VOIP PBX System

The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking a comprehensive Voice over IP (VoIP) Private Branch Exchange (PBX) system to replace its existing Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) PBX telephone switch. The procurement targets an on-premise VoIP solution capable of supporting up to 15,000 directory numbers, with an initial enterprise rollout planned for 7,700 users across central and field office locations. Critical deliverables include a system that can integrate with FTB's existing infrastructure, including Mitel PBX, Genesys CTI platform, and Microsoft applications, while providing high availability and automated failover capabilities. The RFI mandates specific requirements for hardware, software, IP PBX features, integration, security, administration, and implementation. Vendors were requested to provide estimated catalog pricing for various phone types, including 200 basic phones, 150 conference phones, 6,500 standard phones, and 350 executive phones with video capabilities. The initial response deadline was April 20, 2016, which was subsequently extended to April 27, 2016 at 4:00 PM PT, with vendor questions required by April 12, 2016. The FTB plans to review responses and potentially invite vendors for proof of concept trials later in the calendar year, with a potential procurement process anticipated in 2017.

The RFI does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The existing infrastructure includes a Mitel (Aastra Intecom) PBX system, Cisco Unity voicemail, and field offices supported by local analog Centrex lines. The solution must incorporate specific technical requirements, including integration with Dialogic TIMG and Audio Codes endpoints, support for SIP trunking and potential PRI connections, and compatibility with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE). Importantly, the FTB explicitly stated that cloud-based or hosted solutions would not be considered, mandating a strictly on-premise solution. The system must support 7,200 IP endpoints across multiple sites, including six campus locations connected by fiber and remote offices requiring WAN failure survivability. While no specific budget range was disclosed, the RFI requested detailed pricing information for hardware, software, warranties, maintenance, licensing, and consulting services. Vendors were advised that this was an information-gathering exercise, and no formal pricing commitments were requested at this stage.