Renewal of Information Security scanning solution

The firewall software we use across the 4 sites (which cannot be easily changed as it would require many months of intensive work across the 4 sites) has a specific firewall hardware compatibility list for the server hardware it supports. The existing firewall hardware is nearing end of life but we need to have ongoing compatibility with the incoming/outgoing hardware/software platform, This system handles all incoming/outgoing (Internet) traffic at all 4 UKCEH sites (including all remote workers VPN connections) and it is critical that the right replacement hardware is purchased. This model of server is directly supported by the firewall manufacturer for use with the Checkpoint firewall software. The time required to request multiple tenders does not guarantee the hardware and software will be supported from other suppliers and involves considerable re-specifications and standards and especially so for compatibility with our existing Cisco network hardware that this will connect to. This is time we do not have within the team due to other high priority projects.

Additional information: Compliant with 32(2)(b)(ii) - Competition is absent for technical reasons