Brief
This procurement contract aims to expand the computing capacity of the National Statistical Institute's infrastructure by purchasing new servers and virtualization licenses. The scope of this contract includes the following activities: - Delivery of 2 servers to enhance the computing capacity of the NSI's virtual infrastructure; - Hardware installation services, cabling, and commissioning; - Delivery of virtualization software licenses for 2 hosts; - Activation of licenses and integration of new servers into the existing vSphere cluster; - Warranty support as per the Technical Specification. Given the estimated value of this procurement, which falls within the value thresholds, this contract will be awarded through an open procedure as per Article 18, paragraph 1, item 1 of the Public Procurement Act. Currently, the utilization of physical resources in the ICT infrastructure servicing the virtual environment exceeds the recommended levels for normal operation. This significantly limits the ability to handle peak loads during active campaigns and jeopardizes the stability of the working environment. Almost all core information systems of the NSI operate within this virtual infrastructure, making its reliability critically important for the institution's normal functioning. In the near future, an increase in load is expected due to ongoing agreements for data exchange with private data holders, upgrades and implementation of new versions of existing information systems, and the establishment of entirely new information systems. Approaching the limits of the physical ICT infrastructure creates a high risk of delays or interruptions in the functioning of the virtual environment, which could lead to: • difficulties in service delivery and data processing; • disruption of the continuity of key information systems; • potential data loss. Delays in the procurement process would result in an inability to ensure the necessary operational stability, performance, and security of systems during peak periods. The procurement procedure is based on the principles of proportionality, publicity and transparency, free and fair competition, equality, and non-discrimination, allowing participation from all interested parties meeting the buyer's requirements. In light of the above, the deadline for receiving offers is shortened based on Article 74, paragraph 4 of the Public Procurement Act. The buyer indicates that they will take advantage of the opportunity provided in Article 104, paragraph 2 of the Public Procurement Act to evaluate the technical and price proposals of participants before reviewing the compliance documents with the selection criteria. The buyer will pay 100% of the total contract value in advance within 30 days of the contract's entry into force against an invoice and guarantee from the contractor for the advance payment. The buyer requires the contractor to provide a guarantee securing the advance funds, specifically 100% of the advance payment value. The buyer indicates that they will take advantage of the opportunity provided in Article 104, paragraph 2 of the Public Procurement Act to evaluate the technical and price proposals of participants before reviewing the compliance documents with the selection criteria.
