The following firms representatives attend the meeting for the procurement of Sangfor  Firewall License Renewal and End Point Security Solution  which was held onSeptember 07, 2026 at the Institute premises.

1. M/s Paragon Office Solution
2. M/s Data Distinct

M/s Paragon has requested clarification regarding the ongoing tender for Firewall License Renewal and EDR Solution. Is it mandatory for bidders to apply for both Lot 1 and Lot 2, or can a bidder submit a bid for only one lot? While submitting the bid on EPADS, the system does not allow us to proceed to the next step if one of the lots is skipped. Kindly confirm whether participation in both lots is compulsory.

PIDE has clarified that the tender has been divided into two separate lots, and vendors are free to apply for the lot(s) relevant to their proposed solution. Therefore, it is not mandatory for a vendor to apply for both lots.

Regarding the issue being faced on EPADS, the system currently allows the Procuring Agency to enter the eligibility criteria for all lots in a single section rather than separately for each lot. The issue being experienced occurs only at the eligibility criteria stage. Therefore, you may enter the relevant eligibility criteria in the available section and proceed to the next step.

PIDE has also discussed the matter with the EPADS Helpline, who confirmed that the eligibility criteria are general and remain the same for all lots. However, vendors have the option to apply separately for either one lot or both lots, as relevant to their proposed solution.

Furthermore, the issue has also been formally communicated to the EPADS Helpline via email, as advised by their representative, for their information and further guidance.

M/s Paragon has requested clarification that can vendors propose an alternative EDR solution, such as Sangfor EDR or any other equivalent solution?

PIDE’s Response: Yes. Vendors may propose any EDR solution, provided that the proposed solution fully meets the technical specifications and requirements specified in the tender documents.

M/s Paragon has requested a summary of the tender document and the key requirements for the EDR solution.

PIDE’s Response: PIDE has prepared a detailed technical document outlining the required specifications, features, and requirements for the EDR solution. The technical document forms an integral and mandatory part of the tender and should be reviewed by all participating vendors before submitting their bids. Vendors are required to ensure that their proposed solution complies with the specified technical requirements.

M/s Paragon has asked whether the firewall will be powered on and operational at the time of the upcoming license renewal.

PIDE’s Response: Yes, the firewall will be powered on and operational during the license renewal process to facilitate the renewal and activation of the required licenses.

M/s Paragon has asked whether the technical evaluation for Lot 1 and Lot 2 will be conducted separately.

PIDE’s Response: Yes, the technical evaluation for Lot 1 and Lot 2 will be conducted separately, in accordance with the respective technical requirements and specifications defined for each lot.

M/s Data Distinct asked whether relevant experience specific to the respective lot is mandatory.

PIDE’s Response: Yes, relevant experience is mandatory for both lots. Bidders are required to demonstrate relevant experience corresponding to the lot for which they are submitting their bid, in accordance with the eligibility criteria specified in the tender document.