RFI for technology solutions for urban challenges

The United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC) 

UNICC has locations in Brindisi (Italy), Geneva (Switzerland), New York (USA), Rome (Italy) and Valencia (Spain).

RFI deadline Oct 17

Description of Requirements: UNICC is exploring opportunities to advance its vision of becoming a smart city enabler and strengthen its capabilities and deepen its insight into technology, standards, approach and costs for developing, implementing and managing a sandbox environment.

As part of the Global Initiative on Virtual Worlds and AI, UNICC is leading Track 9 – Sandbox Environment Facility aiming at creating a sandbox environment. This controlled space will facilitate the testing and selection of secure, interoperable, and innovative technologies related to virtual worlds in the urban context. By providing a safe, country neutral space for experimentation, the sandbox expedites the adoption of cutting-edge solutions in realworld urban settings. There are 2 phases in this track: Phase I – Sandbox Experiment Facility Concept Formulation and Phase II – Sandbox Experiment Facility Implementation Track. With this RFI exercise, for a future potential Request for Procurement process, UNICC invites technology providers to present innovative solutions that address urban challenges using advanced software systems, server infrastructure, network technologies, and computing platforms – while also tackling critical concerns such as protecting sensitive data, ensuring user safety, and making digital spaces accessible and inclusive for diverse populations. The responses received will be used for market analysis and planning purposes. In addition, UNICC would like to seek insight into learning services and cybersecurity services that could be offered within the smart city environment.

The sandbox environment will host, but not be limited to, any of the below smart city challenges:
▪ Climate-neutral urban development
▪ Sustainable infrastructure
▪ Smart water and waste management
▪ Traffic and smart mobility systems
▪ Energy systems and smart transportation
▪ Data privacy and security
▪ Robust network infrastructure needs (e.g., 5G)