National Telecommunication Corporation
HIRING OF CONSULTANT
BILLING SYSTEM SOLUTION
FOR
NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION CORPORATION
National Telecommunication Corporation
TABLE OF CONTENT
1.
INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE OF WORK ........................................................ 3
1.1
Overview of NTC ................................................................................................ 3
1.2
Scope of Activities .............................................................................................. 3
1.2.1 NTC Business Activities ................................................................................ 3
1.2.2 Future Activities ............................................................................................. 4
1.3
2.
3.
4.
Problem Area ...................................................................................................... 5
SCOPE OF WORK OF CONSULTING FIRM .................................................... 6
2.1
Phase 1-System Design and Selection ................................................................ 6
2.2
Phase 2-System Implementation (Supervision & Consultancy) ........................ 7
2.3
Phase 3- System Operations (Supervision & Consultancy) ............................... 7
PROJECT DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................... 8
3.1
Project Objectives ............................................................................................... 8
3.2
Expected Benefits ............................................................................................... 9
3.2.1
System Components.................................................................................... 9
3.2.2
Collection .................................................................................................... 9
3.2.3
Mediation .................................................................................................... 9
3.2.4
Rating ........................................................................................................ 10
3.2.5
Report Generation & Invoicing ................................................................ 10
3.2.6
Audit ......................................................................................................... 10
3.2.7
Fraud Detection ......................................................................................... 10
3.2.8
Customized Billing ................................................................................... 10
FORMAT FOR PROPOSALS .............................................................................. 11
4.1
Title Page ......................................................................................................... 11
4.2
Letter of Introduction ....................................................................................... 11
4.3
Table of Contents ............................................................................................. 11
4.4
Summary .......................................................................................................... 11
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National Telecommunication Corporation
5.
4.5
Company Profile .............................................................................................. 11
4.6
General (Weightage=5%) ................................................................................ 11
4.7
Prime Business and Specialization (Weightage=10%) .................................... 12
4.8
Experience (Weightage=25%) ......................................................................... 12
4.9
Organization & Capability (Weightage=5%) .................................................. 13
4.10
Alliances (Weightage=5%) ............................................................................. 13
4.11
Statement of Work .......................................................................................... 13
4.12
Staff Assigned (Weightage=25%) .................................................................. 14
4.13
Financial Position (Weightage=5%) ............................................................... 14
4.14
Proposed Methodology (Weightage=10%) ..................................................... 14
4.15
Project Implementation/Management Plan (Weightage=5%) ........................ 15
4.16
Additional information .................................................................................... 15
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS ........................................................... 16
5.1
Bid Bonds ......................................................................................................... 16
5.2
Processing Charges .......................................................................................... 16
5.3
Validity of Proposals ........................................................................................ 16
5.4
Inquiries ........................................................................................................... 16
5.5
Withholding Tax .............................................................................................. 16
5.6
Governing Law and Jurisdiction ...................................................................... 17
5.7
Project Locations............................................................................................. 17
5.8
Local Representation....................................................................................... 17
5.9
Evaluation of Proposals................................................................................... 17
5.10
Acceptance of Proposals ................................................................................. 18
5.11
Submission of Proposals ................................................................................. 18
5.12
Project Completion ......................................................................................... 18
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National Telecommunication Corporation
1. INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE OF WORK
1.1
Overview of NTC
National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) was established on 1st January 1996
through Pakistan Telecommunication (re –organization) Act 1996 under section5 (2) (a)
of the subject Act, NTC provide telecommunication services of all kinds to its designated
customers in accordance with the rights and privileges granted to the Corporation vide
Pakistan Telecommunication (re-organization) Act 1996 and the license issued by the
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
1.2
Scope of Activities
1.2.1 NTC Business Activities
At present NTC has following infrastructure in place:

Public Switched Telephone Network.

Multi Services Data Network.

Optical Fiber Based Long haul and junction Network.

Telecom buildings all over Pakistan with state of the art equipment and
facilities.
Brief descriptions with necessary details of NTC Network are annexed at “A” for
information.
Services offering from the above are:

Pots

BRI

PRI

DSL
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
Intranet

Internet

Virtual Private Network

Leased Circuits

Co Location Facilities.

