined in this Negotiated Request for Proposal (NRFP). Hardware Equipment & Licensing Procurement This NRFP seeks to procure telephony equipment for ShareIT members, ensuring that they have access to high-quality devices from leading OEMs. The selected supplier(s) will provide telephony equipment that meets the varying needs of ShareIT members, from large, complex environments to smaller, scalable solutions. Suppliers must demonstrate the ability to deliver equipment efficiently and provide installation, integration, and support services as required by each institution. Softphones As part of the telephony solutions sought in this NRFP, there is a need for the integration of Microsoft Teams Voice and Zoom Phone capabilities. This includes supplying Direct Routing and Calling Plan options to enhance communication efficiency within institutions. Solutions must be secure, scalable, flexible, and interoperable, supporting collaboration across multiple devices and locations. Additional & Managed Services The scope of this NRFP includes Managed Services to support telephony systems across ShareIT members’ institutions. Services should include: System performance monitoring Disaster recovery planning Security management Compliance with relevant standards, including PCI DSS Tailored service packages for small schools to large multi-campus universities Optional - Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) While UCaaS is not mandatory, this NRFP welcomes proposals for UCaaS solutions to explore potential offerings from proponents. Solutions may support Microsoft Teams Voice, Zoom Phone, Webex, and other leading platforms, offering Direct Routing, Calling Plans, and seamless integrations with institutional workflows. that facilitate enterprise-grade communication through cloud-hosted systems. Solutions should support Microsoft Teams Voice, Zoom Phone, Webex, and other leading platforms, offering Direct Routing, Calling Plans, and seamless integrations with institutional workflows. Optional - Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) While CCaaS is not mandatory, this NRFP welcomes proposals for CCaaS solutions to explore potential offerings from proponents. Proposed solutions may offer omnichannel support (voice, email, chat, SMS), automation capabilities (IVR, AI chatbots), analytics, and compliance features to enhance efficiency and improve service delivery. to support their student service and customer engagement functions. Proposed CCaaS solutions should offer omnichannel support (voice, email, chat, SMS), automation capabilities (IVR, AI chatbots), analytics, and compliance features to enhance efficiency and improve service delivery. Regional Serviceability Requirements Proponents must specify their serviceability across regions: Alberta Only Saskatchewan Only Both Alberta & Saskatchewan