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Question 1
Can you please explain the phases of the project with respect of delivery of goods, and provide d|
estimated dates and quantities for each phase? No
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Answer 1 cla
Please refer to Annex A section 3.0 regarding the scope of the contract and SSC’s intent to establish a ssi
national standardized WLAN solution for cases where the WLAN is owned and operated by SSC. The fié
contract will not be used for single project. Rather, the contract will be used on an ongoing basis for
subsequent similar SSC and partner department requirements.

The initial contract delivery quantities are listed in Annex B column H. The specified quantities are
limited to those needed for SSC to operationalize the solution. SSC will only procure additional goods
under the contract once the solution is operationalized and ready for large-scale deployment.

The weights in Annex B column F are indicative of the potential total quantities over the lifetime of the
contract. However, SSC cannot currently commit to firm quantities and precise timelines for future
deliveries.

Question 2
Can you please provide an estimate of when, after contract award, the first shipment of Wi-Fi Access
Points (Aps) will start and when the first deployment would start and how many APs are you planning to
purchase for the first year ending 2024?

Answer 2
Please refer to Answer 1.

Question 3
Reference: Annex C - Statement of Requirements - Enterprise Wi-Fi Solution, Technical Requirement
1.4 “Must support SU-MIMO and 4x4 MU-MIMO with 4 spatial streams”,
Please confirm if this applies to all radios or only 5Ghz?

Answer 3
SSC has removed requirement 1.4 and added requirements 2.5, 3.2, 4.4, and 5.4. The added
requirements provide minimum mandatory requirements specific to each Access Point type and radio
frequency.

Question 4
Reference: Annex C - Statement of Requirements - Enterprise Wi-Fi Solution, Technical Requirement
8.2 “All access point brackets must have tamper proof security locking mechanism”.
Would SSC please provide additional details on the type of locking mechanisms are acceptable
(screw/pull-pin, actual lock with key, etc.)?

Answer 4

Specific locking mechanisms given in the question are acceptable.

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Question 5 No
Reference: Annex C - Statement of Requirements - Enterprise Wi-Fi Solution, Technical Requirement n
10.45. cla
This requirement refers to many authentication features. One of the sub-requirements pertains to Mac ssi
Authentication Bypass with multi-domain authentication, which is typically present on a network switch. fié
Is SSC looking for this feature to be available on the wired controller ports, which are unlikely to have
end-devices such as VoIP and PCs? Would SSC please clarify the requirements for 10.45?

Answer 5
Requirement 10.45 has been modified.

The following text has been removed from the requirement:

• MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) and multi-domain authentication host mode, ensuring that
two devices (i.e. an IP phone and a PC) connected to the same physical Ethernet port can be
authenticated and be placed in separate voice and data VLANs

The remaining text of the requirement is unchanged.

Question 6
Reference: Annex C - Statement of Requirements - Enterprise Wi-Fi Solution, Technical Requirement
17.8, The W3C’s web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG) have become the international standard,
which is why it became part of EN 301 549. The part of EN 301 549 that covers web is actually WCAG
version 2.1. Given it’s overlap with WCAG 2.1, would SSC consider removing requirement 17.8 or
integrate it as an option in 17.7 ?

Answer 6
Requirement 17.8 is SSCs preferred standard while requirement 17.7 includes older acceptable
standards. The requirement will remain as written.

Question 7
We request an extension to the question period to Jan 5th 2024 12:00 pm, and an extension to the
closing date to Jan 19th 2024, 2:00 pm”

Answer 7
Question period will be extended to December 22nd at 9:00 AM ET and the closing date will be extended
to January 19th 2024 at 2:00 PM ET.

Question 8
Reference: Line # 7.1 WLAN Management System Hardware, Section 7 WLAN Management System,
Annex_B_-_LoD_-_Enterprise_Wi-Fi_Goods_Procurement_EN.xlsx
Annex B asks for “Quantity:1”. Can Canada please clarify whether “Quantity:1” refers to a single
hardware appliance, or to a complete system supporting at least 600 controllers and 23,000 access
points as per Annex C?
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Answer 8
Annex B Line 7.1 and 7.2 both have a Quantity of 1 in column H. The 1 represents a single instance of the d|
WLAN Management System capable of meeting the requirements in Annex C. Specific to the question, No
the 1 (single instance) of the WLAN Management System must meet requirement 16.3. n
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Question 9 fié
Reference: ANNEX A – STATEMENT OF WORK, Enterprise Wi-Fi Solution, 4.2 - Maintenance & Support -
"Replacement hardware must be shipped within 15 business days." Please confirm the requirement is "
"Replacement hardware must be shipped next business day" which is consistent with the 4 th bullet in
4.2 which states "Defective hardware replacement service, with replacement hardware being shipped
no later than next business day and all associated shipping and freight provided at no additional cost to
SSC."

