UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO PROFILE
In 1957, the University of Waterloo opened its doors to 74 engineering students with co-operative education as its cornerstone. Today, with more than 42,000+ students attending annually, Waterloo is #1 in Canada for experiential learning and employer-student connections.
Consistently ranked Canada’s most innovative university, Waterloo is home to advanced research and teaching in science and engineering, mathematics and computer science, health, environment, arts and social sciences. From quantum computing and nanotechnology to clinical psychology and health sciences research, Waterloo brings ideas and brilliant minds together, inspiring innovations with real impact today and in the future.
As home to the world's largest post-secondary co-operative education program, Waterloo embraces its connections to the world and encourages enterprising partnerships in learning, research, and commercialization. With campuses and education centres on four continents, and academic partnerships spanning the globe, Waterloo is shaping the future of the planet.
Find out more about the University of Waterloo at https://uwaterloo.ca/about/who-we-are/waterloo-facts.
Background
University of Waterloo is seeking proposals for the supply and implementation of a modern unified communications solution. The University is requesting these proposals with the intention of replacing its current VOIP / Analog solution with a system which optimizes data and voice technologies. Features such as unified communications, emergency notification integration and compatibility with Microsoft Teams have moved from an amenity to a necessity within the business environment. Submitted proposals will provide a detailed outline for the replacement of the existing core phone and voicemail hardware, including the removal of the existing hardware upon successful completion of the project.
For a complete map of the layout of our campuses, you can visit: https://uwaterloo.ca/map/
University of Waterloo is seeking a solution for the entire campus, encompassing over 80 buildings with multiple locations. Proposals submitted must include a migration plan from the existing solution to the solution proposed by the Respondent. Any abilities to integrate with existing user hardware should also be identified within the response. Proposals should outline any cost savings that will be recognized with their solution, any efficiencies that can be realized, and explain how the University can adopt modern technologies in unified communications.
The system will maintain and enhance existing standards for resiliency and reliability. Solutions must provide redundancy for all systems between a minimum of two geographically separate locations, where possible. The solution must include features for conferencing, emergency notification, auto attendant services, 911 notifications, and basic call centre functionality. These features serve as a base minimum requirement for response, listed in more detail in the technical requirements section. The Successful Respondent for this solution will be the sole authority and party responsible for the installation of the core components. The University wishes to establish a relationship that provides a single point of contact for all support necessary for the project.
The Successful Respondent shall provide the solution in its entirety. This includes all design, planning, system architecture, migration strategy, installation, training, and post installation support for the project. Upon successful replacement of the existing system with the Solution the existing system when no longer in use will be removed by the Successful Respondent.
The RFP document is posted free of charge on the Bonfire Portal: https://uwaterloo.bonfirehub.ca/opportunities/49460
Questions regarding this RFP may be submitted in writing (via email) to the RFP Contact Person as follows:
Suhair Gilbert, Procurement Agent - Procurement and Contract Services
200 University Avenue West
University of Waterloo, East Campus 2
Waterloo ON N2L 5Z5
Email: sammouri@uwaterloo.ca
