Data Center Network Refresh

The University of Kansas is seeking a qualified vendor to provide a turn-key deployment of a modern, resilient, and scalable infrastructure data center network. The project includes design consulting, hardware, software, implementation, and training services. The goal is to simplify the architecture, enhance system stability and redundancy, increase speed and throughput, and enable automation for more efficient operations. The project will be conducted in two on-campus sites at KU-Lawrence, with contingencies for additional sites in the future. The vendor will provide a dedicated project manager, a project timeline with milestones, and regular status updates. Key qualifications for the vendor include experience with data center network deployments, familiarity with higher education or enterprise environments, and proof of engineering credentials and vendor reseller status. Some key points to consider are: • The project has a budget that includes funds for design, hardware, software, installation, and support. • The vendor will provide a comprehensive audit of the current data center network and develop a design that integrates with existing KU core, backbone, and security architecture. • The vendor will deliver complete Bill of Materials, configure the design, and provide training to KU IT staff. • The project has a timeline with milestones, including design completion, equipment installation, and production services cutover. • The vendor will provide documentation, testing, and acceptance, as well as training to KU IT staff.