Provision of a Specialist Software Outcome to support Project ERUGATE

Tender description

Summary of the work Provide a specialist software developer who is highly familiar with BAE Systems Australia's Open Platform Architecture (OPA) system and the ERUGATE Digital Receive Chain software. The Supplier shall deliver software revisions defined within an Agile tasking methodology during 3 visits per year to the Republic of Cyprus. Expected Contract Length 21 months Latest start date Monday 1 July 2019 Budget Range £500,000 to £650,000 over the contract period including travel and subsistence costs. Why the Work is Being Done Provide, for a 21-month period (from Jul 19 to Mar 21), a specialist software developer who is highly familiar with BAE Systems Australia's Open Platform Architecture (OPA) system and the ERUGATE Digital Receive Chain software. The Supplier shall deliver software revisions defined within an Agile tasking methodology which will be installed in the Republic of Cyprus during 3 visits per year (total 5 trips over the contract period). Problem to Be Solved Improvement of user experience, system functionality and identified faults for a newly installed system. Who Are the Users As a specialist communications research unit, I need to operate a classified system to develop innovative communications techniques to improve military communications. Early Market Engagement Initial engagement has been carried out with BAE Systems Australia (BAES) and CDS Defence Support to test the market and confirm availability of the required skillsets. Existing Team The specialist will work alongside BAE Systems Australia software engineers located in Adelaide, SA, Australia. Current Phase Live Skills & Experience • Be highly familiar with BAE Systems Australia, Open Platform Architecture (OPA). • Be highly familiar with the ERUGATE Digital Receive Chain architecture. Nice to Haves • Have at least 2-years experience with RTI Connext DDS. • Have an understanding of signal purity ratios (SPRs) and system phase noise associated with HF receive systems. • Be familiar with QCustomPlot – Qt data visualisation. Work Location It is envisaged that due to wider quality assurance requirements and software interface considerations, the Developer will work at BAE Systems Australia's facility at Adelaide, SA, Australia. Working Arrangments The Supplier shall deliver 3-software revisions per year defined within an Agile tasking methodology which will be accomplished within a labour allocation of 2922 hours over the 21-month contract. The labour allocation shall include travelling time to RoC for 3 visits per year (total 5 trips over the contract period). Regular team meetings will be conducted via VTC / voice conferencing to ensure effective coordination and tasking. Security Clearance Due to the operating location of the software, Supplier personnel must hold a minimum security clearance to access Top Secret information whilst visiting the site. If this requirement cannot be met, a minimum of Secret clearance must be held plus an approved UK national escort must be provided. No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 5 Proposal Criteria • Technical experience with the ERUGATE system. • Team structure and resilience. • Value for money Cultural Fit Criteria • Work as a team with the BAE Systems Australia software developers. • Share knowledge and experience with military technicians and other team members. • Take responsibility for the completeness and functionality of delivered software. • Be flexible when receiving tasking and guidance from the Customer. Payment Approach Fixed price Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 60% Cultural fit 15% Price 25% Questions from Suppliers 1. Could you please specify what exactly "Supplier personnel must hold a minimum security clearance to access Top Secret information whilst visiting the site. "1) Will you help us to get such security clearance?2) Who will provide visa invitation/documentation etc. to visit Cyprus? MoD will sponsor the required Developed Vetting (DV) if not held following contract award. A list-X company can sponsor their own vetting. However, it often takes a matter of months following initiation to carry out the required vetting.HQ JSSO will authorise travel to Cyprus and arrange all required travel documentation. The contractor will be required to provide their own health and sickness insurance.