Answer 9
Annex A section 4.2 is correct as written. The first paragraph relates to “WLAN Access Points” and states
“shipped within 15 business days”. The second paragraph relates to “WLAN Controllers and WLAN
Management Systems” and states “shipped no later than next business day”. Note, the 4 bullets are part
of the second paragraph and do not relate to the Access Points. These are the minimum requirements
and faster shipping options will be accepted.

Question 10
In the interest of providing a 1st Class proposal and bid response, would the Crown grant an extension
until Friday Jan. 26, 2024?

Answer 10
SSC will extend the closing date to January 19th 2024 at 2:00 PM ET.

Question 11
Will SSC please extend the deadline for submitting questions to Dec 27th 2023 at 12:00PM ET to align
with the new bid closing date of Jan 12th?

Answer 11
Question period will be extended to December 22nd at 9:00 AM ET and the closing date will be extended
to January 19th 2024 at 2:00 PM ET.

Question 12
Several manufacturers in the market today use a distributed software architecture for the complete
operation of the network, for its management, its troubleshooting and advance analytics without the
need for controllers with the aim to scale and perform in new demands of the era. They provides all the
functions of a centralized controller and eliminates architecture complexity, single points of failure,
traffic bottlenecks, latency, and high operational costs. The solution that we and to propose offers many
benefits to organizations and their IT department: lower CapEx as there is no hardware controller
required, lower OpEx as there is less equipment to manage, increased resiliency as we eliminate the
single point of failure, optimized latency and Quality of Experience (QoE), better scalability and better
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sustainable impact as we reduce the hardware. It is was our understanding that this RFP was supposed
to be fair and open and in keeping with the international trade agreements; however, in its current d|
form it is not allowing companies to propose a distributed architecture solution. Would SSC please No
amend this RFP, so that a solution can be proposed that is based on a distributed architecture where the n
task of the controllers is distributed among the Access Points (APs)? cla
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Answer 12 fié
No, SSC will not amend the RFP.

As stated in the question, several manufactures offer a non-controller based architecture. In fact,
several manufactures offer an option of controller based architecture or non-controller based
architecture. Each architecture has advantages for different use cases. The question of non-controller
based architectures was asked and explored during the Request for Information (RFI) stage of this
procurement. Specifically, Solicitation number BPM019510/23751 question u). In reviewing industry
responses to question u) and other feedback to the RFI, it was determined that SSC requires a controller
based architecture.

Question 13
This RFP in its current form favours the incumbent manufacturer, who in our opinion is only offering a
limited solution based on centralized controllers which are more expensive and less scalable. Due to the
fact that SSC is looking for a solution for the next 10 years, would you please modify the RFP
requirement for section 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 to allow us to propose a WLAN solution with a distributed
architecture which is more scalable for your future requirements?

Answer 13

No, SSC will not amend the RFP. See answer to question 12.

Additional questions related to the following points:

Question 14
Regarding 1.16 Must Have Jumbo Frame Functionality: Can SSC please amend this item to make it
optional or in roadmap as applications used via Wi-Fi do not use jumbo frames?

Answer 14
No, SSC will not amend the RFP. While Wi-Fi does not use jumbo frames, the Access point connection to
the wired network must support this functionality.

Question 15
Regarding 10.11 Must support secure remote management via SSHv2: Can SSC please amend this item
because this requirement is only applicable to controller based architectures?

Answer 15
No, SSC will not amend the RFP. See answer to question 12.
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Question 16 No
Regarding 10.12 Must be able to source SSHv2, SCP and HTTPS packets from a configured n
management interface: Can SSC please amend this item because this requirement is only applicable to cla
controller based architectures? In the case of Distributed architecture, then the RFP should request ssi
access specifically to APs as needed by SSHv2, SCP and HTTPS. fié

Answer 16
No, SSC will not amend the RFP. See answer to question 12.

Question 17
Regarding 10.13 Must be able to source SNMPv3 packets from a configured management interface:
We would like this point only that this is only needed for controller based architectures. Can SSC please
amend this item because in the case of Distributed architecture, then it should request access via
snmpv3 to Access Points?

