VVOB Tanzania Tender: Server Infrastructure Upgrade October 2025

Terms of Reference (ToR): Procurement and Installation of Server Infrastructure at ADEM Bagamoyo Campus

1. Background

VVOB Tanzania partners with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) through its implementing agency, the Agency for the Development of Education Management (ADEM), to provide pedagogical support for the effective implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in secondary schools.

Through the Leaders in Teaching (LIT) programme, the partnership aims to strengthen teaching and learning at the secondary level so that young people acquire the 21st-century skills and competencies needed for employment, lifelong learning, and adult life.

As part of this initiative, the programme will develop and implement a blended learning trajectory for school leaders, including headteachers and deputy headteachers. This trajectory will combine in-person training with self-paced online learning and include built-in feedback mechanisms to ensure continuous improvement.

VVOB and ADEM conducted a comprehensive evaluation, revealing that existing server configurations and infrastructure are inadequate, with potential inefficiencies and security vulnerabilities. To meet the demand of hosting, managing, and running a blended professional development trajectory for school leaders in this project, VVOB and ADEM are committed to enhancing ADEM’s Bagamoyo Campus ICT infrastructure. Upgrading the server infrastructure is essential to ensure reliable, secure, and scalable services that align with Tanzania’s National Digital Education Strategy 2024–2030, which emphasizes the integration of ICT in education to improve learning outcomes and promote digital inclusion.

2. Objectives of the Task

To procure and install modern server infrastructure, along with related hardware and software solutions, to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, performance, reliability, and security of the online learning environment in support of a blended professional development trajectory for school leaders in Tanzania. Specifically, the task will be:

• To upgrade and configure the server infrastructure with modern, high-performance equipment to ensure continuous and stable access to the online learning environment.
• To provide capacity building to ADEM’s ICT personnel in effective server administration, maintenance, management, and security.

3. Scope of Work

• Supply of Server Hardware:
  • • Rack-mounted servers with specifications suitable for virtualization and high-availability setups.
    • Specifications: 5 TB (On-premises), RAM: 128 GB, CPUs: 4-8 vCPUs, multiple lower capacity (2/2.5TB configurations).
    • Note: VVOB will procure one server at this stage. A second server is planned for procurement at a later phase, subject to programme needs and available resources.

• Government job applications
• Installation and Configuration:
  • Physical installation in the designated server room.
  • Configuration of servers, storage, and networking equipment.

Specification for New Server:

• Processor (CPU): Dual Intel Xeon Silver/Gold or AMD EPYC, 16–32 cores
• Memory (RAM): 64-128 GB ECC DDR4/DDR5
• Storage: 5 TB SSD (RAID 10 for redundancy and speed) + optional 5 TB HDD backup
• Network: Dual 1 Gbps Ethernet ports, redundant NICs
• Power Supply: Redundant hot-swappable PSUs
• Security: Hardware firewall, endpoint protection, intrusion detection system (IDS)

4. Deliverables

• Fully installed and operational server infrastructure.
• Detailed documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures, configuration settings, and network diagrams.
• Training materials and records of training sessions conducted.
• Warranty certificates and support agreements.

5. Timeline

The project is expected to be completed within two months from the date of signing the contract.

6. Vendor Qualifications

Interested vendors must demonstrate:

• Proven experience in supplying and installing server infrastructure of similar scale.
• Certified partnerships with major hardware and software vendors.
• Availability of qualified technical personnel for installation and support.
• Ability to provide post-installation support and maintenance services.

7. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Compliance with technical specifications.
• Cost-effectiveness.
• Vendor’s experience and track record.
• Quality of proposed equipment and solutions.
• Warranty and support offerings.

8. Submission Guidelines

Interested vendors should submit the following to procurement.tz@vvob.org:

• A detailed technical proposal outlining the proposed solution.
• A financial proposal with a breakdown of costs.
• Company profile and references from past clients.
• Proof of certifications and partnerships.

Deadline for submission: 02 November 2025.