PSN compliant, Tri-Service Control System network redesign

Tender description

Why the Work is Being Done The START system has been unable to maintain a fully available service since going Live and the root cause has been difficult to isolate. This may be due to the complexity of the network connecting three databases, one in each Fire Service Area, synchronized via the WAN. The topology has been developed by the system supplier based on requirements for self autonomy, resilience and performance. The Tri-Service Control partners must achieve PSN Code of Connection (CoCo) accreditation by 31st March 2017. An ESCMP sponsored IT Health Check in April 2016 identified several vulnerabilities including the architectural design of the WAN. Problem to Be Solved Design a PSN CoCo compliant, inter-connected, fit for purpose WAN for all three Fire Services to support the Systel Mobilisation System and the topology required to optimise it. Any design should consider both the network links and overall topology of START. The system handles all incident calls with different entry points for each control room. There is no requirement for this network to carry corporate data as there is a corporate network with connections to Operational Support Systems. The overall design must demonstrate how PSN Code of Connection will be achieved. Full details of CoCo can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/psn-code-of-connection-coco. Who Are the Users Three Tri-Service control rooms, all operational crews (Full Time and Retained) at Fire Stations, mobile Officers. Incidents are handled in the control room and after categorisation they are passed out to Operational teams for action and update. In the event that a system failure renders a control room inoperative then the responsibility and control passes to one of the other control rooms that is still able to handle calls. Early Market Engagement Not applicable Work Already Done The Systel Control Room Mobilisation system is already Live including station end equipment and Mobile Data Terminals on board Appliances. Call out systems are also in place to alert individuals in the event of any incident. Existing Team Support team from each Fire Service, network provider (Virgin Media), system supplier (Systel SA) and the designer of the current network topology. Current Phase Not started Work Location Derby, Leicester and Nottingham Working Arrangments Network Design consultant will be based at a central Project Office and may need to visit other locations including Force Headquarters. There are 20 sites (Fire Stations) in Leics, 33 sites in Derbys and 33 sites in Notts. Security Clearance No specific requirement for Security Clearance. Additional T&Cs Skills & Experience Designing and implementing PSN CoCo compliant systems and networks. Design, development and implementation of network topologies to support multiple Microsoft SQL 2012 databases in a Microsoft Server 2014 environment. Implementing, configuring, and exploiting VMware products. Undertaking system design of information systems. Designing and implementing virtual and physical networking. Outline proposal for a transition between designs (move from as-is to proposed solution). Nice to Haves French language skills for discussions with Systel Development Team. Designing and establishing Cloud services management. Employing security separation techniques to information systems. Designing and implementing security logging and audit. Developing technical architectures. No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 4 Proposal Criteria Technical solution. Approach and methodology. How the approach or solution meets PSN CoCo compliance. How the approach or solution meets improved service availability. Estimated timeframes for the work. Outline transition plan. Risks and Dependencies identified, with proposals for control measures. Team structure. Value for money. Cultural Fit Criteria Be able to work with groups who may be called away at short notice. Work around a four shift based organisation where team memebrs cannot always be contacted immediately. Be able to fit in with other priorities that may interrupt any workshop-style requirements gathering exercises. In all cases, life affecting situations will take priority. Demonstrate how they would deal with three Fire Services with supporting Infrastructure, Operational and Support teams. Payment Approach Capped time and materials Assessment Method Written proposal Reference Presentation Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 70% Cultural fit 10% Price 20% Questions from Suppliers Budget range pricing t&m up to budgetary limit. maximum budget available is £30k