Answer 17
No, SSC will not amend the RFP. See answer to question 12.

Question 18
Regarding 10.14 Must be able to source NTP packets from a configured management interface: We
would like this point only that this is only needed for controller based architectures. Can SSC please
amend this item because in the case of Distributed architecture then it should request that Access
Points can work with NTP?

Answer 18
No, SSC will not amend the RFP. See answer to question 12.

Question 19
Regarding 10.15 Must be able to source Syslog packets from a configured management interface: We
would like this point only that this is only needed for controller based architectures. Can SSC please
amend this item because in the case of Distributed architecture, then it should request that Access
Points source syslog messages?

Answer 19
No, SSC will not amend the RFP. See answer to question 12.

Question 20
Regarding 10.16 Must have the ability to integrate with 3rd party management platforms for
monitoring, reporting, and troubleshooting: We would like this point only that this is only needed for
controller based architectures. Can SSC please amend this item because in the case of Distributed
architecture, then it should request that Access Points can be monitored by 3rd party management
platforms for monitoring, reporting, and troubleshooting?
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Answer 20 d|
No, SSC will not amend the RFP. See answer to question 12. No
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Question 21 ssi
Regarding 10.30 Must support automatic channel width assignment of 20, 40, 80, or 160MHz within fié
5GHz and 6Ghz RF spectrums. We would like this point only that this is only needed for WLAN
Controllers. Can SSC please amend this item because in case of distributed architecture there are only 2
160Mhz in 5Ghz then they are almost unusable in enterprise environments due to interference;
therefore, can SSC please amend the RFP to make 160Mhz channel widths optional in 5Ghz and
mandatory in 6Ghz?

Answer 21
No, SSC will not amend the RFP. See answer to question 12.

Question 22
Regarding 10.31 Must support off channel scanning as part of RF management without causing service
degradation to business application (i.e. voice and video traffic): We would like this point only that this is
only needed for WLAN Controllers. Can SSC please amend this item because in case of distributed
architecture must have spectrum intelligence to support RF interference mitigation?

Answer 22
No, SSC will not amend the RFP. See answer to question 12.

Question 23
Regarding 10.44 Must support user and device authentication per IEEE 802.1X using either RADIUS or
TLS encryption for RADIUS (RADsec as defined in RFC 6614) with:
• Dynamic Authorization Extensions to RADIUS (also known as Change of Authorization (CoA)),
supporting tunnel attributes for VLAN setting and/or downloadable ACLs as defined in RFC 4849
• MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) and multi-domain authentication host mode, ensuring that two
devices (i.e. an IP phone and a PC) connected to the same physical Ethernet port can be authenticated
and be placed in separate voice and data VLANs
• MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) single-host mode and Dynamic Authorization Extensions to RADIUS
(also known as Change of Authorization (CoA)) supporting VLAN setting and/or downloadable ACLs as
defined in RFC 4849

We would like this point only that that this 3 points of CoA, MAB with a multidomain and single host is
only needed for WLAN Controllers. In the case of distributed architecture can SSC please add the option
that setting/dynamic ACLs can be activated per user/device authenticated but does not necessarily
download those ACLs as distributed architecture does it via UserNetwork Profiles which configures those
profiles with ACLs from its management solution directly in the equipment?

Answer 23
No, SSC will not amend the RFP. See answer to question 5 and 12.
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Question 24
Regarding 10.53 Must have FIPS 140-2 Level 1, FIPS 140-3 Level 1 or above certification on d|
cryptographic module(s) supporting ECDSA and SHA-2: Can SSC please amend this item so that a signed No
letter that the OEM has submitted products for certification will be accepted? n
As certification is a 2 year process in case of FIPs can you accept roadmap confirmation that this process cla
is scheduled properly? ssi
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Answer 24
No, SSC will not amend the RFP. The text of the requirement has language similar to that requested and
was updated during the RFI stage. Please refer to newest RFP documents.

Question 25
16. WLAN Management System
16.3 Must support centralized management, configuration, and network automation for at least 600
controllers and 23,000 access points from a single instance: As the growth is up to 67000 AP, there will
be more than 1 management based on the limit above. Therefore, can SSC please amend the RFP to
allow a hierarchical management which allows an NMS to manage, troubleshoot the whole solution and
let element managers handle portions of the network?