Transit Facilities

Web Hosting etc
Beside above NTC is in interconnect agreements with PTCL and Mobilink and are
looking forward for the same with all major carriers operating and likely to operate in
Pakistan. One of the other revenue generating area is the international gateway
operation.
1.2.2 Future Activities
The telecom market has been liberalized recently. A number of LDI and LL operators are
likely to enter the market. Beside this two new cellular companies are likely to start their
operations. NTC being an incumbent operator will definitely be entering into interconnect
agreements with these operators offering its services and infrastructure support.
Though NTC subscriber base is only 75500 at present the volume of traffic in its network
is likely to increase manifold due to these developments. A new paradigm shift is likely
from retail traffic business to wholesale traffic business. Keeping in view the recent
trends in the telecom market following main projects are under progress:

Deployment of Soft Switch Based NGN.

Upgrade of Long Haul Media to 10 Gbps (DWDM).

Establishment of Call Center for CRM.

Establishment of Call Booking Center.

Expansion in switching and transit network.

Establishment of state of the art Co-Location Facilities.
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National Telecommunication Corporation
1.3
Problem Area
At present the billing system used for PSTN is based on a self-COBOL based system and
has various concerns as far as its performance is concerned. Billing for MSDN, colocation and leased circuits is carried out manually. Inter carrier billing concept is entirely
new in NTC which is being carried out using the existing post processing system
designed for retail billing.
To overcome the above problem NTC intends to establish a state of the art billing system
capable of handling all the present and future business activities of NTC. In this context
an EOI has already been called through open tender in which 13 vendors have
participated. However to proceed further NTC require services of a consultant firm for
which this RFP is being floated.
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National Telecommunication Corporation
2. SCOPE OF WORK OF CONSULTING FIRM
The selected bidder will be official consultant of NTC. The scope of activities to be
performed is as under three separate Phases:
Phase 1
-
System Design and Selection
Phase 2
-
System Implementation
Phase 3
-
System Operations
2.1

Phase 1-System Design and Selection
Will carry out complete analysis of NTC network, business activities and billing
processes.

Will also carry out complete analysis of NTC future business plans.

Will carry out complete data collection and analysis necessary to generate the
RFP and carry out the project.

Will study and analyze all the interconnect agreements to ensure that the selected
system is able to handle the same.

Propose improvement in the present billing process to align the processes to the
needs of automated systems.

Make recommendations for other related technology and process changes to
enable the smooth system implementation.

Propose the billing solution with detail components to carry out NTC present and
future activities.

Evaluate the expression of interest for pre qualification of bidders.

Develop complete RFP for the billing software solution in lines with NTC
procurement procedures.

Will evaluate the responses to the RFP and short-list the package solutions.

Select the package as per approved selection criteria.

Will negotiate with the successful package vendor.

Will help negotiate terms and contract with the package vendor.
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
Establish objective critical success factors to measure implementation success.
2.2 Phase 2-System Implementation (Supervision & Consultancy)

Will supervise and provide consultancy during the implementation of project.

Will assist NTC in carrying out acceptance the testing of the project.

Will supervise the parallel run of the system with the existing billing system.

Will arrange for error corrections etc during the parallel run period.

Will supervise migration of existing billing data from existing system to the new
one.

Will arrange system specific training of NTC staff through selected bidder to
ensure operation by NTC after handing over the system to NTC.
2.3

Phase 3- System Operations (Supervision & Consultancy)
Will supervise and assist NTC for operations of the system minimum for a period
of six months.

Establish operational policies and procedures.

Establish billing arrangements for billing services clients.

Propose organization structure for system operations.

Establish job descriptions, roles and responsibilities for operational staff.

Establish training needs for operations staff and help in arranging trainings for
them.

Institute effective knowledge transfer mechanism to assure that NTC’s operations
staff can handle systems on their own.
NTC understands that without the actual outcome of the Phase 1 of this project it would
be difficult for ROs to give detailed plans for the subsequent phases (Phase 2 and 3) but
would still want to see an approach and methodology as well as indicative plans and costs
for the whole project. In the absence of a response to Phases 2 and 3 by an RO, the
response will be considered incomplete.
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National Telecommunication Corporation
3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The trends in the telecom market present a number of challenges for NTC. One of them is
a field proven, flexible and reliable billing system capable of accounting for all the
services being offered, interconnect being carried out and facilities being used. Moreover
the increase in traffic volume demands more ability for network analysis to effectively
use the same to generate and handle maximum traffic.
In order to improve customer services, effective reconciliation and carry out effective
decisions on the basis of reliable information NTC intends to deploy a billing system
capable of performing following:

Retail Billing for PSTN and MSDN

Corporate Billing for PSTN, MSDN, Leased Circuits, Co Location Facilities
etc (One Bill for All Concept)

Inter Carrier Billing

Traffic Analysis Report Generation for Network Dimensioning and Analysis
3.1
Project Objectives

To develop a billing system capable of handling all the services being offered
by NTC with minimum errors and to generate sufficient information for NTC
to effectively manage its network and service offerings.

