KARACHI: Following the recent unexpected shutdown of customs computerized clearing system (WeBOC), the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is looking to hire new Internet facilities at its Data Centre in Custom House, Karachi.
According to sources, on the directions of the FBR, the Directorate of Reforms and Automation (Customs) has invited bids from reputed sales tax and income tax registered internet service providers to hire Internet facilities, including Internet bandwidth upto 60 Mbps at 9th floor, Data Centre, Custom House, Karachi.
In this regard, Directorate of Reforms and Automation (Customs) has issued tender notices inviting sealed bids for the new internet firm which can provide exclusive internet bandwidth to support WeBOC/One –Customs.
The Directorate mentioned in the notice that the new firm will be required to provide services and installation and delivery within in two weeks from the date of signing of contract.
The Directorate of Reforms and Automation (Customs) mentioning details of the required internet facilities stated that the firm will have to provide internet bandwidth having primary media buried fiber with speed up to total 60 Mbps. The contract with the firm will be signed for initially for one year which is extendable on mutual agreement.
Moreover, the new internet facilities providing firm will be required to make available internet bandwidth with backup media and Wireless Microwave on licensed frequency.
In this regard interest firms can obtain tender documents from 9th Floor of Custom House, Karachi from Mahmood Shah who is Drawing and Disbursing Officer by paying non-refundable Rs1000.
Today is the last day of submitting of sealed bids while received bids will be opened on the same day at 2.00p.m.in the office of Chairperson, tender committee.
It is pertinent to mention here that the WeBOC malfunctioned primarily due to expiration of storage hard discs which were not replaced after completion of warranty life. The entire Storage Area Network (SAN) went shut down suspending all WeBOC operations.