Answer 25
No, SSC will not amend the RFP. The capacity requirements of the WLAN Management System are
minimums. A solution may be proposed that exceeds the minimums. However, SSC still requires the
ability to procure multiple instances of the WLAN Management System for cases where separation of
WLAN Management Systems is required.

Question 26
Can SSC please confirm that we can propose a management solution capable of handling all APs in single
console, based on delivery schedule so we can bring the best solution in the path of years, or even 10
years, according to the technology provided?

Answer 26
No, SSC will not amend the RFP. See answer 25.

Question 27
Questions on Annex B. List of Deliverables- Enterprise Wi-Fi Solution
3. Access Points Brackets
3.6 Access Points Bracket – Desktop.
The RFP requests that bidders quote 5625 desktop Access Point Brackets. Could you specify what kind of
Bracket are you expecting for which type of Access Point? As the request is for high end Access Point
and not Access Point per room, the mounting kit for Desktop are mainly for small type of Access Point
usually the Hospitality Access Point. Can SSC please clarify

Answer 27
No, SSC will not amend the RFP. The expectation is that “Access Point Bracket – Desktop” would be
compatible with the proposed indoor Access Points. As different manufactures address this issue
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differently, SSC will give some flexibility on this issue. Please ensure your bid provides an Access Point
compatible with the “Access Point Bracket – Desktop”. d|
No
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Question 28 cla
4. PoE Injectors ssi
4.1 PoE Injector Type 1 (IEEE 802.3af). As the WLAN Access Points are requested as High-end Access fié
Points, can we quote all Power Injectors as compliant with 802.3at?

Answer 28
Yes, as long as they are also “IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet compliant” as stated in requirement 9.1.

Question 29
4.2 PoE Injector Type 2 (802.3at).
Since the RFP requests high speed Access Point of latest generation WIFI 6E and WIFI 6, could SSC please
clarify if we should quote Multigig PoE injectors, or would 1Gbps power injectors be sufficient?

Answer 29
1Gbps power injectors are sufficient.

Question 30:
5. Antennas
5.1 Access Point Antenna- External Omnidirectional
Since the RFP requests indoor and outdoor Access Points with external antennas, WIFI 6, could SSC
please clarify how many antennas are for Outdoor Access Points and how many antennas are for Indoor
Access Points?

Answer 30
If the proposed solution uses different antennas for indoor vs outdoor then please do the following: In
Annex B duplicate the row, one for indoor and one for outdoor. Column F and H should be halved in
each row. The result must be antennas divided evenly between indoor and outdoor and the totals must
remain unchanged.

Question 31:
5.2 Access Point Antenna- External Directional
Since the RFP requests indoor and outdoor Access Points with external antennas, WIFI 6, could you
please clarify how many antennas are for Outdoor Access Points and how many antennas are for Indoor
Access Points?

Answer 31
See answer 30.
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Question 32
Given that fact that multinational trade agreements are applicable to this RFP, and the fact that we need d|
to engage international technical resources to prepare a response, and we have upcoming holidays, and No
there are many outstanding questions, in the interest of fair and open international competition can SSC n
please extend the enquiries period until January 12, 2024, and extend the RFP due date until February cla
9th, 2024? ssi
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Answer 32
SSC will not extend the RFP or question period.

Question 33
In Annex C of the RFP, Sections 4 and 5, there are requirements for ruggedized outdoor access-points. In
both cases, SSC is requesting 4x4 APs with either internal or external antennas. In outdoor settings,
higher density scenarios (those requiring a 4x4 AP) are best served with external antennas to ensure
best coverage for the environment. Outdoor deployments with internal antennas are for lower density
use cases, where a 2x2 outdoor access-point with internal antennas provides numerous advantages in
terms of cost-effectiveness, simplicity and also power efficiency. 4x4 APs generally require 802.3bt (PoE+
+) or dual 802.3at (PoE+) to operate versus a 2x2 AP able to operate even using 802.3af (PoE) if required
and operate at full power using 802.3at (PoE+). Given these benefits, would Canada accept a 2x2 Access-
Point for section 4.1, thereby having both a 4x4 and 2x2 outdoor AP option?

Answer 33
No, the requirements will remain as stated. See Answer 3 which is related. Note, options the vendor
believe benefit Canada can be added to Annex B but will not impact the evaluation.

