PNC 'Names' Application Development Consultant

Tender description

Summary of the work The role requires in-depth knowledge of original PNC ‘Names’ application software development to enable provision of expert input into the design and construction of PNC software enhancements and developments and to act as a consultant to the ‘Names’ development team. Specialist role Developer Expected Contract Length Minimum 6 Months. Potential for extension to end of PNC lifespan. Latest start date Wednesday 1 April 2020 Maximum Day Rate Day rates will form part of the evaluation criteria. Early Market Engagement None Who Speclialist Work With The specialist will be a member of the PNC ‘Names’ programming team which is comprised of a mix of Civil Servants and contractors. What Specialists Work On Application software on the Police National Computer is written in Software AG’s Natural programming language using an ADABAS database on Fujitsu hardware.. The existing programming team is becoming increasingly involved in supporting the National Law Enforcement Data Programme. Expert resource is required to support and maintain the PNC software development program until such times as the new national Law Enforcement Data Service is delivered. Skills & Experience • 10+ years experience of software development using Software AG’s Natural programming language (V4+). Essential recent experience. The majority of experience must have been gained in large mainframe Natural installations. • 10+ years experience of ADABAS, must have recent experience (the last 3 years). The majority of experience must have been gained in large mainframe Natural installations. • Familiarity with ADABAS ‘direct calls’; utilities such as ADAREP; design of ADABAS files • Familiarity with BS2000 Job Control Language (JCL) and Natural Remote Job Entry (RJE). • Comprehensive knowledge of the PNC ‘Names’ application at the functional level knowledge of major software components including: NSPIS; PFI; IDENT1; N.SIS; E-borders; DAF. • Knowledge of : Complex ‘Names’ on-line transactions; ‘Names’ batch processes; Message queueing (e.g. WebSphere); asynchronous processes; FTP • Production of detailed, complete, precise, unambiguous module design artefacts, specifically module specifications; design documentation; impact assessments; change proposals and logic flow diagrams • Quality assurance of program code; unit and system test plans; documentation • Creation of comprehensive test documentation to PNC standards and a tenacious attitude to testing demonstrating a desire to identify faults early in the development lifecycle • Analysis of existing complex processing; design of substantial sub-systems and software components • Analysis, debugging, diagnosis and resolution of complex ‘Names’ application issues in both development and Live environments • Communicate verbally and in writing with colleagues at all levels in the organisation; provide constructive feedback on the work of others; mentor less experienced members of staff Nice to Haves • Working in a law enforcement / policing background within the last 3 years. • Knowledge of the operation of strategic PNC partner agencies such as UK Borders, N.SIS and CRB • Advanced use of MS Word, Excel and Visio • Familiarity with the Remedy and ClearQuest software defect management tools Work Location Home Office, 2 Marsham Street London SW1P 4DF Working Arrangments The appointed Contractor will be required to work onsite based at 2 Marsham Street, nominally 5 days per week. Home Office IT will be provided. Security Clearance Clearance to NPPV3 level or commitment to undergo NPPV3 vetting procedure. No. of Specialists to Evaluate 3 Cultural Fit Criteria • Work collaboratively as part of a joint team of Customer staff and other Contractors • Be open, honest and transparent in line with Civil Service Code • Have a committed, proactive and ethical approach to work • Be flexible in adapting to meet changing priorities and business requirements Assessment Method Interview Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 75% Cultural fit 5% Price 20% Questions from Suppliers 1. Is there a current incumbent? Yes, the existing contractor/contract expires on 31/03/2020. 2. What is the lowest level of security would you be willing to accepting? Clearance to NPPV3 level or commitment to undergo NPPV3 vetting procedure. 3. Would you accept a candidate with SC clearance? We expect the candidate to make a commitment to undergo NPPV3 vetting procedure. The Home Office will support this application. 4. Will the incumbent contractor be re-applying? I am not sure.We are satisfied with the present contractor performance.They are aware that we are re-competing this activity. 5. Why is this a public contract if it's so tailored to a specific individual, who is most likely the incumbent? What do you want to get from the market? We will follow the evaluation and interview process for this new contract as we did two years previously when we selected a new supplier.