Procurement of Data Center Next Generation Firewalls with AI-Enabled Security Features

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Islamabad invites qualified and registered suppliers to participate in the procurement of Data Center Next Generation Firewalls (NGFW) with advanced AI-enabled threat detection capabilities. This procurement is specific to SECP's Head Office Datacenter at NICL Building, Islamabad. The scope includes delivery, installation, and configuration of two high-performance NGFW units with active licenses for Web filtering, App Control, Anti-Virus, Video Filters, DNS Filters, IP Reputation, IPS, File Filter, Email Filter, and SSL inspection (DPI). The technical scope demands firewalls capable of handling enterprise-level throughput, including 215 Mpps packet processing, 28 Gbps next-generation firewall throughput, and 50 Gbps IPSec VPN throughput. The equipment must support active-active and active-passive high availability modes, multiple port types including 1GE, 10GE, and 25/10GE SFP slots, and integration with existing FortiAnalyzer and FortiManager tools. The solution must also support remote access VPN with two-factor authentication and comply with Gartner's 2025 Magic Quadrant for Hybrid Mesh Firewalls. Eligibility criteria require bidders to be registered with the Federal Board of Revenue and on the Active Taxpayers List, possess valid partnership letters with the principal manufacturer, and demonstrate experience in IT security solution deployments over the last five years. Bidders must provide certified technical resources and a three-year comprehensive warranty with advance hardware replacement. Submission must be through the PPRA's e-Pak Acquisition & Disposal System (EPADS) by 14:30 on May 7, 2026, with original bid security of Rs. 600,000 submitted to SECP before the deadline. A practical tip for bidders: Ensure your technical proposal strictly complies with the mandatory specifications and evaluation criteria, including detailed compliance sheets for performance, features, and evaluation criteria. Non-compliance will lead to disqualification. Early preparation of bid security and manufacturer authorization documents will facilitate smooth submission through EPADS.