Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) seeks a qualified contractor to design, install, test, and certify a comprehensive structured cabling system to support its network infrastructure and connectivity requirements.

Scope of Work:

• Structured Cabling: Installation of copper and dual fibre optic backbone within the Main Administration Block and throughout the MICAS complex, adhering to pre-existing network designs and Bills of Quantities (BOQs) developed by MITA and MICAS’ engineering consultants. Minor design adjustments may be required based on site conditions and will be subject to approval.
• Passive Equipment: Procurement, installation, testing, and certification of all necessary passive network components, including but not limited to patch panels, cable assemblies, and fibre optic termination equipment.
• Equipment Racking: Installation and configuration of network racks within the Main Distribution Frame (MDF) and Intermediate Distribution Frames (IDFs) of the Administration Block. This includes the mounting of active network equipment supplied by MICAS and third-party vendors, such as switches, routers, Wi-Fi controllers, firewalls, and UPS systems.
• Labelling: Consistent and professional labelling of all cabling, passive components, and active equipment to facilitate network management and maintenance.

Key Deliverables:

• A fully functional, high-performance network infrastructure supporting MICAS’ operational requirements.
• Comprehensive documentation, including network diagrams, cable schedules, and test
• Adherence to industry standards and best practices for cabling installation and

The successful contractor will be expected to collaborate closely with MICAS’ IT Department and engineering consultants throughout the project lifecycle.

Due to the urgency of this scope of works the contractor will be accorded allowance to work outside normal working hours including Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

Scope of Work

1. Structured Cabling System

• Copper Cabling Infrastructure throughout the Administration Block

 

Copper Cabling: Cat6 Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) or Foiled Fully Screened Twisted Pair (FFTP) copper cabling will be installed throughout the Administration Block to support high- speed data transmission.

Network Connectivity: Cabling will extend from patch panels in the Main Distribution Frame (MDF) to floor boxes in the raised flooring, providing wired Ethernet connectivity. Additionally, STP/FFTP uplinks will be installed to support wireless access points (APs) for two separate Wi-Fi networks: one integrated with MITA’s MAGNET network and the other with a private WiMAX network.

1.2  Fibre Optic Backbone Infrastructure throughout entire MICAS Complex Redundant Fibre Optic Network Architecture

To provide high availability and fault tolerance, a dual fibre optic backbone network will be

implemented throughout the MICAS complex.

• Single-Mode Fibre: Deployed for long-haul, high-bandwidth data
• Multimode Fibre: Installed to offer additional network redundancy and

Physical diversity and resilience are ensured through separate underground manhole routing for each fibre backbone. All fibre optic cables must be installed within rodent-proof metal sleeving supplied by the contractor to protect against physical damage.

 

• Network Equipment Enclosure Requirements

Network Cabinet and Rack Installations

Main Administration Block:

• Primary Server Room: Installation of three 47U network
• Potential for a smaller Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF) at basement

 

Security Room:

• Installation of one 12-15U network

Note: All network cabinets and racks must adhere to industry standards for weight capacity, ventilation, and cable management.

2. Wireless Networking at the Main Administration Block

2.1 Deployment of a Private Ubiquiti AP-Based Wi-Fi Network

 

Purpose: To establish a private, ISP-independent Wi-Fi network utilizing Ubiquiti APs provided by the contracting authority. The network will serve external visitors, staff, and general operational requirements.

Scope: The solution will encompass the design, implementation, configuration, testing, and documentation of a Wi-Fi network reliant on a WiMAX backbone.

2.2 Deployment of a Secure MITA-based Wi-Fi Network

• Objective: To deploy a secure, reliable, and high-performance Wi-Fi network for administrative and operational functions. The network infrastructure will leverage Aruba APs and Wi-Fi Controllers procured via MITA’s Framework Agreement for Wi-Fi active equipment. The solution must adhere to stringent data confidentiality, integrity, and security

3. Network Services Deliverables

3.1  Wi-Fi Network Design Review, Installation, Testing, and Certification in Main Administration Block

 

• The contractor shall conduct a comprehensive design review of two distinct Wi-Fi network One network interface will be integrated with a WiMAX service, while the second will be interfaced with MITA’s MAGNET network. The contractor is also to implement necessary design modifications to ensure optimal performance and compatibility for both systems.

