Experienced XML Developer to work with catalogue data

Tender description

Summary of the work Extract/transform/load our catalogue from relational database (SQL Server) into new native XML database. Develop minimum viable product application layer - API-based functions to search/select/add/export/edit/import/delete. We imagine: (1) application layer developed using XML technology stack (XQuery, XSLT, XProc, Schematron, XSpec); (2) API supports EAD3 (https://www.loc.gov/ead/), EAC-CPF (https://eac.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de/); (3) database/application AWS cloud-hosted. Specialist role Developer Expected Contract Length 4 months Latest start date Friday 1 November 2019 Maximum Day Rate £1,000 a day + VAT Early Market Engagement None Who Speclialist Work With You will be based with the in-house Cataloguing and Taxonomy team working closely with the Data Analyst and the Head of Cataloguing and Taxonomy. You will also work closely with colleagues from the Government Audience, Digital Services, Digital Archiving team and Collections Experts. What Specialists Work On The migration of The National Archives catalogue data, consisting of 11 million record descriptions, from a relational database (SQL Server) to a native XML database (such as Marklogic); the development of sophisticated search functions for use by expert users (using XQuery and extensions), the development of API based data management services (import/export as tabular data for editing in Excel, data validation via Schematron) with supporting application logic (XSLT2/3 and XQuery plus XSpec) and processing pipelines (XProc). Skills & Experience • Experience, knowledge and understanding of native XML databases • Experience, knowledge and understanding of XSLT2/3 • Experience, knowledge and understanding of XQuery • Experience, knowledge and understanding of related XML technologies such as XSpec, XProc and Schematron • Experience, knowledge and understanding of Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes • Experience, knowledge and understanding of working with mixed content in the context of large, semi-structured datasets. • Experience, knowledge and understanding of create resilient and secure systems using IAM in a cloud context Nice to Haves • Experience, knowledge and understanding of EAD3 and EAC-CPF • Experience, knowledge and understanding of XML based authoring and editing tools (XMetal, Oxygen etc.) Work Location The team is based at The National Archives, Bessant Drive, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU. Working Arrangments Ideally co-located (for at least 2 days a week) so you can refine requirements with the team. Normal working hours are 9am to 5pm, there is some flexibility available. Security Clearance Baseline security clearance will be required. No. of Specialists to Evaluate 5 Cultural Fit Criteria • Be willing to work at The National Archives • Be able to work alone to deliver work to a deadline • Be open to sharing findings and checking if on track • Provide evidence of working with non-technical team members Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 50% Cultural fit 15% Price 35% Questions from Suppliers 1. What is the likelihood of a possible extension? Will this just be for 4 months? We feel that 4 months is a reasonable length of time, for the amount of work involved and assuming an appropriate level of skill and diligence by the appointed specialist. However an extension (up to a maximum contract length of 6 months) may be considered provided that the quality and potential of the development work delivered convinces us that funding an extension is beneficial. 2. Do you have an incumbent supplier? No, there is no incumbent. 3. Can you please confirm the IR35 status of this position? We have checked the role requirements (to the best of our knowledge) using the assessment tool found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-employment-status-for-tax and, in our opinion, for the role(s) as advertised the intermediaries legislation does not apply to this engagement. If our opinion had been that these roles lay inside scope for IR35, we would not have published using this Framework. 4. Is there approximate timelines in place like when will Round 1 evaluation be done, resume sharing, interview, contract award etc.? The closing date for this opportunity is 1 October, with a 'latest' 1 November start date. Round 1 evaluation should be done by around 10 October, and we would hope to hold interviews week commencing 14 October. Award decision would be week commencing 21 October. Please note these are estimated dates. We do not know what ‘resume sharing’ is, please post an additional question if required.