Procurement of Next Generation Firewall (NGFW)

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) based in Islamabad Capital Territory is procuring a Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) to enhance network security for the fiscal year 2026-27. This procurement is critical for strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure and ensuring robust protection against evolving threats. Items being procured: - Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) device with minimum specifications including firewall throughput ≥ 20 Gbps, IPS throughput ≥ 2.6 Gbps, NGFW throughput ≥ 1.6 Gbps, threat protection throughput ≥ 1 Gbps - VPN support for IPSec and SSL (site-to-site and remote access) - AI/ML-based threat detection and behavioral analysis - Automated threat intelligence signature generation and cloud-based sharing - URL/category-based web filtering, DNS security filtering, application control with Layer-7 visibility - Multi-WAN support with SLA-based path selection, load balancing, and failover - SSL/TLS deep inspection - Anti-virus and anti-malware inspection with sandboxing capabilities - Identity-aware threat detection and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) capabilities - Hardware interfaces including 16–24 × 1GE RJ45 ports, 4 × 10GE SFP+ ports, WAN-capable interfaces, dedicated management and HA interfaces - 1-year UTP subscription, firmware updates, 24/7 OEM support, and warranty The technical scope includes delivery, installation, testing, commissioning, and training related to the NGFW device. The equipment must be brand new, not end-of-life, and comply fully with the mandatory specifications. The procurement also includes related services such as on-site assembly, supervision, and start-up support. Eligibility criteria require bidders to be authorized commercial resellers or partners of the OEM, with valid authorization letters. Bidders must have FBR registration and demonstrate relevant experience with similar contracts worth at least PKR 2.5 million each. Technical bids will be evaluated on compliance with specifications, experience, and authorization. The bid submission deadline is **Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 02:00 PM** via the e-Pak Acquisition and Disposal System (EPADS) v2.0 platform. Manual submissions are not accepted. The technical bid opening will occur the same day at 02:30 PM. Bidders must submit bid security in the form of Pay Order or Banker's Cheque physically before the deadline. A practical tip for bidders: Ensure timely registration on EPADS v2.0 and upload all required documents including bid security scanned copies well before the deadline to avoid disqualification. Pay close attention to the mandatory technical specifications to avoid rejection for non-compliance. This procurement offers a significant opportunity for suppliers specializing in advanced network security solutions to partner with a key regulatory authority in Pakistan.