Request for Information (RFI) for a Cloud-Managed Site Network Solution

Shared Services Canada is seeking industry input through a Request for Information (RFI) for a Cloud-Managed Site Network Solution to support the Connectivity and Security Services Branch, with the goal of refining its future procurement strategy. The RFI, identified as BPM026067/34042 and posted on June 25, 2026 with a response deadline of July 13, 2026, is not a solicitation for bids or tenders and no contract will be awarded based on responses. Instead, feedback received will be used to shape technical requirements, evaluation criteria, and the structure of a future solicitation. The envisioned solution must deliver a flexible, scalable, cloud-managed network infrastructure for Government of Canada sites, including Cloud-Managed Wi-Fi Access Points compatible with indoor and outdoor environments, various mounting options, and both omnidirectional and directional antennas. Core components include a Local Internet Access Services (LIAS) Modem, Cloud-Managed Site Gateway, Cloud-Managed LAN Switch, and Cloud-Managed WLAN Access Point. The system must comply with EN 301 549 (2021) accessibility standards, particularly in the graphical user interface, and support wireless standards up to 802.11be across the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. Technical validation will require verification of key hardware specifications such as switch port density including 8x 2.5GbE, 16x 1GbE, and 4x SFP+ ports, a minimum PoE budget of 720W for 24-port switches, and the implementation of Zero Touch Provisioning and FIPS 140-2 certified TLS encryption for secure cloud management. Functionality testing will assess VLAN isolation, Layer 2/3 routing, ACL access control, stable SSID performance under high client loads, and client authentication using WPA3-Enterprise. All products must remain compliant throughout the proposed seven-year contract term plus five one-year options, and any item subject to an official OEM End-of-Life announcement will be considered non-compliant unless replaced with an equivalent or superior alternative. Data sovereignty is critical: control plane, telemetry, credential, metadata, and backup data must remain within Canada’s jurisdiction, and the cloud management platform must offer native bilingual (English and French) support. Responses must include detailed product listings with OEM codes, list pricing, and discount rates calculated using a prescribed formula