Migration to VSTS

Tender description

Why the Work is Being Done The IPO Software Development Services department will move all requirements, code repository, build, test and deploy to cloud hosted VSTS (Microsoft Visual Studio Team Services). The vision for this piece of work is "To consistently deliver high quality, working software into the hands of users in an automated, repeatable way whilst minimising service unavailability" and in line with our 'Cloud First' and 'Simplify IT' strategy. Problem to Be Solved To simplify, unify and standardise our code tooling pipeline, methods and automation by migrating as much of our tech stack code, build, test and deploy into a single tool. Our carefully selected tool (VSTS) will provide the single ground truth for planning, requirements, build, test and deployment. This will simplify our IT real estate, reduce costs of multiple tools where possible and will increase our readiness to deploy our public digital services to a cloud platform in the future. Who Are the Users Our users are our own software development, test, release and deployment staff as well as our partners and collaborators within the organisation such as business insights, product owners, project managers, analysts, UX designers and management. This work will be to provide advice, guidance and expertise to migrate our build, test and deployment tooling to VSTS with minimal disruption to our staff. As the work progresses we require training, up-skilling and knowledge in order to be self-sufficient at the end of the entire engagement. Early Market Engagement To facilitate and inform upon the work described here a discovery phase has been completed with a 3rd party supplier. This is an internal IT tool, so GDS Disco/Alpha/Beta/Live model not applicable. A 'Discovery' has been completed. Next, we expect to work through an alpha phase ('Validate') to prove value by migrating a representative subset of our tech stacks to VSTS. This will be followed by further phases (TBD) to 'Scale' out this validated solution across other tech stacks and teams and to optionally but not exhaustively complete the engagement with an 'Optimise' phase to optimise the solution and staff skills. Work Already Done Internal staff engagement to select candidate tooling pipeline (VSTS). A discovery phase has been completed to gather information about our 'as is' regarding technologies, tooling and process/behaviors. Candidate internal product with representative tech stacks has been identified to be used as a VSTS migration pilot. Existing Team Core project and continuous improvement teams include: SRO, Product Owner, Developers and Testers, User Experience Specialists, Business Users and IT key staff. Current Phase Not applicable Work Location Intellectual Property Office, Cardiff Road, Newport, NP10 8QQ Working Arrangments Individuals will work as an agile delivery team reporting to a Software Development Manager and a member of the Release and Configuration team on tasks and ways of working. Each SoW will be developed with the successful supplier as outcome-based to define each of the 'Validate', 'Scale' and 'Optimise' phases. Work pattern will be a flexible approach agreed between the IPO and successful supplier as each SoW is agreed throughout the life of the contract. Security Clearance SC Cleared, or willingness to work towards SC clearance Additional T&Cs Skills & Experience Have demonstrable technical competence in VSTS along with experience in migrating a range of tech stacks into VSTS. Have demonstrable knowledge of VSTS product and configuration Have demonstrable Knowledge of agile methods, DevOps Have demonstrable knowledge, expertise and resource to deliver VSTS code, build, test and deploy pipelines in C#.net, Java and Scala. Demonstrable depth of resource and expertise in supplying build tool configuration resources across a range of technologies and frameworks. Have demonstrable experience of successfully understanding user needs and designing services to support them. Have demonstrable experience of collaborative working with existing release, development, test and business teams, including coaching and mentoring, and knowledge sharing. Be a Microsoft Gold Partner, preferably with certified or otherwise recognised expertise in VSTS products, Azure Cloud Platform and DevOps/Agile competencies Nice to Haves have demonstrable experience across a range of technologies and frameworks, including C#.NET, Java, VSTS Git, Mule, Tomcat, Wildfly, DB (MS SQL), SonarQube and Scala. adapt to legacy niche techstacks - e.g. Visual COBOL No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 3 Proposal Criteria Case study evidence of delivery of similar services to similar clients, public sector preferred. Day rates for proposed resources and how these demonstrate value for money. Overall approach and methodology to meet requirements Ability to meet published essential skills and requirements Cultural Fit Criteria Have excellent communication skills with staff at all levels of the organisation Be positive and professional in their attitude Be willing to collaborate and partner, including with other suppliers Take responsibility for their work Proactively share knowledge and experiences with members of team Be innovative and promote ideas and suggestions as applicable Attempt to achieve value for money in all activities Payment Approach Capped time and materials Assessment Method Written proposal Case study Reference Presentation Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 60% Cultural fit 20% Price 20% Questions from Suppliers Budget range £150-£250k