• Installation and Testing: The contractor shall provide a comprehensive Wi-Fi APs installation service encompassing: cabling infrastructure, AP mounting (soffits or walls), configuration, testing, and certification. This includes the following:
• Installation of necessary cabling;
• Secure AP mounting in specified locations;
• AP configuration and setup;
• Rigorous testing of network performance and connectivity;
• Professional labelling of all network components;
• Provision of comprehensive test results and

 

3.2 Main Administration Block Network Installation

• Components: Copper cabling and
• Tasks: Terminate, label, test, and certify all

3.3 Main Administration Block Server Room Network Installation

• Components: 3 network cabinets with patch panels, cable management, and
• Coordination: With MITA ISD for configuration and

3.4 Security Room Network Design and Installation

• Design: Small network for Security
• Installation: Surface-mounted wall ports, 2 wireless APs, and a network
• Connectivity: Link to the Administration Block MDF via

3.5 Backbone Fibre Installation

• Installation: Dual-fibre backbone (single-mode and multi-mode) throughout the entire MICAS complex. The fibre cable will be routed through two separate purpose-built manholes spanning through the entire MICAS complex.
• Tasks: Terminate, label, test, and certify fibre

3.6 Inventory and Procurement

• Inventory: Tally existing passive network equipment, including OM4 fibre optic
• Procurement: Identify and quote for additional equipment and cabling

Requirements for Quotation Submission

General Requirements

• Detailed proposal including all components and services
• Breakdown of costs for materials, labour, and any additional
• Timeline for project
• Warranty and support details for installed

Technical Specifications

• Compliance with industry standards for structured cabling
• Use of top-quality branded products for all passive equipment and
• Detailed design documents for the proposed network

Provision

BOQ Passive Equipment: Appendix 1 – The MICAS Structured Cabling Solution BOQ must be submitted in its entirety. MICAS already has several passive equipment items in stock. The successful bidder will be expected to supply only those items that MICAS does not currently have in stock. (Items listed in the BOQ will be paid if utilised).

Timetable

The Expression of Interest opens on:	19 August 2024
Site Visit – MICAS, Ospizio Complex, Bieb il-Pulverista, Joseph J. Mangion Street, Floriana:	26 August 2024 at 10:00 am CET/CEST
Clarification   requests  maybe    submitted  via email on people@micas.art by not later than:	30 August 2024
Applications are to be submitted via email on people@micas.art by not later than:	6 September 2024 at 16:00 am CET/CEST
Opening of offers:	9 September 2024 at 16:30 pm CET/CEST
Award Stage: The winning bidder will be notified by the end of the day on:	13 September 2024

 

Any clarification requests and/or the completed applications need to be submitted via email on people@micas.art indicating the following text in the subject field:

Ref No: MICAS/EOI/11/2024 : Expression of Interest: Structured Cabling and Network Infrastructure Installation

The opening schedule shall be affixed on the notice board of MICAS in the order of how the applications were received. Only the name of the contractors who submitted an offer under this Expression of Interest shall be displayed on the said opening schedule; no prices shall be listed on such schedule.

Please find the EOI Document, Appendix 1 and Appendix 2.

Additional technical specifications are to be found here:

• Admin Block Passive Equipment Technical Specifications
• MICAS Complex – Dual Fibre Backbone Manhole Routing
• MICAS Dual Fibre Backbone Layout
• MICAS Office Network_BASEMENT
• MICAS Office Network_FIRST
• MICAS Office Network_GROUND

Late and/or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Award Requirements

The sole award criterion will be the price. The contract will be awarded to the interested person/company submitting the cheapest priced offer satisfying the General Requirements and Technical Specifications requested in this EOI.

Conclusion

The passive networking infrastructure for MICAS, including the structured cabling system and wireless networking, will provide a robust, reliable, and future-proof foundation to support the art space’s diverse connectivity requirements. This comprehensive solution will enable MICAS to effectively engage with contemporary art and culture, both globally and locally, while ensuring seamless and secure communication throughout the facility.proofread_EOI Document – Structured Cabling and Network Infrastructure Installation