Request for Proposal (RFP)

SMS Services

One-Way & Two -Way

Local & International

Last Date for Submission: 28th August 2018 at 1:30 PM

Bid Opening Date: 28th August 2018 at 02:00 PM

HIGHER EDUCATION COMMSSION

H-9, ISLAMABAD

( R s . 1 0 0 0 / - ) Websites: www.hec.gov.pk,

Tele no. 051-90402208, 90402213, 90402224,

RFP Provision of SMS Services (One-Way &Two-Way Local & International)

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1. DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................................ 2

CHECKLIST FOR ENCLOSURES ............................................................................................... 4

2. ADDITIONAL NOTES .......................................................................................................... 6

3. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 6

4. OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................... 8

5. SCOPE OF WORK ................................................................................................................. 8

6. BID SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS................................................................................. 9

7. SELECTION PROCEDURE ................................................................................................ 10

8. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT .......................... 10

9. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES ................................................................................................. 12

10. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS ...................................................................... 12

11. MEET OR EXCEED SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................ 14

12. CLARIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................... 14

13. TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA ..................................................................... 15

14. FINANCIAL EVALUATION .......................................................................................... 20

15. AWARD OF TENDER..................................................................................................... 20

Form I: Technical Requirement .................................................................................................... 21

Annex - I: Bill of Quantity(ies) ..................................................................................................... 24

Annex - II: Bill of Cost ................................................................................................................. 25

Annex - III: List of Countries ......................................................................................................... 0

Annex – IV: Bid Submission Form ................................................................................................ 0

Annex – V: Firm’s References ....................................................................................................... 1

Annex – VI: Technical Compliance Certificates/Compliance Undertaking ................................... 1

Annex – VII: Declaration................................................................................................................ 2

RFP Provision of SMS Services (One-Way &Two-Way Local & International)

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Higher Education Commission

Sector H-9, Islamabad

INVITATION TO BIDS The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan invites sealed bids directly from the interested in

offering

SMS Services (One-Way & Two Way Local & International)

The bidders (Service Provider) must be registered body duly recognized in Pakistan and be registered

with FBR for Tax purpose. The Service Provider should have sufficient financial, technical and human

resources to complete the project within prescribed time limit on the finalization of contract for Services

Local & International One-Way (Mask:HEC) & Two-way (ShortCode: 9432) SMS Services.

Bidding document containing detailed terms and conditions, method of procurement, procedure for

submission of bids, bid security, bid validity, opening of bid, evaluation criteria, clarification/ rejection

of bids, performance guarantee etc. is available for the interested Service Providers at Accounts

Section, Finance Division, Higher Education Commission, Sector H – 9, Islamabad – Pakistan. Price

of the bidding document is Rs. 1,000/-. Bidding documents can be downloaded from

http://www.hec.gov.pk free of cost, however, interested bidder will be required to have registered copy

purchased from HEC, in order to participate in tender process.

The bidders (Service Provider) should submit a bank draft (from scheduled bank) equal to 2% of the

total bid value, which must accompany the bid in a sealed envelope marked as “Earnest Money” drawn

in favor of D.G. (Finance), Higher Education Commission, Islamabad along with technical proposal.

This tender is being executed under PPRA rule 36(b) “Single Stage – Two Envelope”.

The bids prepared in accordance with the instructions in the bidding document, must reach at Higher

Education Commission, Sector H-9, Islamabad on or before Tuesday 28th August 2018 at 1330. Bids

will be opened the same day at 1400 hrs, in the presence of bidders who choose to attend. Pre-bid

meeting will be held on Friday 3rd August, 2018 at 2:30PM in the IT Data Center Video

Conference Hall, Higher Education Commission, Sector H – 9, Islamabad. . HEC reserves the right to

accept/ reject any or all the bid/ bids at any stage, however, reasons shall be communicated in line with

the PPRA rules. This advertisement is also available on PPRA (http://www.ppra.org.pk/) websites.

Director Operation (PERN)/ In-charge IT

HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION

H-9 Islamabad, Pakistan

Phone: 051 - 90402213, 90402224

E-Mail: achattha@hec.gov.pk

1. DEFINITIONS

1.1. Bidder: Bidder who submits the proposal and legally registered in Pakistan and be registered

with FBR for Tax purpose.

1.2. BOQ: Bill of Quantities.

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1.3. HEC: Higher Education Commission.

1.4. RFP: Request for Proposals.

1.5. Second Party: Selected Bidder.

1.6. Selected Bidder: Bidder selected for the award of contract against this tender.

1.7. Service Level Agreement: The level of service which HEC purchases from the Selected

Bidder in respect of the service.

1.8. SLA: Service Level Agreement.

1.9. Account Manager: Project or Task Manager; who has the prime responsibility of the project/

task execution.

1.10. BOC: Bill of Costs

1.11. Contract: Contract means an agreement signed between the HEC and the Selected Bidder.

1.12. Day: Day means a working day (if not stated otherwise)

1.13. Delivery: Delivery means supply of the specified SMS Services

1.14. First Party: Higher Education Commission

1.15. FY: Financial year

1.16. HEI: Higher Education Institution (HEI) means recognized institution by the Higher

Education Commission, Government of Pakistan.

1.17. Procuring Agency: Procuring Agency means Project Directorate, Higher Education

Commission, and Government of Pakistan

1.18. Prospective bidder: Bidder who intend to participate in the tender process

1.19. Region: Geographical Business domain of principal to which Pakistan belongs.

1.20. SMS: Short Messaging Service

1.21. Selected Bidder: Bidder selected for the award of tender

1.22. Total Bid Value/ Total Cost or Price: Total Cost means the aggregate cost of the service,

prevailing taxes and services over three (05) year as required by the HEC.