To offer the billing services to other operators entering the telecom market.

To increase NTC revenues by proper billing of all services and marketing the
spare capacity of new billing system to new operators
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National Telecommunication Corporation
3.2
Expected Benefits
The project if implemented will:

Minimize the billing errors

Ensure that all services and facilities provided are billed to respective
customers at the right time and with right amount

Avoid leakage of revenue due to no or wrong billing

Perform inter carrier billing in a form acceptable to all the stake holders

Ease the process of reconciliation

Generate revenue for NTC if offered to other operators

On line/real time billing
3.2.1 System Components
Components mentioned in this section are just to give a general idea. The consultant will
identify the components required in Phase-I keeping in view NTC requirement and
budget.
3.2.2 Collection
This part will be responsible for collection of real time CDRs from the PSTN and MSDN
automatically. Collection of CDRs from NGN platform, which NTC intends to establish,
shall also be possible.
3.2.3 Mediation
The mediation platform will be responsible for converting the collected CDRs in
appropriate format for post processing.
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3.2.4 Rating
The rating part of the system will provide a flexible platform to apply different rating
formulae on the collected CDRs. The rating formula can be based on type of customer,
interconnect agreements, type of day, time of day etc.
3.2.5 Report Generation & Invoicing
This part will be responsible to generate variety of reports for NTC management for
reconciliation, network management and other important decisions. The system shall be
capable of generating invoices for NTC subscribers.
3.2.6 Audit
This part of the system will perform audit of the collected CDRs to ensure that all record
is being generated properly by all the elements.
3.2.7 Fraud Detection
This part of the system will be used to detect any manipulation of CDRs and other data.
Moreover any illegal events generated in the network shall be detected by this part.
3.2.8 Customized Billing
Certain facilities like co-location, leased circuits, local loop rent etc are provided by NTC
and are also being leased or hired from PTCL. Billing for such items will be customized
as per NTC requirement.
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4. FORMAT FOR PROPOSALS
The responding organization (RO) should submit their proposals (in English) as per
format below:
4.1
Title Page
Should indicate proponent name, address, telephone number, email, web site address and
contact person’s name.
4.2
Letter of Introduction
Introduction to the company and signed by the company Chief Executive/MD.
4.3
Table of Contents
Indicating all sections/subsection with page numbers.
4.4
Summary
A short summary of key features contained in the proposal.
4.5
Company Profile
An overview of the company, its goal, objective and experience.
4.6
General (Weightage=5%)

Type of business entity-sole proprietorship, partner or limited company
(Please provide names of shareholders, their nationalities and holding percentage in case
of proprietorship)

Place/Year of Registration

Principal place of business

Location of branch offices and/or affiliates

Name of all the personnel in the organization including their positions
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National Telecommunication Corporation

Structure within country of origin and/or international

Details of any dispute that has been referred to arbitration and/or litigation

Is the company ISO certified? If yes, please provide copies of certification
4.7
Prime Business and Specialization (Weightage=10%)
The nature of company’s prime business specialization and the value range of services
and projects in which you are interested. If your prime business covers more than one
area you are requested to detail each separately.

Description of Prime Business

Specialization (Services/Projects) offered
4.8
Experience (Weightage=25%)
Please provide details of relevant work experience during the last five years and of at
least two projects involving similar technologies as needed in this project:

Client

Location

Contract Value

Description of Work

Date of award

Period of work

Details of manpower and equipment engaged

Contact Details for client (NTC reserves the right to seek references from
previous clients)

Types of Insurance, Performance Bonds and/or Guarantees provided

Details of penalties paid, if any

Completion certificates

Details of litigation, if any
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National Telecommunication Corporation
4.9
Organization & Capability (Weightage=5%)
4.9.1 Current personal level by indicating the following:
4.9.2

Category of specialization

Numbers in each category
Organization structure (please provide a copy of your current
organization chart)
Particulars of key personnel (please provide CVs for key personnel’s)
4.9.3

Name

Specialization

Age

Academic Qualifications

Total number of years of experience

Experience in years with your organization
4.9.4

Details of major facilities, equipment & tools owned.(Department
reserves the right to inspect and verify contractor’s facilities,
equipment & tools)

Details of establishment procedures for project execution covering all
areas of activity.
4.10
Alliances (Weightage=5%)
List of billing vendors with which the consulting firm has alliance along with letters of
association.
4.11
Statement of Work
The RO will also submit a statement of work showing responsibilities and works to be
carried out by the consulting firm and NTC clearly.
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National Telecommunication Corporation
4.12
Staff Assigned (Weightage=25%)
The organization will provide a list of personnel who will be working on the project
along with their roles. CVs should place as annexure. Particulars focus should be on
core skill set required for implement of projects of this nature. These may be clearly
highlighted. The CVs should be signed by the individual and include a certification
mentioning correctness of all data.
4.13
Financial Position (Weightage=5%)
The RO are required to demonstrate financial stability to conduct business. The
following details/documents should be submitted.

