KAREN Member update on REANNZ’s RFPs for national and international connectivity, and associated equipment and services.

Where we’re at…

REANNZ is currently running a number of RFPs for connectivity and equipment – for the core KAREN network, internationally and nationally, and for the extension of the network as part of the ITP Connect project. This update covers developments with the RFPs for national and international connectivity, and associated equipment and services.

The re-procurement of the national and international network components of KAREN continues. We received a healthy number of responses to the RFPs. Responses from suppliers have been evaluated by a panel of REANNZ staff and representatives from the KAREN Member community.

At it’s February meeting, the REANNZ Board approved a shortlist of vendors for the national and international connectivity. REANNZ is now engaging with these parties so as to be in a position to recommend a single preferred vendor in each case. We are expecting to have a new international contract in place by early April 2010, with the new national connectivity contract in place before the end of April 2010.

Evaluation of the service management and core switch RFPs is also continuing. We expect to have identified a shortlist of suppliers for these components during March.

For more information contact:

Richard Stephen
Deputy Operations Manager, REANNZ
rfp@reannz.co.nz