End to End Network Audit/Audit of Afghan telecom for 2G and 3G services

(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)

Country: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Name of Project: Audit of Afghan telecom for 2G and 3G services

Assignment Title: End to End Network Audit

Duration of Assignment: 12 Months  

Implementing Agency: Ministry Of Communications and Information (MCIT)

Duty Station: Kabul

Contract Type: Lump-Sum

NPA Ref. No.: NPA/MCIT/97/CS-2167/QCBS

1. Brief of the Assignment

1. Background

AFTEL, a country leading telecommunication service provider, has always been on the forefront of the evolution of telecom network. With the development of telecom technology and the growing demands of subscriber, AFTEL first demonstrates its pioneer position to underline its leadership in the future of mobile network, and willingness to continue delivering to subscribers new and more advanced services every day.

Currently Afghan telecom providing 2G and 3G services to its customers AFGHAN Telecom have total of 1184 BTS 2G and 2G+3G sites refer to Annex 01  out of them 691 BTS are 2G+3G and remaining are 2G only all over the country 70% of the network are ZTE equipment while the rest 30% is using Huawei.

Network audit is a mandatory and essential part of any telecom network in order to run and deep investigation from the existing network and all related elements installed at the network.

This project should describe the result of the end to end network like Core Audit which will Carrie out in MSC, MSC-S, HLR, MGW and BSC/TRC, IN nodes as well as 2G + 3G sites in salaam network in Afghanistan. The objective of this report is to capture all the findings in order to find a suitable action and recommendations. The content of this projects is treated as strictly confidential information and is distributed only to Afghan telecom and MCIT minister at Afghanistan

2. Objectives of Assignment

The primary purpose of the audit is to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of SALAAM network measures and their compliance with telecom industries’ measure,  Operational Standards, threat and risk assessments, application and telecommunication changes, also audit Objectives are broad statements developed by auditors and define intended audit accomplishments conducted on a regular basis and prior to major system of network.

 Independent review and examination of records and activities to assess the adequacy of system controls, to ensure compliance with established policies and operational procedures. Recommend necessary changes in controls, policies, or procedures. analysis of invoices, lines, rates, tariffs, plans, network resource usage, call volume, systems, and contracts resulting in cost reduction, proper invoicing and optimization of telecommunication systems. To be conducted by an independent telecommunications consultant in order to stop revenue leakage as well as identify the gaps and problem at salaam network.

This project should compare current telecommunications billing and usage to the underlying rate structure whether that is dictated by contract, tariff, or price list. Complex audits utilize software applications

A background and familiarity with technical operations at a Telecom-based company would be ideal; an understanding of technical concepts related to telecom operations and Core network operations preferred.

2. Scope of the Services

For Information on the scope of the services, you can access the TOR under the abovementioned assignment title and reference number on the website: www.npa.gov.af

A background and familiarity with technical operations at a Telecom-based company would be ideal; an understanding of technical concepts related to telecom operations and Core network operations preferred.

3. Qualification Requirements / Short-listing Criteria

National Procurement Authority on behalf of Ministry Of Communications and Information (MCIT)of GIRoA, now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for these services.  Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

The short listing criteria are:

1. Should be a registered legal entity and should have been in business for the last 5 years in providing auditing Services in similar or related assignments. (The consultant is required to provide a copy of their Certificate of Incorporation issued by relevant authority in the country of establishment)
2. Annual turnover during any one of the last three years should not be less than equivalent to USD (2,000,000.00).  Two million US Dollar.
3. The consultant should have proven experience and familiarity with technical operation of Telecom Company with understanding of technical concept related to technical operation and ease operations. The firm should have exceeded for a minimum of one contract with the value of the contract as USD (1,000,000.00) One million US Dollar or more having executed during last 8 years of similar nature indicating the duration, value and years of performance, which should showcase the expertise/ strength of the consultant for undertaking such assignments.

• Consultant should explain in what way the executed assignment(s) was/were similar in nature to the current assignment.
• The Consultant should explain the exact role played by the Consultant in the assignment and as to whether the assignment was carried out in association with other firms as JV or in sub-consultancy for carrying out the assignment

The Consultant while describing the assignment(s) for similar experience should furnish the     following details the duration, value and years of performance of such previous assignments

A clear explanation of in what way the executed assignment(s) was/were similar in nature to the current assignment ‘on offer’, and also a clear indication of the input of key experts provided for the same

The exact role played by the Consultant in the nominated assignment/s; and

Whether the assignment was carried out under sole contract, or in association with other firms as JV, or in a sub-consultancy relationship / arrangement.

4. Regional experience is considered desirable.

4. The requirements for Consultants who intend to associate with other firm(s) in the form of a Joint Venture (JV) or Consortium or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications are indicated hereunder:
   1. The lead partner is required to be identified clearly and state the composition and nature of their association (JV/ sub-consultant) in their EOI.
   2. In case of JV, the lead partner shall meet the shortlisting criteria of turnover under (a) & (b) above and substantially meet the experience criteria under (c) above (having executed the assignments with contract value indicated therein). The JV partner should also meet the shortlisting criteria under (c) above (having executed the assignments with contract value as 50% of the value indicated therein).
   3. In case of Consultant who intends to associate with other firm(s) in the form of a sub-consultancy, the lead partner shall meet the shortlisting criteria of turnover and experience under (a), (b) & (c) as above.

5. Legal References

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to ‘Chapter 4 - Process of Request for Proposal’ of “Rule of Procurement Procedure” issued by Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The consultants are also required to maintain high standard ethics throughout the procurement process. The Consultants’ attention is also drawn to Article 16 of Afghanistan Public Procurement Law for compliance. The consultants can download the Public Procurement Law and Procedure from: www.npa.gov.af    

6. Method of Selection

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) process set out in Rule 59 of the (NPA) Procurement Procedures.

7. Submission of EOI

Expressions of interest as per Annexure ‘A’ attached must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, by mail, or by e-mail) by December 15, 2018 04:00 PM (Kabul Local Time).

Further information in respect to this REOI can be obtained at the address below by email or in person during office hours, i.e.08:00-04:00 PM.

Attention: Zabihulrahman Rahmani

Procurement Manager (Infrastructure Sector Department)

National Procurement Authority (NPA), AOP

Pashtunestan Wat, Kabul, Afghanistan

Phone Number: +93(0)202147557

Email: zabihulrahman.rahmani@aop.gov.af CC:  hikmatullah.asad@aop.gov.af wais.rahimi@aop.gov.af, f.frough@salaam.af and mohsin.nisar@aop.gov.af

Web site: www.npa.gov.af

(The ToR is accessible through direct link: www.npa.gov.af)

Annexure A: Format for Expression of Interest

The expression of interest in English language must be submitted as per the following format:

{Note: In case documents submitted are in any language other than English, the consultant should submit a self-certified copy of the translated document in English (along with originals).}

SECTION 1: Organization Details (In case the EoI is being submitted as a Joint Venture/Sub-Consultant, the information has to be submitted for the Lead Partner as well as other members of the Joint Venture separately/Sub-Consultant.)

SECTION 2: Documents to be submitted

SECTION 3: Format for furnishing details of Credentials / Past Experiences for projects as at Sl. No. 3 of Section 2. The information need to be furnished as per the Format below for each credential.

The project citation should be a maximum of 2 pages per credential/project along with documents as mentioned under Sl. No. 3 of Section 2 (above). The citation need to be furnished for each credential.