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CHECKLIST FOR ENCLOSURES

(Bidders should fill up YES or NO without fail)

S. # Bid Enclosure Ye

s

No

1. Whether the Bid is submitted in One covers:

Technical Proposal and Financial Proposal

2. Whether both Technical and Financial Proposals are put into an one Envelope.

3. Whether Technical Proposal and Financial Proposal contains the following

3.1. Bidder’s undertaking covering letter, on the Letter Head is signed by the

authority stamped and submitted

3.2. Signed and stamped Letter of Authorization or Power of Attorney

for Signing the RFP Document on behalf of the Bidder is submitted.

3.3. Copy of License CVAS or letter of approval issued by the Pakistan

Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to provide the SMS services within

Pakistan

3.4. All pages of the blank RFP Document in full are signed by the authority,

stamped and submitted.

3.5. Earnest Money (EM) amount as specified in the RFP Document is

submitted in a separate sealed cover.

3.6. Filled up Technical Proposal is signed by the authority, stamped and

submitted.

3.7. The Eligibility Criteria/ Qualification Criteria are signed by the authority

and stamped.

3.8. Bidder’s undertaking on the Letter Head to the effect that they agree to the

Eligibility/ Qualification and Evaluation Criteria are signed, stamped and

submitted with the relevant documents.

3.9. A certificate of assurance and guarantee on the Letter Head from the

bidder that it will ensure SMS Services within the time line specified in

the Bid Documents, is submitted.

3.10. A list of Countries where the SMS white listed.

3.11. All the undertaking/ letter heads and certificates wherever required are

signed, stamped and submitted.

3.12. Supporting Documents to meet the Eligibility/ Qualification Criteria.

RFP Provision of SMS Services (One-Way &Two-Way Local & International)

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3.13. All the supporting documents to meet the Qualification Criteria as laid

down in the Bid Documents and under Eligibility Criteria, are signed by

the authority and stamped.

3.14. Copy of Bidder’s Certificate of Incorporation/ registration is signed,

stamped and submitted.

3.15. For SMS Services sales, copies of the invoices for the sales made or proof

of statutory documents like Income Tax, Excise Duty Returns or Sales

Tax Returns or any other legally valid documents are submitted.

3.16. Bidder’s undertaking on letterhead that company has never been

Blacklisted, is submitted.

4. Whether Financial Proposal contains the following;

4.1. Filled Financial Proposal with signature and stamp on all pages is

submitted.

4.2. Whether corrections or overwriting if any are attested?

RFP Provision of SMS Services (One-Way &Two-Way Local & International)

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2. ADDITIONAL NOTES

APPLICABILITY OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT RULES, 2004 (REV.) This Bid Process will be governed under Public Procurement Rules, 2004 (Rev.), as amended from time

to time and instructions of the Government of Pakistan received during the completion of the project.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Bidders must ensure that they submit all the required documents indicated in the RFP Document without

fail. Bids received without undertakings, valid documentary evidence and supporting documents and the

manner for the various requirements mentioned in the RFP Document are likely to be rejected at the

initial stage. The valid documentary evidences for the critical components as detailed hereinafter should

be submitted by the Bidder for scrutiny. The Bidders are required to read the RFP Document and

applicable laws and submit any objection thereof in writing in the pre-bid meeting; failing which no

objection shall be entertained regarding the terms and conditions of the RFP Document and the Bid

Process at the later stage.

PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT

The purpose of this document is to share/ present the macroscopic view of the project objectives and

requirements while giving its background. Vision & Objectives, Scope of Work, Project Methodology

as per HEC requirements, Bids Submission requirements, Selection Procedure and Criteria, Terms &

Conditions, Payments Terms, and Warranty Support/ Services are also elaborated in this document to

provide necessary information about this tender for potential bidders. Bidders are required to provide

the required information by filling up the Bid Submission Forms while strictly following the format

given at Annexure –IV.

3. INTRODUCTION

In recent years, good progress has been made in higher education sector in Pakistan, and significant

transformations have taken place as to come out as one of the dynamic sectors which is rapidly evolving

and developing the capacity of HEIs to serve as engines of growth in country’s socio-economic

development. Despite of these progress and positive change as well as potential which is widely

acknowledged, the higher education sector of Pakistan faces numerous challenges. Strategic vision of

HEC for higher education realizes that key to overcome many of the current and future challenges, is to

invest significantly in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), as witnessed in many

emerging economies around the world. Modern information and communication technologies are key

to enhancing efficiency, efficacy and impact of programs of development in the higher education sector.

HEC now intends to fill the communication gap between the Students/ Public/ HEI’s and HEC through

SMS service through which end users can get the verification / feedback on their requests, on HEC

digital platforms. The SMS service are procured in a transparent manner through competitive bid

process under Rule 36 (b) following the procedures stipulated by PPRA.

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Accordingly, the HEC has invited Bids for SMS (One way & Two way) Services of approximately

Fifty million (50,000,000) as per the requirements and timeframe given in the RFP document. The

SMS services shall be made by the Selected Bidder against the Purchase Order issued by HEC and

within the specified delivery time as per delivery schedule, after signing of the contract.

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4. OBJECTIVE

The Higher Education Commission, Pakistan (HEC) intends to acquire Bulk One-Way (Mask: HEC) &

Two-Way (ShortCode:9432) Local and International SMS Service. The objective of HEC is to provide

a reliable and economical SMS Services for various HEC Projects, Programs and direct contact with

Students, faculty and public across the country and international countries.

5. SCOPE OF WORK

HEC intends to procure 49,000,000 Local SMS and 1,000,000 International SMS Services for 5 Years.

