RFI for sdn and nfv deployment in ntcsa’s operational technology environment

• Procurement contact: Claire Gontse Sennelo, Assistant Officer Procurement.
• Telephone: 011 800 8111.
• Email: [email protected].
• Suppliers must provide their own contact details, company registration number, and business address in their response.

• Submit electronically via the NTCSA Tender bulletin site on the Eskom E-tendering page.
• No physical submissions are allowed.
• Deadline: 23 July 2026 at 10:00 AM South African Standard Time.
• Ensure your submission is complete before the deadline; it is your responsibility.
• File requirements: Submit documents in PDF and Excel format.
• File size limits: Maximum 50MB per file, total submission not exceeding 900MB.
• Do not upload Zip or compressed files.
• If you resubmit, only the latest version will be accepted; previous submissions become void.
• Confirm submission status is marked as complete.
• Refer to the Eskom E-Tendering Help Manual and video guide for assistance.

• Submit all documents in PDF and Excel format.
• File limits: Maximum 50MB per file, total submission not exceeding 900MB.
• No Zip or compressed files allowed.
• If resubmitting, only the latest version is accepted; previous submissions become void.
• Ensure submission status is indicated as complete.

Open to all suppliers capable of providing SDN/NFV solutions for utility OT environments. Must submit electronically via Eskom E-tendering portal in PDF/Excel format (max 50MB per file, 900MB total). No zip files. Latest submission version accepted, previous submissions void. Company registration number required. Experience with utility OT networks and SDN/NFV solutions is expected.

• Scope: Evaluate the maturity and suitability of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) for deployment within NTCSA’s Operational Technology (OT) environment.
• Responders must address specific technical questions covering:

• Company details and previous experience with utility OT network solutions, including case studies.
• Recommended frameworks and standards for secure, resilient, and scalable SDN/NFV architecture.
• How SDN/NFV supports deterministic traffic handling (e.g., SCADA) with strict latency/jitter requirements.
• Operational efficiency improvements with measurable outcomes.
• Interoperability with multi-vendor legacy equipment and support models.
• Supported open standard-based protocols (e.g., OpenFlow, NETCONF, YANG).
• Carrier-grade availability (99.999%) and support for deterministic networking.
• Redundancy models for SDN controllers, NFV infrastructure, and virtual network functions.
• Scalability to handle increased network traffic.
• Visibility tools for real-time monitoring, root cause analysis, and service assurance.
• Supported cloud computing types and trade-offs.
• Licensing models for software and VNFs.
• Required technical skills, operational tools, and training programs.
• Software update, patch, and lifecycle management processes.
• Automated monitoring and incident response for cybersecurity.
• Infrastructure requirements for hosting SDN controllers.
• Recommended SDN controller architectures for different network topologies.
• Recommended NFV infrastructure platforms.
• Deployment, scaling, and management of virtualized network functions.
• Orchestration and lifecycle management tools for NFV.
• Migration roadmap from legacy OT to SDN/NFV, including costs and business continuity.
• Product roadmap for next 3–5 years and support for emerging technologies.
• AI-related applications and benefits.
• Support for a Proof of Concept in a live or simulated OT environment.

• Address detailed technical questions covering architecture, interoperability, protocols, availability, redundancy, scalability, monitoring, cloud support, licensing, skills, updates, cybersecurity, infrastructure, controller architectures, NFV platforms, VNF management, orchestration, migration, product roadmap, AI applications, and Proof of Concept support.

• Provide company name, contact details, and registration number.
• Describe previous experience with utility OT network solutions, including SDN/NFV, and provide case studies on technology maturity.

• Provide a Bill of Materials (BOM) with indicative pricing for each SDN/NFV system component.
• Include a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) model covering all lifecycle cost components.

• Provide a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) model covering CAPEX, OPEX, integration, migration, licensing, maintenance, and support for SDN/NFV deployment in a hybrid legacy network.
• Submit a Bill of Materials (BOM) with indicative pricing for each SDN/NFV system component.

• No specific compliance requirements (e.g., B-BBEE, tax) are stated for this RFI.
• Responders must provide company registration number and contact details.
• Responders are encouraged to expand on requirements, indicating assumptions, deviations, or value-added capabilities.

