PS/18/135 DVLA Network Technical Assessment

Tender description

Summary of the work The specialist is required to review the current Juniper Network design and to provide: 1. Alternative Network Designs. 2. Opinion on changing technology vendor in part/wholesale (with particular attention given to the Core technology/Datacentre switching as this is where the majority of issues have been experienced). 3. Any additional recommendations. Specialist role Technical Architect Expected Contract Length 2 months + 2 months Latest start date Wednesday 1 August 2018 Maximum Day Rate Supplier to propose. Early Market Engagement DVLA has a highly complex networks architecture which has grown organically over 10 years or more to become difficult and inflated to support and manage. DVLA’s core and edge switching solution has become hugely complicated, with over 25 Nortel/Avaya 8600 series chassis switches making up the ‘core’ network. This core is distributed over three sites and many data centres, several of which are in sub-optimal locations. A Technical Initiative was agreed to deliver an entirely new networking architecture for DVLA, based on Juniper Networks technology. The technology selection was based on technical, engagement and service considerations. The requirement was to replace all legacy core, datacentre and user access switching with an integrated, next-generation networking platform. To date DVLA has successfully deployed all Pre-Production services (and a small number of production) onto the new Juniper platform, however there have been a number of major environment issues to overcome which has resulted in low confidence in the technology. As a result of ongoing issues the DVLA are initiating a Full Technology assessment to understand what alternative solutions may be available. Who Speclialist Work With Primarily with DVLA Network Product Manager, solutions architects and Network delivery team. Some engagement with Operational Support Team, DVLA Commercial Team, Service Level Managers. It is likely the person will also need to work with technology providers such as Juniper and Cisco as well as other 3rd party technical subject matter experts. What Specialists Work On Review the current Juniper Network design and produce a paper that outlines: 1. Alternative Network Designs – which should define options for replacing part or all of the Juniper Network with infrastructure from an alternative vendor. Designs should include a Bill of Materials/indicative costs. 2. Review current technical position and give opinion on whether changing technology vendor in part or wholesale would be a sensible option in order to deliver a new and stable networking platform at DVLA as soon as practically possible. 3. Any additional recommendations in terms of delivering a supportable Enterprise Network infrastructure not covered above. Skills & Experience • Provide evidence of significant experience of delivering large scale Network change in Enterprise environments. • Provide evidence of specialist technical knowledge in both Juniper and Cisco Networking Technologies. Nice to Haves • Certified in JNCIE. • Certified in CCIE. Work Location DVLA Morriston Campus, Longview Road, Morriston, Swansea, SA6 7JL Working Arrangments The nature of the work dictates that this work will need to be undertaken predominantly on site. Standard working week/hours to be managed by the Supplier as they see is appropriate. Security Clearance The post will require BPSS clearance, however if SC clearance is required then DVLA will sponsor. Additional T&Cs We currently see this role as sitting outside of IR35, as the candidates would not hold a fixed office position and will not have direct day to day direction or supervision. No. of Specialists to Evaluate 10 Cultural Fit Criteria • Able to collaborate effectively with people of all seniorities and job types. • Able to encourage efficient communication. • Engaging with in-house staff and creating an environment of knowledge-sharing. Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 70% Cultural fit 10% Price 20% Questions from Suppliers No questions have been answered yet.