5.1 Operational Requirements:

a) The selected bidder shall Provide SMS Services One Way & Two Way.

b) The selected bidder shall provide Local & International SMS Service.

c) Service must have alternate delivery channel for information communication.

d) The selected bidder will ensure standard customer experience of offered services as per PTA’s

determination.

e) The Selected bidder shall insure to white list HEC short Code 9432 to all Telecom Network

Nationwide and internationally. Or shall provide international White listed ShortCode for

international SMS.

f) Service Provider should have SMS services available to telecom Networks.

g) All the messages should be sent via transactional route and not via Promotional route.

h) The Selected bidders seems to have difficulty in SMS services provisioning they may engage

the third party aggregator which have agreement with all the telecom operators.

i) A dedicated resident engineer shall be provided to run SMS Services for 24/7.

5.2 SMS (One Way-Two Way) Portal must support:

a) Multiple integration scenarios – Connection to service provide can be established through

Web interface, API and database pooling integration methods at the same time through

different types of connections: HTTP & SMPP protocols.

b) Advances UI design on frontend Web Panel – management of outbound campaigns backed

up with detailed analytics per individual message combined by full stack subscriber base

management and customizable UI.

c) Portal must support multichannel delivery feature – Possibility to broadcast and submit

multiple channel messages as well as introduce backup channels of delivery that ensure reach

to end-user.

d) Encryption – For bigger data protection.

e) International coverage – Connection with countries across to world to ensure that you can

contact anyone anywhere in the world. f) The SMS are generated by making a query on the database through an ODBC interface. g) The information is converted into SMS and stored in database as per standard.

h) A rule engine application runs on specific time to complete the task. i) The database at the service provider end is checked (e.g. every 1 or 2 minutes or less) for

outbox messages or resending / Confirmation.

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j) New messages are sent automatically. The platform can also be configured to send event /

campaign based messages. k) Service provider to use standard HTTP port for sending SMS. For high security. l) Service provider must also support SSL layer for transferring information.

m) Incoming SMS sent by mobile phones/devices on a virtual numbers provided by service

provider n) Virtual numbers could be SHORT CODE (4 Digit number) or LONG CODE (10 Digit Virtual

GSM Number). o) HEC can retrieve messages on virtual numbers as follows.

p) The 10 or 4 Digit Virtual Mobile Number of HEC is mapped to the service provider’s Server

and all the incoming messages are downloaded on the server after sender’s identity is

authenticated through various parameters like Mobile Number of the sender, Employee Code

etc. Once the message is downloaded on the server, it sends the message to SMS application

installed at HEC Server. The whole message is, then downloaded on the application and the

application fetches the required information from the server and sends it back to the Mobile

Phone of the sender.

5.3 Web interface with extended (UI) with following desired features:

a) Web interface (GUI) Send SMS to any SMS capable mobile phone on all networks.

b) Customize address book with an option like by adding contacts and saving recently used

numbers.

c) Utilize existing Contact stores of Outlook, Outlook Express, or any other ODBC data source

d) Send one SMS to multiple mobile numbers (any x number) or address-book contacts

e) Get delivery or failure reports for each message in excel as well as API

f) Create, Edit, Reply, Forward, Export, Delete or Send SMS messages

g) Use familiar MS outlook like user interface. Should have Outbox and Sent Items folders.

h) All the possible exceptions have to be handled

i) Send SMS messages to user-defined groups of individuals

6. BID SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The objective of bid submission requirement is to provide bidders with the information to submit

their bid in response of this RFP. Bidders must follow following requirements for their

proposals/bids.

a) For this tender, PPRA 36(b) “Single Stage –Two Envelope” procedure shall be followed.

However, tender shall be awarded to on least cost selection basis.

b) Bids shall comprise of single envelope containing envelopes, i.e. Technical and Financial

Proposal, and clearly marked as Technical and Financial proposals.

c) Bidders shall submit two (02) copies of bid containing Technical and Financial Proposals

(including soft copies on CD/ DVD).

d) Bidder shall submit bids within define by hand at the address given in Tender Notice and

mention in this RFP.

e) Bidders shall submit a signed letter with Official stamp affixed on it as per the format given in

as Annex - IV cover letter to the Bid/Proposal.

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f) Bidders are required to quote the solution complying with the Scope of Work at section 6 of

this RFP with minimum Specification set out in Forms I and any additional item(s) that are

deemed required to complete the scope of work must be included.

g) Technical proposals shall contain Company profile, Authorization & relationship with

principal firms, company experience in related field, technical staff details, project completed,

major clients’ list as per the format given in Annex V “Firm’s References”, solution’s technical

details (brochures, etc.) mentioning compliance and properly highlighted all the compliance

specification as requested in Form I “Technical Requirements” using florescent highlighter of

quoted solution / Items.

h) Bidders are required to fill and sign the Technical Requirement Form I, as provided in this RFP

and must submit them along with Technical Proposal.

i) Bidders are required to submit Technical Proposals according to the solution requirements

mentioned in this document while furnishing the proposal in sequence and manner as set forth

in Technical Evaluation Criteria, and Financial proposal according to Bill of Cost (BoC).

j) Earnest Money (EM) amount as specified in the RFP Document i.e. 2% of the total bid value

payable by way of Bank Draft in PKR drawn on National Bank or a Scheduled Bank in Pakistan

in favour of the “D.G. Finance, Higher Education Commission” payable at Islamabad. The

Earnest Money in the form of Bank guarantee or Insurance guarantee is not acceptable. The

Earnest Money should be enclosed in a separately sealed cover along with the Financial

Proposal duly marked as “Earnest Money”.

7. SELECTION PROCEDURE

a) Evaluation of the firms shall be based on information provided in Technical Proposals.

b) Bidders are required to meet all the mandatory conditions as defined herein for further

consideration of bid for financial comparison.

c) Bidder must provide POC (Proof of Concept) for multi-channel delivery of SMS as defined in

the Scope of work of this RFP. Unsuccessful POC may lead to technically disqualification from

the tender.

d) Only technically responsive bidder will be considered for further processing and comparison of

financial bids.

e) The bid found lowest evaluated and technically fully compliance to the BoQ and this RFP will

be accepted for the award of contract subject to the approval of Competent Authority.

f) After the approval of contract award, a contract agreement on the stamp paper worth Rs. 100/-

shall be executed by the firm with selected bidder within 15 days from the date of issuance of

Letter of Intent.

g) If anything is not quoted as per Annex-I & Annex-II it may lead to cancellation of whole bid.

8. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT

Successful bidder must ensure that

a) Monthly platform uptime is > 97.75%,

b) Single SMS delivery time is < 10 secs,(6 SMS Per Minutes)

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c) 2,500 < SMS Thruput < 5,000 SMS per minute.

d) Planned down time shall be communicated before time via email & Mobile Phones.

e) Selected bidder will be required to extend the level 1 support through web-portal/CRM

f) Selected bidders have to provide one observer account to HEC to observe the Level 1 support

responses.

SMS platform must be hosted in the following infrastructure & procedures to ensure service is

always available:

a) Use of only Fully redundant tier 3 data centers.

b) Multiple local & international provider connections for connectivity redundancy

c) Smart queuing technology to ensure Automatic failover & dynamic gateway routing

d) 24/7/365 live monitoring of all services

Penalties:

a) If the average monthly platform uptime is <97.75%, 0.1% of the total contract value shall be

deducted.

b) If the average single sms delivery time is >10 sec, 0.1% of the total contract value shall be

deducted.

c) If the SMS thruput () is <2,500 sms per minute, 0.5% of the total contract value shall be

deducted.

d) If the SMS not delivered to end users through campaign or API on each volition 1% from total

contract value

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TERMS OF PAYMENT

a) Payment of SMS shall be paid on post quarter as per usage.

b) Upon signing of contract Successful bidder will submit the Performance Bank Guarantee equal

to (10%) ten percent of total contract value for the 5 Year contract period. 10 % Bank Guarantees

will be released after successful completion of contract period.

c) Selected Bidder may extend Performance Bank Guarantee or provide fresh Bank Guarantee

equal to 10% in lieu of Retention Money.

d) The two percent (2%) bid earnest money equal of total bid value deposited by the Selected

Bidder at the time of bid submission will be release after submission of 10% bank Guarantee.

e) Upon acceptance of invoice payments shall be made within (30) thirty days from the date of

submission of each invoice.

f) All prices must be provided in PKR including all applicable taxes.

g) HEC may consider any other alternative arrangement for payments which falls in the legal

framework of Government of Pakistan (GoP) at the time of Contract signing with selected

bidder. Taxes will be deducted as per government of Pakistan rules at the time of payment.

However, in case the selected bidder is able to produce a copy of the exemption certificate then

no tax shall be deducted and no amount shall be withheld.

9. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

a) In case of delay in delivery of item / services as per contract as defined in the scope of work in

this RFP, the Executive Director, HEC reserves the right to impose a penalty not exceeding 1%

of the total amount of the contract at the rate of 0.25% for each week of delay in handing over

service(s).

b) In case of delay of Services, the Executive Director, HEC reserves the right to impose a penalty

not exceeding 1% of the total amount of the contract value for the initial top up at the rate of

1% of the contract amount for each week of delay.

c) If the work is not executed according to the satisfaction of the Executive Director, as per the

scope of work, the ED reserves the right to reject it altogether or impose a penalty not exceeding

5% of the contract amount for the initial top up.

10. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Following general terms & conditions apply

a) The bidder should be registered with sales Tax and Income Tax Department.

b) In case of sudden leave on the bid opening date, tender will be opened on net working day.

c) An affidavit to the effect that the firm has not been blacklisted by any Government/semi

Government organization and also provide Integrity Pact.

d) If a bidder has quoted multiple options, in this case bidder should submit the earnest money

equal to 2% of highest quoted option. Further the amount of any optional requirement shall be

added to total bid value.

e) Incomplete and conditional tenders will not be entertained.

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f) The Commission reserves the right to accept/reject wholly or partially any tender without

assigning any reason at any stage of the tender process.

g) Validity period of the bids shall be 150 days.

h) The decisions of HEC will be binding on all concerned and will in no case be challengeable at

any forum or any court of law.

i) Bids are liable to be rejected if they are not conforming to the terms, conditions and

specifications stipulated in this RFP.

j) Bidders are required to submit a signed copy of Technical Compliance Sheet and Certificates

as in Form-I while affixing official stamp on it.

k) During the examination, evaluation and comparison of the bids, the HEC, at its sole discretion,

may ask the bidder for clarifications of its bid.

l) The request for clarification and the response shall be in writing/email and no change in the

price or substance of the bid shall be sought, offered or permitted.

m) If there is a discrepancy between unit price and total price in the submitted bid which is obtained

by multiplying the unit price and quantity, the unit price shall prevail and total price shall be

corrected. If there is a discrepancy between the words and figures, the amount in words shall

prevail. If there is a mistake in addition/ totaling, that shall be corrected. If the bidder does not

accept the corrected amount of bid, his bid shall be rejected and his tender security forfeited.

n) For this tender all updates/changes shall be communicated through email and also be posted on

HEC website.

o) In case of any dispute between the two parties of any matter arising out of after signing the

contract agreement, the case shall be referred to Executive Director, HEC whose decision shall

be final and binding on both parties.

p) If the progress of the work is not to the satisfaction of ED(HEC), the ED(HEC) has the right to

cancel the order, get the work done by some other Contractor/Firm subject to the first party has

to pay any amount in excess of the agreed amount, the difference will be recovered from the

second party.

q) Bids submitted via email or fax will not be entertained

r) Bidders shall provide a certificate from their bank certifying their sound financial position and

credit limit from the bank or any appropriate documentary proof (e.g.

