Developing configurable forms for consular services

Tender description

Why the Work is Being Done The Digital Transformation Unit (DTU) conducted a discovery into the notarial work performed at British consulates across the world that is largely manual and paper based. The discovery identified the opportunity to digitise a number of services, including re-using existing open source software to create online forms that are configurable with minimal development effort to digitise the bulk of transactional services performed at consulates. We have conducted an alpha and identified the areas to move to Beta before rolling out the service. Problem to Be Solved There are a number of transactional services performed at Consulates that have slight variation depending on the country in which they're conducted. Currently these are manual and paper based; we require an efficient digital service that can be rolled out and accommodate the variations with minimal development. The types of services are categorised into fees and include getting documents to enable: overseas marriage, a car importation license and official translations of documents. We require the outcome from the service to be a case created automatically in the existing case management system and in some cases a document to be produced. Who Are the Users As a British citizen overseas, I need consistent, correct information about the progress of my application, to access services quickly at my convenience and a simple way of contacting the FCO so queries are handled effectively. I also need to understand what service I require and how to apply so I can get married overseas. As a consular officer, I need accurate information provided directly into my case management system so I can perform transaction efficiently. As a consular manager, I need to understand what services are performed at consulates and how long they take, so I can resource effectively. Early Market Engagement The discovery work was completed with Caution Your Blast. Work Already Done Discovery and Alpha phases complete. Front-end prototype developed using Home Office Forms. Over 40 hours of user research conducted.We have conducted a discovery and created an alpha, identifying the technology choice we wish to use (Home Office Forms) and analysed data to understand where we would like to launch the initial private beta and roll out. Existing Team You will be working with the Digital Transformation Unit, comprising a Delivery Manager, and a Product manager. The team would be expected to work closely with colleagues across the office, particularly within the consular directorate, to gain an understanding of the existing services offered and user needs. A project manager is being recruited seperately to run this and one other project. Current Phase Alpha Work Location London with some travel to Milton Keynes Working Arrangments The supplier is expected to provide resource that can be on-site in London or Milton Keynes during business hours Monday to Friday. The resource should: be collaborative and work effectively with existing Product Owner and Senior BA team members be expert in agile approaches including sprints, daily standups, sprint retrospectives, and working to agreed definitions of done. be comfortable talking to non-technical staff and translating their requirements into technical terms be a good listener where appropriate, be innovative and propose changes to processes be able, unaccompanied, to meet technical and non-technical staff and represent the Digital Transformation Unit well. Security Clearance All staff working on FCO premises must be at least SC Cleared or capable of being cleared to SC. Bidders must confirm clearance of nominated resources. SC would be a great help but if required, FCO will initiate SC clearance. Additional T&Cs Skills & Experience Give examples of delivering projects using user-centric agile methods Experience of working in line with GDS Service Manual standards and knowledge of wider industry-standards Experience of successfully delivering public beta digital services in a public sector environment Experience of designing user-friendly interfaces in line with GOV.UK style Evidence of using using prototypes, testing, iterating and user research to inform user-friendly digital services Proven successful development and maintenance of back-end technologies, databases, use of APIs, meeting data standards, search functionality, and experience of GitHub Proven successful development and maintenance of open source CMS including build of responsive templates and site publishing tools that meet the needs of content editors and website managers Technical expertise of front-end, UI web development, building engaging templates and responsive web design that work across browsers and devices Experience of using Javascript and React Redux Evidence of a robust security management system which addresses physical, personnel, procedural and technical risks Evidence of handing over software to a different company who will support and operate the system Evidence of handing over to technically competent staff, software that can mostly be configured locally, along with ‘how to’ training and an understanding of when further software engineering is required Nice to Haves Experience of working with Home Office forms Experience of working with Node JS Experience of working with OpenCV No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 5 Proposal Criteria Approach and methodology Estimated timeframes for the work Flexibility Team structure Value for money Cultural Fit Criteria Confident in consulting multiple stakeholders, suppliers in the UK and overseas, developing and managing relationships and leading discussions with stakeholders to seek input and feedback (10%) Working in multidisciplinary teams with other suppliers (1%) Working with technical and non-techincal staff to understand requirements (1%) Building good relationships and trust with teams both with and without departmental sponsors (1%) Quickly joining teams and understanding their needs (1%) Experience working in an agile manner (1%) Payment Approach Fixed price Assessment Method Written proposal Work history Reference Presentation Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 50% Cultural fit 20% Price 30% Questions from Suppliers Budget range approx £200,000