UK SBS IT18125 UKRI-STFC Ibex Phase 3

Tender description

Why the Work is Being Done STFC’s ISIS Neutron and Muon Source has been developing IBEX to deliver new Instrument Control software suitable for supporting ISIS instruments to deliver world class science over the next 10-20 years. Phases 1 and 2 of IBEX have been rolled out. Work is now required for phase 3. Problem to Be Solved The objective of the Project is to deliver new Instrument Control software suitable for supporting ISIS instruments to deliver world class science over the next 10-20 years. The new software is called IBEX and has been rolled out to several instruments. A team is required to support the in-house team to continue to add functionality and roll out to the remaining instruments. Increased functionality and performance is required from the Instrument Control system in order to support the current and planned instruments. Who Are the Users The users of the system are research scientists, some of whom are based full-time at ISIS; others are visiting scientists from universities and other research institutes making short-term use of ISIS facilities. Their needs can be summarised as: As a scientist, I need an Instrument Control package that is reliable, easy to use, with sufficient functionality and performance to undertake the complexity of measurements that I want to undertake both now and in the next 10 years. Early Market Engagement N/A Work Already Done The IBEX package has been under development for 5 years. Phases 1 -2 are in use on 16 instruments at the ISIS facility. The IBEX software is based on tools developed by the EPICS Open Source collaboration. It provides a GUI built using the Eclipse/RCP framework which displays device control panels created using the Control System Studio package. EPICS IOCs have also been obtained/developed for devices present on instrument migrated to the new control system. Existing Team The supplier's team will be expected to work on-site, alongside the existing Ibex team at ISIS. The ISIS team consists of approximately 5 members of staff. Current Phase Live Work Location ISIS Neutron and Muon Source STFC, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell Didcot OX11 0QX. Some travel for international meetings and conferences will be required. Working Arrangments The supplier team will work on-site at ISIS, alongside the STFC IBEX team. The supplier should provide a flexible team - the exact size and skills mix of the team required is expected to change during the course of the project. ISIS will provide office accommodation, development software, hardware and infrastructure. Normal working pattern is Monday to Friday, 7.5 hours per day, starting at 08:30, with the possibility of flexibility by prior agreement. Security Clearance Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) required, STFC will sponsor this if necessary. Additional T&Cs N/A Skills & Experience Demonstrate how you will apply your skills and expertise to: Manage and develop large scale open source projects (~2M lines of code) and how this will ensure the successful delivery of this project. (5%) Undertake agile project management in a technologically complex, scientific research environment and how this will ensure the successful delivery of this project. (5%) Manage mixed teams (composed of customer staff, supplier staff and staff from 3rd party organisations) and how this will ensure the successful delivery of this project. (5%) Develop EPICS based software in a scientific research environment using: C/C++, Python, Java, Eclipse/RCP, on the Windows platform and how this will ensure the successful delivery of this project. (5%) Test software (automated and manual testing) and how this will ensure the successful delivery of this project. (5%) Design complex control interfaces, such as those required for reflectometer instruments, and how this will ensure the successful delivery of this project. (5%) Nice to Haves Demonstrate how you will apply your skills and expertise to: Incorporate enhancements provided by EPICS V4 technology and how this will ensure the successful delivery of this project. (5%) No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 5 Proposal Criteria The proposed technical solution (5%) The proposed approach and methodology (5%) How the approach or solution meets user needs (5%) Team structure and organisational makeup (10%) Cultural Fit Criteria Demonstrate how you will work with ISIS staff as a member of the Ibex team, and integrate well with the wider EPICS collaboration throughout this project. (10%) Demonstrate how you will contribute and collaborate in improving software development processes and practices at ISIS throughout this project. (5%) Demonstrate how you will participate and collaborate on complex instrument control activities with scientists and technicians throughout this project. (5%) Payment Approach Time and materials Assessment Method Written proposal Case study Presentation Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 60% Cultural fit 20% Price 20% Questions from Suppliers Budget range the total value of this requirement is up to £800k plus £200k for the potential extension, exclusive of vat.