Annual Audit Report), showing the financial strength of the bidders.

s) Bidders indemnify HEC against all third party claims of infringement of patent trade mark,

industrial design rights arising from use of the goods of any part thereof in Pakistan.

t) Operation and maintenance of the equipment infrastructure will be the sole responsibility of the

selected bidder.

u) Force Majeure refers to events such as wars, fires, typhoons, floods, earth quakes, or other

events that are regarded to be Force Majeure factor. The confirmation of a Force Majeure event

must be based on legally valid supporting documents that are provided by an authoritative body

that is jointly recognized by both HEC and the selected bidder. Employee strikes and

Construction Work carried out by any organization will not be considered as a force majeure

event.

v) The bidder should execute the entire Works on Turnkey basis as per network and specification

requirements in all respect according to the functional and technical specifications.

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w) Any equipment or material etc., omitted from BoQ and other lists, which may be reasonably

implied and obviously necessary for the completion and efficient performance of the System in

accordance with the specification, shall be deemed to have been included in the Bid Price.

x) The bidder must provide and comply with the following:

i. Income Tax Certificate / GST Certificate.

ii. Mandatory and Information Requirement Checklist.

iii. Completely filled BoQ.

iv. Certificate of Authorized Dealer, Partner, etc.

v. Quoted Product Technical Compliance (as per FORMS I,).

vi. Technical Requirement (clause by clause compliance of RFP).

vii. Project Execution Plan (Time Line, Resources, dedicated Staff, Shared Staff ext.).

viii. List of relevant technical staff.

ix. Mandatory and Information Requirement Checklist.

11. MEET OR EXCEED SPECIFICATIONS

The specifications provided in this RFP are the minimum requirements of HEC. The Service Providers

must meet or exceed these specifications to meet the actual requirements of this Project and its successful

practical implementation. But in such a case additionally proposed or altered specifications should

clearly be highlighted to enable HEC to clearly identify modified specifications.

12. CLARIFICATIONS

Queries regarding this RFP shall be submitted in writing to:

Ch. Abdullah Fayyaz Chattha

Director Operation (PERN) Incharge IT

Phone No. +92-051-90402213

email@ achattha@hec.gov.pk

Mr. Naveed Tahir

Director (PERN)

Phone No. +92-051-90402227

email@ ntahir@hec.gov.pk

Saria Saleem Malik

Network Manager

Phone No. +92-051-90402224

email@ ssaleem@hec.gov.pk

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13. TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

Part (A) Mandatory Requirement

S.

No.

Basic

Requirement Specific Requirement

Documentary proof

Required (Please mention

Reference Page#)

1. Legal Entity The Bidder should be in

Operations in Pakistan

Copy of Certificate(s) of

incorporation or

Registration document

showing legal status for

operations in Pakistan.

2. Tax registration

The Bidder should have

registration with FBR for Tax

purpose.

Copies of National Tax

Number (NTN) /GST

Registration Certificates.

3. Status The Bidder Must have valid

license or letter of authorization

by the authority to provide the

SMS services.

Certificate of valid license

of provided Services

4. Blacklisting Bidder shall not be eligible to

participate in this project if the

firm has been blacklisted/

debarred by any Government/

Semi Government organization

in Pakistan in participating in

any procurement activities for

fraudulent or corrupt practices,

or in litigation.

An affidavit to the effect

that the firm has not been

blacklisted/ debarred/ in

litigation with/ by any

Government/ Semi

Government organization

5. Completeness

of Bid/

Proposal(s)

Bidder has provided all

essential information requested

in the RFP for proper

evaluation.

Completely filed Bid

Submission Forms

Along with Supporting

documents.

6. PTA

Authorization

Bidders should provide

Authorization Letter from PTA

specific to this tender aligning

them to participate in this

tender.

Authorization Letter from

PTA

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S.

No. Attributes

Max

.

Scor

e

Weig

htag

e

Criteria

Reference

Page#

Documenta

ry Proof

Part (B) General Evaluation – Corporate Profile

Corporate Profile

1. Company In

Operation In

Pakistan

20 20 No. of Years of Bid in

consideration/ Maximum

No. amongst all the Bids

* 20

Certificate

2. Firm Financial

Strength (last Three

years)

20 20 Turnover of Bid in

consideration/ Maximum

Turnover amongst all the

Bids * 20

Las Three

Year Audit

Report

3. Number of

Nationwide/

International Clients

SMS service

10 10 Domestic Clients SMS

service of Bid in

consideration/

Maximum No. of

Clinets amongst all the

Bids * 10

Client List on

company letter

head

4. Number of Projects

in hand quoted

solution in RFP

Nationwide/

International

10 10 Domestic Projects in

hand quoted solution of

Bid in consideration/

Maximum No. of

Projects amongst all

the Bids * 10

Copy PO

Project in

hand

5. Quoted SMS

Solutions Service

Project competed in

last 3 Years in any

organization/

department/Bank/Priv

ate/Public

Nationwide/

International

10 10 Quoted Service Project

competed of Bid in

consideration/

Maximum No. of

Projects amongst all

the Bids * 10

POs or Copy

of contracts

agreements

6. Number of

Nationwide/

International Clients

10 10 Number of International

Clients of Bid in

consideration/ Maximum

Clients amongst all the

Bids * 20

Client list on

company letter

head

RFP Provision of SMS Services (One-Way &Two-Way Local & International)

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7. Number of

Nationwide/

International Banks

Clients

10 10 Number of Banks Clients

of Bid in consideration/

Clients amongst all the

Bids * 10

Bank Client

list on

company letter

head

8. Number of

Government/Semi

Government

Nationwide/

International Clients

10 10 Number of

Government/Semi

Government Clients of

Bid in consideration/

Maximum Clients

amongst all the Bids * 10

List of

Government/S

emi

Government

Clients on

company letter

head

Sub total 100 100

Weight of the Part (B) in

Technical Evaluation is 30% and

firm's Score will be calculated

using following Firm's Score =

Marks

Obtained by Firm in Part (B)/

Total Max. Marks of Part (B) * 30

PART ( C) Solution and Product Features

1.