Question 34
Reference: 2030 22 (2014-09-25 Warranty) (1), 2030 (2022-12-01), General Conditions – Higher
Complexity – Goods
Could Canada please replace the clause with the following?
“The warranty period for Work that is a service delivered by Contractor will be 30 days after delivery and
acceptance of such Service. The warranty period that is a third-party manufactured product, good or
software procured through Contractor, will be the manufacturer's standard warranty period as
published by the applicable manufacturer.”

Answer 34
SSC will not be removing these clauses at this phase of the process. Should the winning respondent want
to negotiate the terms and conditions of the final contract, SSC will be open to having a discussion.

Question 35
Reference: 2030 22 (2014-09-25) Warranty (7), 2030 (2022-12-01), General Conditions – Higher
Complexity – Goods
Could Canada please remove this clause?

Answer 35
See answer to question 34.
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Question 36 d|
Reference: 4001 11 (2008-05-12) Firmware, 4001 (2015-04-01), Supplemental General Conditions - No
Hardware Purchase, Lease and Maintenance n
Could Canada please add the following language? cla
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Firmware provided by Contractor will be provided subject to the ssi
license as granted by the third-party manufacturer of such Firmware.” fié

Answer 36
See answer to question 34.

Question 37
Reference: 4001 14 (2010-01-11) Warranty for Purchased Hardware (1), 4001 (2015-04-01),
Supplemental General Conditions - Hardware Purchase, Lease and Maintenance
Could Canada please replace the clause with the following?
“Any and all Hardware provided by Contractor is provided subject to the warranty provided by the
original manufacturer of such Hardware. CONTRACTOR MAKES NO REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY OR
CONDITION OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WITH REGARD TO ANY HARDWARE. TO THE
FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, CONTRACTOR EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL
REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS, EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND TITLE/NON-INFRINGEMENT WITH REGARD TO HARDWARE. CANADA
SHOULD CONSULT THE RESPECTIVE MANUFACTURERS OF THE HARDWARE FOR WARRANTY AND
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS CONTRACTOR’S
EXPANSION IN ANY WAY OF A MANUFACTURER’S STANDARD END-USER WARRANTY.”

Answer 37
See answer to question 34.

Question 38
Reference: 4003 02 (2008-05-12) License Grant (1), 4003 (2010-08-16), Supplemental General
Conditions - licensed software
Could Canada please replace the clause with the following?
“The Contractor provides the Licensed Software in accordance with the terms and conditions of the end
user license agreement or such other similar agreement as published by the original manufacturer of the
Licensed Software.”

Answer 38
See answer to question 34.

Question 39
Reference: 4003 12 (2010-01-11) Acceptance 3(b), 4003 (2010-08-16), Supplemental General Conditions
- licensed software
Could Canada please replace the clause with the following?
“Any Licensed Software provided will be deemed accepted upon delivery ("Acceptance Period").”
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Answer 39
See answer to question 34. d|
No
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Question 40 cla
Reference: 4003 13 (2008-05-12) Right to License (1), 4003 (2010-08-16), Supplemental General ssi
Conditions - licensed software fié
Could Canada please replace the clause with the following?
“The Contractor provides the Licensed Software in accordance with the terms and conditions of the end
user license agreement or such other similar agreement as published by the original manufacturer of the
Licensed Software.”

Answer 40
See answer to question 34.

Question 41
Reference: 4003 13 (2008-05-12) Right to License (3), 4003 (2010-08-16), Supplemental General
Conditions - licensed software
Could Canada please replace the clause with the following?
“The Contractor provides the Licensed Software in accordance with the terms and conditions of the end
user license agreement or such other similar agreement as published by the original manufacturer of the
Licensed Software.”

Answer 41
See answer to question 34.

Question 42
Reference: 4003 15 (2008-05-12) Warranty (1), 4003 (2010-08-16), Supplemental General Conditions -
licensed software
Could Canada please replace the clause with the following?
“Any and all Software provided by Contractor is subject to the warranty provided by the original
manufacturer of such Software.”

Answer 42
See answer to question 34.

Question 43
Reference: 4003 16 (2008-05-12) Source Code Escrow, 4003 (2010-08-16), Supplemental General
Conditions - licensed software
Could Canada please remove this clause?

Answer 43
See answer to question 34.
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Question 44
Reference: 4003 17 (2008-05-12) Right to Modify and no Reverse Engineer, 4003 (2010-08-16), d|
Supplemental General Conditions - licensed software No
Could Canada please remove this clause? n
cla
Answer 44 ssi
See answer to question 34. fié