Purpose
Compass is a child and youth mental health agency in Northern Ontario, committed to delivering evidence-based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate services. We are seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide Network Configuration, Installation and Training Services for implementation of a new site with Fortinet network security solutions. The organization has already purchased the required Fortinet Hardware and is now seeking expert support to ensure a secure, efficient, and fully integrated deployment.
This project includes full Network Configuration, installation of Fortinet equipment (excluding mounting of Access Points), and comprehensive training and onboarding for our internal IT staff. The successful vendor must ensure seamless integration with our Microsoft environment, as we transition from Open Text/ Groupwise to a Microsoft 365 Cloud based infrastructure.

Compass Overview
Compass information, Strategic Planning Priorities and Annual reports are available on the Compass website: http://www.compassne.ca
Project Objectives
• Deploy new infrastructure with fully configured Fortinet solutions.
• Ensure the network is secure, optimized, and aligned with industry best practices.
• Integrate Fortinet systems with our Microsoft 365 cloud environment, and collaborate with other service providers currently assisting with the transition to the Microsoft 365 environment.
• Provide hands on training and upskilling for our internal network administrator to ensure long term sustainability and in house capacity.
• Deliver a smooth transition with minimal disruption to operations.

Scope of Services
The vendor will be responsible for:
• Full configuration of all Fortinet hardware purchased by the organization (e.g., FortiGate firewall, FortiSwitch, FortiAP, FortiAnalyzer, etc.).
• Configuration of VLANs, routing, firewall policies, VPNs, SD WAN (if applicable), and security profiles.
• Implementation of best practice security hardening.
• Integration with Microsoft 365, through coordination with 3rd party establishing the Microsoft 365 environment.

Installation Services
The vendor will:
• Install and deploy all Fortinet devices within the network environment.
• Connect and configure Access Points (mounting not required).
• Validate connectivity, performance, and security posture.
• Conduct testing to ensure full operational readiness.
Training & Upskilling of Internal IT Staff
This is a critical component of the RFP.
The vendor must provide:
• Hands on training for the internal network administrator on all configured Fortinet products.
• Documentation of all configurations, including diagrams, rule sets, and administrative procedures.
• Knowledge transfer sessions covering:
o Daily administration
o Troubleshooting
o Monitoring and reporting
o Policy updates
o Firmware and lifecycle management
• Optional: Recommendations for ongoing professional development or Fortinet NSE certification pathways.
Deliverables
• Fully configured and operational Fortinet network environment.
• Installation and deployment of all Fortinet hardware.
• Integration with Microsoft 365 cloud environment.
• Comprehensive documentation package.
• Training sessions (virtual or on site) for internal IT staff.
• Final report summarizing work completed, configuration details, and recommendations.

Vendor Qualifications
Vendors must demonstrate:
• Proven experience with Fortinet deployments, including FortiGate, FortiSwitch, and FortiAP.
• Experience migrating from SonicWall to Fortinet environments.
• Expertise integrating Fortinet solutions with Microsoft 365 and Azure AD/Entra ID.
• Ability to provide high quality training to IT staff with varying levels of experience.
• Certifications such as Fortinet NSE 4–7 (preferred).
Proposal Requirements
Proposals must include:
• Company overview and relevant experience.
• Detailed methodology and project plan.
• Training plan and curriculum outline.
• Timeline for project completion.
• Pricing breakdown (configuration, installation, training, documentation).
• References from similar projects.
• Any additional value added services.

Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
• Demonstrated expertise with Fortinet products.
• Quality and clarity of the proposed methodology.
• Strength of the training and knowledge transfer plan.
• Experience integrating with Microsoft 365 environments.
• Cost effectiveness and transparency of pricing.
• Vendor reputation and references.
Submission Instructions
Proposals must be submitted electronically to:
Nicole Minialoff | Manager of Business Development | nminialoff@compassne.ca
Late submissions may not be considered.
Please direct any questions to Nicole Minialoff at nminialoff@compassne.ca.
Legal Disclaimer
The submission of a proposal in response to this Request for Proposal (RFP) does not create a legally binding agreement between the submitting service provider and the organization.
The organization reserves the right to review, evaluate, and reject any or all proposals at its sole discretion. Participation in the RFP process does not guarantee selection or the awarding of a contract. The organization may request additional information, conduct negotiations, or modify the scope of services before entering into a formal agreement.
No contractual obligations shall arise until a final agreement is signed by authorized representatives of both parties. Any costs incurred in preparing or submitting a proposal are the sole responsibility of the service provider.