Quoted Product/

solution extra core

features bundled

other than required in

RFP.

10 10

No. of extra features of

product of Bid in

consideration/ Maximum

No. of features amongst

all the Bids * 10

Attached

Product/

solution extra

core features

in RFP

2.

Multiple integration

scenarios –

Connection to

platforms can be

established through

Web interface, API

and database pooling

integration methods

at the same time

through different

types of connections:

HTTP & SMPP

protocols.

10 10

No. of Interfaces

available/ Maximum no

of interfaces available

amongst all the bid * 10

Attached

Product

integration

diagrams/web

interface, API

snapshots

RFP Provision of SMS Services (One-Way &Two-Way Local & International)

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3

SMS campaigns run

by Service Provider /

Aggregators

10 10

No. of Campaign /

Maximum no of

Campaign available

amongst all the bid * 10

Attached List

of SMS

Campaigns

4

Platform must have

multichannel

delivery feature –

Possibility to

broadcast and submit

multiple channel

messages as well as

introduce backup

channels of delivery

that ensure reach to

end-user.

5 5

No of SMS Delivery

Features / Maximum no

of SMS Delivery

Features available

amongst all the bid * 5

5

Platform must be

capable of providing

multiple accounts

under parent account

5 5

Number of multiple

accounts provided under

parent account feature

available amongst all the

bid * 5

6

Encryption – For

bigger data

protection,

encryption of

messages on

platform is provided.

10 10

No of Encryption

Features / Maximum no

of Encryption Features

available amongst all the

bid * 10

7

International

coverage –

Connection to

countries across to

world to ensure that

you can contact

anyone anywhere in

the world.

10 10

No. of Countries

available/ Maximum

no of Countries

available amongst all

the bid * 10

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19

Sub Total 60 60

Technical Evaluation is 40% and

firm's Score will be calculated

using following Firm's Score =

Marks Obtained by Firm in Part

(C)/ Total Max. Marks of Part (C)

*40

Part (D) Presentation /Demonstration and Value Add Services

1.

One Way SMS Service

through API on local

& International

number

20 20 To be assigned by

Technical Committee

2.

TWO Way SMS

Service API & through

direct web interface

with Master Account

and Sub Accounts

20 20 To be assigned by

Technical Committee

3. Multiple Feedback

Reports. 20 20

To be assigned by

Technical Committee

4.

SMS on MNP

(Mobile Number

Portability)

20 20 To be assigned by

Technical Committee

5.

Data/reports based on

specific responses

from the mobile

numbers responding to

HEC via SMS. For

example, how many

people responded with

“Yes”, how many with

No” etc.

10 10 To be assigned by

Technical Committee

6.

Value Add Services

extra features provided

with the SMS

Solutions

10 10 To be assigned by

Technical Committee

100 100

RFP Provision of SMS Services (One-Way &Two-Way Local & International)

20

Weight of the Part (D) 30%

and firm's Score will be

calculated using following

Firm's Score = Marks

Obtained by Firm in Part

(D)/

Total Max. Marks of Part

(D) * 30

30

Firm's Total Score = Part

(B:D) 100

No Score will be marked for the information without documentary proof.

In case of Confidentiality of any documentary proof, score will be considered subject to the

availability of relevant Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in the BID

(Technical Score of the bidder) = as awarded per technical evaluation criteria above

Note: Bidders are required to secure at least 70% score (i.e. 70 points) in total in order to be

declared as technically qualified and so considered further for evaluation.

14. FINANCIAL EVALUATION

Financial bids shall be evaluated of only Technically Qualified bidders. While doing financial

evaluation, total bid value shall be considered provided the financial bid includes all the costs involved

in the project as per the requirements set forth in this document, and strictly following the format given

in BoQ.

15. AWARD OF TENDER

For the purpose of award of tender, the Least-Cost-Selection (LCS) of the PPRA 36 (b) shall prevail,

and Lowest Evaluated Bid amongst the technically qualified bidders shall be accepted for the award of

tender.

RFP Provision of SMS Services (One-Way &Two-Way Local & International)

21

Form I: Technical Requirement

Sr.No.. Description Technical

Requirement ,

Compliance

yes / No

, Ref

document

Page

number

1 One Way –Local SMS with Masking “HEC “

a. API for SMS sending

b. SMS count, Transfer of

credit from Master

Number to sub

Numbers/master accounts

subaccounts.

c. Platform availability using

SMPP and HTTP protocol

d. Delivery on all networks

with masking

e. Graphical reports of SMS

usage

f. Keyword based filtering

of SMS reports/responses

g. Auto

reply/acknowledgement

on SMS receiving from

mobile numbers

h. URDU SMS

i. Broadcast via SMS

command from admins

mobile.

j. SMS templates, SMS

system should have a SMS

template wizard which

saves SMS templates for

future use in the

campaigns.

k. Address books, the

address books can be used

with the SMS template for

generating new SMS

campaigns with drag and

drop commands to the

system or API.

l. Dynamic SMS which

allows automatic insertion

of variable fields in SMS

during a campaign

Schedule multiple

campaigns by using SMS

RFP Provision of SMS Services (One-Way &Two-Way Local & International)

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scheduling feature and can

select multiple address

books.

m. Corporate Accounts and

Sub Accounts.

n. Dedicated support would

be provided as corporate

account

o. Delivery Reports,

Delivery reports of

campaigns can be

extracted from delivery

report tab along with time

and status.

p. Resend:

Resend option should be

available to be used for

already completed

campaigns if needed

q. Delivery on MNP

numbers with masking:

The proposed SMS

system must ensure

delivery of SMS to

recipients with registered

HEC

alphabetical/alphanumeric

masks on all MNP

numbers.