• This document is uncontrolled when downloaded; users must ensure they use the authorized version.
• No part may be reproduced without written consent from National Transmission Company South Africa SOC Ltd.

• Responders should refer to the stated requirements and expand on them, clearly indicating assumptions, deviations, or value-added capabilities.

Deadline for submission 23 July 2026 At (South African 10:00 AM Standard Time)

This document is the E-Tendering Training Acknowledgement Form - a mandatory returnable for NTCSA procurement. Key requirements:

• Complete all fields including: Business name/JV, Contact Person, landline, cellphone, and email address
• Sign the acknowledgment statement confirming you have undergone self-training via the e-Tendering Noddy Guide, video, or clarification meeting
• Confirm you are satisfied with your training and can operate the E-Tendering Solution
• Provide authorized signature, designation, and date
• Submit the fully completed form to NTCSA within the prescribed period
• Failure to fully complete and submit this form will result in non-responsiveness and disqualification from the procurement process

The E-Tendering Training Acknowledgement Form is a mandatory returnable document. Failure to fully complete and submit this form to NTCSA within the prescribed period will render the tenderer non-responsive and result in disqualification from the procurement process.

1. The tenderer must be capable of operating the NTCSA E-Tendering Solution, as evidenced by the completed acknowledgement form. 2. Failure to fully complete and submit the mandatory acknowledgement form within the prescribed period will render the tenderer non-responsive and disqualified. Specific technical or financial eligibility criteria for the RFI itself are not detailed in the provided excerpt.

This document is not the technical tender for SDN/NFV. It is the E-Tendering Training Acknowledgement Form (Document 559-924455249 Rev 1, Template ID 240-9722574). The form confirms the tenderer has undergone self-training through the e-Tendering Noddy Guide, video, or clarification meeting and is satisfied they can operate the E-Tendering Solution. This is a procedural requirement, not a technical specification document.

The only compliance requirement identified is completing the mandatory E-Tendering training acknowledgement. Bidders must acknowledge they have undergone self-training via the e-Tendering Noddy Guide, video, or clarification meeting to understand the system. This form must be fully completed and submitted as a mandatory returnable.

Bidders must acknowledge they have undergone self-training through the e-Tendering Noddy Guide, video, or via a clarification meeting to understand the e-Tendering system. This acknowledgment confirms the bidder is satisfied with their training and can operate the E-Tendering Solution.

• For system problems or difficulties with Tender Bulletin, eTendering, or OpenText systems, contact the buyer responsible for the published tender.
• System-generated emails (e.g., submission confirmations) may come from [email protected].
• Use the 'Edit Registration' function in the eTendering portal to update your contact details.
• Use the 'Forgot your password' function to reset your login credentials.

• Submit via Eskom eTendering system only – no physical submissions.
• Access the system via https://tenderbulletin.ntcsa.co.za or https://eTendering.eskom.co.za.
• You must have a CSD number to register and access the system.
• Registration requires a valid email and cellphone for OTP verification.
• Upload tender documents by selecting the correct file type (e.g., Technical, Commercial, Finance).
• Individual file size must not exceed 50MB; total submission must not exceed 900MB.
• Verify all required documents are uploaded before clicking 'Finalize Submission'.
• After finalizing, you will receive a confirmation email with a submission ID – save this for future reference.
• If you experience system difficulties, contact the buyer responsible for the published tender.

• Example submission email includes sender [email protected], submission ID, tender reference, closing date, and list of uploaded files (Commercial, Technical, Finance).

The primary stated eligibility criterion is possession of a valid Central Supplier Database (CSD) number. The RFI is open to potential suppliers who can provide information on SDN and NFV solutions. The document does not specify other eligibility criteria (like B-BBEE status, industry experience), which would likely be detailed in the actual RFI document accessible via the Tender Bulletin.

