Procurement of Managed Network Switches, Wireless Access Points and Smart Network Rack with Installation at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad

The National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) invites sealed bids for the procurement of Managed Network Switches, Wireless Access Points and Smart Network Rack with installation at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. This procurement is planned for the financial year 2026-27 and aims to enhance NICL's network infrastructure across its offices in these three major cities. Items being procured: - Managed Network Switches: 18 units of C1300-24FP-4G or equivalent, Managed Layer 3 Gigabit Ethernet Switch with 24 PoE+ Gigabit Ports and 4 1G SFP Uplinks - Wireless Access Points: 18 units of Cisco Aironet 2800 or 3700 Series or equivalent, controller-based Wi-Fi 5 compatible with Cisco AIR-CT5508-K9 - Smart Network Rack: 1 unit of 600x1200x2000mm / 42U sheet metal bending and welding frame cabinet with multiple accessories including rack mount UPS 3KVA and cooling facility - 42U Network Rack 800x1000: 2 units, imported, four side open with mesh doors and built-in digital thermostat The technical scope requires brand-new, unused, original Cisco hardware with a minimum 3-year local warranty covering repair or replacement at no additional cost. The Cisco Aironet 2800/3700 Series has been discontinued, so bidders must ensure availability from their own stock and submit a declaration confirming the equipment is brand new and original. Installation will be at NICL offices in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Eligibility criteria include being a minimum Cisco Premier Partner, Cisco SMB Certified, and providing a Manufacturer Authorization Form (MAF) from Cisco. Bidders must be active taxpayers and not blacklisted. The procurement will follow the Least Cost Based Selection (LCBS) method. Bids must be submitted electronically via EPADS v2.0 by Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Hard copies of bid security must be delivered to the Manager Procurement Department, NICL Building, Abbasi Shaheed Road, Karachi before the deadline. Manual bids will not be accepted. A practical tip for bidders: Ensure timely registration and familiarization with the EPADS v2.0 platform to avoid disqualification due to submission errors. Also, prepare all required documentation including bid securing declaration on stamp paper and proof of certifications to meet eligibility requirements. This procurement offers a significant opportunity for qualified suppliers to provide high-quality network infrastructure equipment to a reputable national insurance company with offices in key Pakistani cities.