r. The administrator should

be able to command the

SMS system to transmit

emergency messages

using masking/codes via a

SMS command to the

system without accessing

the web interface

s. Auto Replies o SMS

system should be able to

automatically respond to

SMS

recipients/respondents

with acknowledgement if

required by HEC for any

particular campaign

t. Detailed Analytics

/Graphs, The SMS system

will generate periodic

RFP Provision of SMS Services (One-Way &Two-Way Local & International)

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graphical and tabular

downloadable reports

campaign wise, time wise

and mask wise. The

system should be able to

maintain at least six

months’ historical data

u. Multichannel delivery

mechanism to ensure to

reach the end-user

v. Advances UI design on

frontend Web Panel –

management of outbound

campaigns backed up

2 Two Way with Short Code “9432” Bulk SMS services:

a. Bulk SMS in one touch to

multiple profiles.

b. Bulk SMS on MNP

Number

c. Bulk SMS feedback

Reports

d. Send Schedule Message

3 International SMS with Short Code 9432

a. Create and Manage SMS

Templet

b. Automated response

management

c. View Sent Message

d. View received Message

e. Vie Delivery Report

f. Receive Messaging

Reports

g. International SMS Credit

Count

RFP Provision of SMS Services (One-Way &Two-Way Local & International)

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Annex - I: Bill of Quantity(ies)

(To be filled by the bidder as part of Financial Proposal)

Sr.

No.

ITEM Minimum

Specification

(A) Qty. (B)

Unit Cost

PKR.

(C)

Total

Cost

inclusive

of all

Govt

Tax

PRK.

1. One Way SMS As per specifications

mentioned under

Technical Requirement

Form-I. Sr. No. 1 and its

sub Sr. No.

24,500,000

2 Two Way SMS As per specifications

mentioned under

Technical Requirement

Form-I. . Sr. No. 2 and its

sub Sr. No.

24,500,000

3 International

SMS

As per specifications

mentioned under

Technical Requirement

Form-I. . Sr. No. 3 and its

sub Sr. No.

1,000,000

Total Cost Column (A*B) = C

Amount in Figure:

Amount in Words:

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Annex - II: Bill of Cost

(To be filled by the bidder as part of Financial Proposal)

PRICE SCHEDULE

Bulk Short Message Service

Component wise Price Quoted (in Rs.) per SMS

S.NO Item Order Place for 5 Years (60 Months)

Charges per SMS inclusive of Web Portal Service and Support

1. One Way Bulk SMSs (24,500,000)

Rate per SMS (inclusive of all taxes and levies)

Rs. In Figures

In Words

2. Two Way Bulk SMSs (24,500,000)

Rate Per SMS (inclusive of all taxes and levies)

Rs. In Figures

In Words

3 Bulk SMSs International (1,000,000) Rs. In Figures

In Words

Govt. Taxes & Duties

Grand Total

Annex - III: List of Countries

1. Afghanistan 2. Albania 3. Algeria 4. Andorra 5. Angola 6. Anguilla 7. Antigua & Barbuda 8. Argentina 9. Armenia 10. Australia 11. Austria 12. Azerbaijan 13. Bahamas 14. Bahrain 15. Bangladesh 16. Barbados 17. Belarus 18. Belgium 19. Belize 20. Benin 21. Bermuda 22. Bhutan 23. Bolivia 24. Bosnia & Herzegovina 25. Botswana 26. Brazil 27. Brunei Darussalam 28. Bulgaria 29. Burkina Faso 30. Myanmar/Burma 31. Burundi 32. Cambodia 33. Cameroon 34. Canada 35. Cape Verde 36. Cayman Islands 37. Central African Republic 38. Chad 39. Chile 40. China 41. Colombia 42. Comoros 43. Congo 44. Costa Rica 45. Croatia 46. Cuba 47. Cyprus 48. Czech Republic 49. Democratic Republic of

the Congo 50. Denmark 51. Djibouti 52. Dominica 53. Dominican Republic 54. Ecuador 55. Egypt 56. El Salvador 57. Equatorial Guinea 58. Eritrea

59. Estonia 60. Ethiopia 61. Fiji 62. Finland 63. France 64. French Guiana 65. Gabon 66. Gambia 67. Georgia 68. Germany 69. Ghana 70. Great Britain 71. Greece 72. Grenada 73. Guadeloupe 74. Guatemala 75. Guinea 76. Guinea-Bissau 77. Guyana 78. Haiti 79. Honduras 80. Hungary 81. Iceland 82. India 83. Indonesia 84. Iran 85. Iraq 86. Italy 87. Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) 88. Jamaica 89. Japan 90. Jordan 91. Kazakhstan 92. Kenya 93. Kosovo 94. Kuwait 95. Kyrgyz Republic

(Kyrgyzstan) 96. Laos 97. Latvia 98. Lebanon 99. Lesotho 100. Liberia 101. Libya 102. Liechtenstein 103. Lithuania 104. Luxembourg 105. Republic of Macedonia 106. Madagascar 107. Malawi 108. Malaysia 109. Maldives 110. Mali 111. Malta 112. Martinique 113. Mauritania 114. Mauritius 115. Mayotte 116. Mexico

117. Moldova, Republic of 118. Monaco 119. Mongolia 120. Montenegro 121. Montserrat 122. Morocco 123. Mozambique 124. Namibia 125. Nepal 126. Netherlands 127. New Zealand 128. Nicaragua 129. Niger 130. Nigeria 131. Korea, Democratic

Republic of (North Korea) 132. Norway 133. Oman 134. Pacific Islands 135. Pakistan 136. Panama 137. Papua New Guinea 138. Paraguay 139. Peru 140. Philippines 141. Poland 142. Portugal 143. Puerto Rico 144. Palestine 145. Qatar 146. Reunion 147. Romania 148. Russian Federation 149. Rwanda 150. Saint Kitts and Nevis 151. Saint Lucia 152. Saint Vincent's &

