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The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) today (October 7) gazetted notices inviting tenders for the implementation of the Next Generation Government Wi-Fi (GovWiFi) Programme and the provision of hosting services for departmental information systems.
"The Government has been adopting a vigorous IT outsourcing policy to tap the expertise and talent of the private sector. On the one hand this helps enhance our service capacity and accelerate the delivery of IT solutions, and on the other hand generates more business opportunities and facilitates the development of the local IT industry," a spokesman for OGCIO said.
The Next Generation GovWiFi Programme will succeed the existing programme with enhanced services upon expiry of the current service contract at the end of 2012. The selected contractor(s) will be responsible for the provision of hardware and software, installation, site preparation, daily operation and maintenance, Internet connection and helpdesk services under bundled service contract(s). The service period is five years - until the end of 2017.
The GovWiFi Programme was launched in 2008 to provide free Wi-Fi Internet access services to the public at selected government premises of high public patronage. It has been well received by citizens.
"Implementation of the new programme will enable the public and visitors to enjoy free GovWiFi services in more government premises. It will also stimulate the development of wireless Internet services by the commercial sector and help develop Hong Kong as a city with ubiquitous wireless facilities," the spokesman said.
Tender documents for the provision of GovWiFi services are available for collection at the OGCIO reception, 15/F, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. They can also be downloaded from www.ogcio.gov.hk/eng/tender/etennot.htm. Tender proposals should be submitted before noon on November 18, 2011.
Regarding the tender for the hosting of departmental information systems, the contractor is required to provide hosting services at its data centres for six information systems of various bureaux/departments. The scope of services includes data centre infrastructure services, disaster recovery services, printing services, operation and support services. The contract will last for seven years and succeed the existing service contract, which expires at the end of 2012.
The spokesman said this outsourcing arrangement would enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness in providing data centre services for bureaux/departments, and at the same time help foster the growth of the data centre service sector locally.
Tender documents for this project are available for collection at General Registry, OGCIO, 19/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Hong Kong. They can also be downloaded from www.ogcio.gov.hk/eng/tender/etennot.htm. The tender submission deadline is noon on November 25, 2011.
Ends/Friday, October 7, 2011
Issued at HKT 11:01
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