• The Eskom eTendering system is a web-based platform for uploading tender documents electronically.
• It replaces manual submission at Eskom offices.
• Suppliers must register with a CSD number, email, and cellphone number.
• Login requires OTP verification sent to the registered email and cellphone.
• The system is compatible with most web browsers; Microsoft Edge is recommended.
• The platform allows document uploads categorized as Technical, Commercial, Finance, etc.
• After submission, a confirmation email with all uploaded documents is sent.

• A valid Central Supplier Database (CSD) number is mandatory to register and gain access to the eTendering system.

• For 'closed tenders', suppliers are selected based on meeting the buyer's specified selection and evaluation criteria.

• Clarifications are non-compulsory.

• Buyer: Claire Gontse Sennelo.
• Buyer contact number: 011 800 8111.
• Buyer unique number: 4842152.

No explicit eligibility criteria are stated in the provided document. The RFI appears open to any interested vendors or experts capable of providing the requested technical and strategic information on SDN/NFV.

• This is a Request for Information (RFI).
• Purpose: To evaluate the maturity and suitability of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) for deployment within NTCSA's Operational Technology (OT) environment.
• Procurement type: Infrastructure Services Supply & Construction Delivery.
• CIDB is not applicable.
• Evaluation is not via inC-Max system.

• The advertised tender period is in line with P&SCM Procedure 32-1034.
• The goods or services are not part of designated items.

• Evaluation is not being conducted using the inC-Max system (indicated as 'No X').

Names and designations are provided but no contact details (email, phone, address) are stated in the document.

• Oscar Ngwenya: Chief Engineer Prof Engin.
• Khehla Gumede: Learner Intern Grad Engin.

NTCSA seeks detailed information on Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) for its Operational Technology (OT) environment.

• Scope: Evaluate maturity and suitability of SDN/NFV for deployment.
• Objectives: Understand how SDN/NFV can simplify network management, enable dynamic traffic control, ensure high availability (99.999%), and provide redundancy for mission-critical traffic.
• Integration: Must cover integration into existing Wide Area Network (WAN), data centres, and substation Local Area Networks (LAN).
• Requirements include:
• Secure communication protocols between VNFs and SDN controller.
• Support for all EPU protocols.
• Multi-factor authentication and role-based access control (RBAC).
• Zero data loss and Recovery Time Objective (RTO) of 8 to 24 hours.
• Active-active disaster recovery architecture.
• Real-time and historical performance monitoring.
• Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms.
• Detailed specifications for computing resources, storage, and VNFs.
• Management policies for software lifecycle, vulnerability mitigation.
• Use case evidence required: Successful OT implementation demonstrating SCADA functionality, error logging, QoS, failover, and high availability.
• Maturity requirements: Technologies must be proven in production, have industry adoption, comply with standards (IEC, IEEE, IETF), and be deployable in power utility OT environments.

No specific compliance requirements (e.g., CSD, tax, B-BBEE, CIDB) are stated in the document.

The document outlines technical and performance requirements rather than contractual terms. Key requirements include:

• Solution must guarantee zero data loss and achieve a Recovery Time Objective (RTO) of 8 to 24 hours.
• Should implement an active-active (hot) disaster recovery architecture.
• Must provide real-time and historical performance monitoring.
• Must demonstrate Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms.
• Supplier must provide detailed specifications for computing resources, storage, and VNFs.
• Supplier must provide SDN/NFV architecture management policies covering software lifecycle and vulnerability mitigation.
• Evidence of successful OT implementation is required, demonstrating specific use cases.
• Technologies must be proven in production, have industry adoption, comply with standards, and be deployable in power utility OT environments.

General requirements for the SDN/NFV solution:

• Clearly state all open standard communication protocols if integration with NTCSA Telecoms OSS/BSS systems is required.
• Provide full description of North Bound Interfaces (NBI) for integration.
• Secure communication protocols between VNFs and VNFs-to-SDN controller.
• Support all EPU protocols.
• Multi-factor authentication required for access to SDN/NFV infrastructure.
• Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to manage access.

The document does not specify formal evaluation criteria. It mentions:

• Evidence of successful SDN/NFV implementation in an OT environment.
• Demonstration of specific functionalities: grid monitoring (SCADA), error logging, QoS enforcement, failover, and high availability.
• Description of expected improvements and challenges post-deployment.