Grenadines 153. Samoa 154. Sao Tome and Principe 155. Saudi Arabia 156. Senegal 157. Serbia 158. Seychelles 159. Sierra Leone 160. Singapore 161. Slovak Republic (Slovakia) 162. Slovenia 163. Solomon Islands 164. Somalia 165. South Africa 166. Korea, Republic of (South

Korea) 167. South Sudan 168. Spain 169. Sri Lanka 170. Sudan 171. Suriname 172. Swaziland

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173. Sweden 174. Switzerland 175. Syria 176. Tajikistan 177. Tanzania 178. Thailand 179. Timor Leste 180. Togo 181. Trinidad & Tobago

182. Tunisia 183. Turkey 184. Turkmenistan 185. Turks & Caicos Islands 186. Uganda 187. Ukraine 188. United Arab Emirates 189. United States of America

(USA)

190. Uruguay 191. Uzbekistan 192. Venezuela 193. Vietnam 194. Virgin Islands (UK) 195. Virgin Islands (US) 196. Yemen 197. Zambia 198. Zimbabwe

Annex – IV: Bid Submission Form

The Director Operation (PERN) / Incharge IT

Higher Education Commission,

H-9, Islamabad

Sir

We, the undersigned, offer to provide the equipment along with commissioning as well as

operational, maintenance and warranty services For “SMS Service “, in accordance with your

Request for Proposal dated ____________, and our Proposal. We are hereby submitting our

Proposal, which includes the technical proposal, and a financial proposal sealed under separate

envelopes.

We understand you are not bound to accept any Proposal you receive and reserves the right to

accept or reject any offer and to annul the bidding process and reject all proposals.

The decision of evaluating committee shall be final and cannot be challenged on any ground at

any forum and the evaluating committee will not be liable for any loss or damage to any party

acting in reliance thereon.

We remain,

Yours’ sincerely

Authorized Signature:

Name and Title of Signatory:

Name o

Firm: Address:

RFP Provision of SMS Services (One-Way &Two-Way Local & International)

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Annex – V: Firm’s References

(To be filled by the bidder as part of technical

proposal)

Relevant Services Carried Out in the Last Four Years That Best

Illustrate Qualifications

Using the format below, provide information on each reference assignment for which your

firm/entity, either individually as a corporate entity or as one \of the major companies within an

association, was legally contracted.

Assignment Name:

Country:

Location within Country:

Key Professional Staff Provided

by Your Firm/ entity(profiles):

Name of Client:

No of Staff:

Address:

No of Staff-Months; duration of

assignment:

Start Date

(Month/Year):

Completion Date

(Month/Year):

Approx. Value of Services (in

Current ):

Name of Associated Consultants, if any:

No of Months of Professional

Staff Provided by Associated

Consultants:

Name of Senior Staff (Project Director/Coordinator, Team Leader) involved and functions

performed:

Narrative Description of Project:

Description of Actual Services Provided by Your Staff:

Firm’s Name:

RFP Provision of SMS Services (One-Way &Two-Way Local & International)

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Annex – VI: Technical Compliance Certificates/Compliance Undertaking

(To be filled by the bidder as part of technical proposal)

I, (Name); (CNIC#); (Designation), (Company Name) have gone through the Terms/Conditions

of this RFP and have found the document in whole as non-biased to any particular vendor or

product/brand. I hereby undertake and firmly bound myself to abide by/ comply all sections of

this RFP except for those items noted below.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

RFP Provision of SMS Services (One-Way &Two-Way Local & International)

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Annex – VII: Declaration

Integrity Pact

DECLARATION OF FEES, COMMISSION AND BROKERAGE ETC

PAYABLE BY THE SUPPLIER OF GOODS, SERVICES & WORK IN

CONTRACTS WORTH RS. 10.0 MILLION OR MORE

(To be filled by the bidder as a part of technical proposal)

Contract Number: ____________________ Dated: __________________

Contract Value: ______________________ Contract Title: ____________

_________________ hereby declare that it has not obtained or induced the procurement of any

contract, right, interest, privilege or other obligation or benefit from Government of Pakistan or

any administrative subdivision or agency thereof or any other entity owned or controlled by it

(GoP) through any corrupt business partner.

Without limiting the generality of the forgoing, _________________ represents and warrants

that it has fully declared the brokerage, commission, fees etc. paid or payable to anyone and not

given or not given or agreed to give and shall not give or agree to give to anyone within or

outside Pakistan either directly or indirectly through any nature or juridical person, including its

affiliate, agent, associate, broker, consultant, director, promoter, shareholder, sponsor or

subsidiary, any commission, gratification, bribe, finder’s fee or kickback, whether described as

consultant fee or otherwise, with the object of obtaining or inducing the procurement of a

contract, right, interest, privilege or other obligation or benefit in whatever from GoP, except that

which has been expressly declared pursuant hereto.

________________ certifies that it has made and will make full disclosure of all agreements

and arrangements with all persons in respect of or related to the transaction with GoP and has not

taken any action or will not take any action to circumvent the above declaration, representation

or warranty.

________________ accept full responsibility and strict liability for making any false

declaration, not making full discloser, misrepresenting facts or taking any action likely to defeat

the purpose of this declaration, representation warranty. It agrees that any contract, right, interest,

privilege or other obligation or benefit obtained or procured as aforesaid shall, without prejudice

to any other right and remedies available to GoP under any law, contract or other instrument, be

voidable at the option of GoP.

Notwithstanding any rights and remedies exercised by GoP in this regard, ________________

agrees to identify GoP for any loss or damage incurred by it on account of its corrupt business

practices and further pay compensation to GoP in an amount equivalent to ten time the sum of

any commission, gratification, bribe, finder’s fee or kickback given by _______________ as

aforesaid for the purpose of obtaining or inducing the procurement of any contract, right,

interest, privilege or other obligation or benefit in whatsoever from GoP.

____________________ ________________________

[Buyer] [Seller / Supplier]