The National Tax Number and Sales Tax Registration Numbers (equivalent
documentation in case of foreign firm)

Audited Financial Statement (Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow
Statement) for the last two years.

Copy of quarterly Financial Statement and Bank reference letter.
4.14
Proposed Methodology (Weightage=10%)
This would include description of recommended approach for this project, framework
to be employed and organization of the RO during the design and implementation
phases of the contract.
In this part the RO will also provide following:

Example of billing process analysis procedures

Example of how the RO will analyze NTC network

Example of what data will be collected to analyze NTC requirement

Example of how RFP will be developed

Example of compliance matrix

Example of selection criteria
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National Telecommunication Corporation
4.15
Project Implementation/Management Plan (Weightage=5%)
The responding organization should provide a detailed implementation plan and
project management plan, along with time lines, for tasks identified in section
“Implementation Section” of this RFP.
4.16
Additional information
Proposal can contain additional information. However they are to be placed as
annexure.
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5. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
5.1
Bid Bonds
A bid bond, in the shape of a Bank Guarantee/Draft equivalent to 2% of the total cost of
bid should be attached along with the financial proposal. A certificate signed by the head
of firm to the effect that appropriate value bid bond has been provided must be attached
to the technical proposal. Value of bid bond should not be indicated in the technical
proposal.
5.2
Processing Charges
A non-refundable fee of Pak. Rs. 10,000 in form of pay order/bank draft in the name of
“NTC“ to be deposited along with the technical proposal as processing charges.
5.3
Validity of Proposals
The proposal and price should remain valid for a period of 60 days from the closing date
of submission. However responding organizations are encouraged to state a longer period
of validity.
5.4
Inquiries
Inquiries may be submitted in writing to the Dir TAC at tac@ntc.net.pk replies to which
will be made available at NTC web site www.ntc.net.pk
5.5
Withholding Tax
As per government rules.
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5.6
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This RFP and any contract executed pursuant to this RFP should be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan and all
organizations responding to this RFP should submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of
Pakistani Courts.
5.7
Project Locations
The location for the project is Islamabad. The responding organization must indicate the
arrangements they will make for the implementation of project.
5.8
Local Representation
International firms bidding for must have a local representative.
5.9
Evaluation of Proposals
After technical evaluation, a short list will be made. The short listed companies may be
required to give presentations on their proposals:
5.9.1
The bidders in the financial bid should propose the milestones of the
progress of their work. These milestones will be used for
monitoring/payment/planning purposes.
5.9.2
Financial bids of short listed firms will be opened before the
representatives who wish to attend the tender opening. Time and Venue
will be intimated to bidders.
5.9.3
The total score should be calculated by combining scores for technical
evaluation and financial bids (70% for technical evaluation and 30% for
financial bids)
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National Telecommunication Corporation
5.9.4
The decisions of NTC project committee formulated will be binding on
all concerned and will in no case be challengeable in any forum.
5.10
Acceptance of Proposals
NTC reserves the right not to accept the lowest or any proposal or any component of the
proposal and to annul the bidding process without assigning any reason.
5.11
Submission of Proposals
5.11.1 The complete proposals, technical and financial, should be submitted by
04 Weeks after floating RFP and will be opened same day at 1100 Hrs.
5.11.2 The responding organization should deliver 2 copies of each proposal.
Which should by physically separated, bound, sealed and labeled as
“Technical Proposal” and “Financial Proposal”.
5.11.3 The Technical Proposal should be in accordance with the format already
explained in the RFP and must not contain any costing. Support material
should not be part of the main proposal but should be put in annexure.
5.11.4 The Financial Proposal should give cost of individual items as well as
Total in Pak. Rs. It should be on fixed-cost basis and not on time basis.
5.11.5 The Proposals can be submitted by hand or through courier at the
following address DIRECTOR S&P, NTC HQs, F-5/1, ISLAMABAD by
clearly marking the envelop as “RFP –Consultancy for Billing System”
5.12
Project Completion
The project will be implemented on TURNKEY basis. Vendors will be responsible for
Installation, Testing and commissioning of the complete system.
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