Architecture Services Group Support

Tender description

Why the Work is Being Done Highways England Architecture Services Group (ASG) provide strategic direction, guidance and assurance to all projects in HE with an IT component. This contract is to: • allow ASG to retain the current levels of service to the business for cloud and technology architecture assurance • provide architecture services at a scale the in-house team cannot • provide specialist skills and knowledge the in-house team do not have The specific tasks cover a wide range of architectural services including the production of strategy documents and supporting artefacts, as well as reviewing project designs for strategic fit, following best practise and providing value for money. Problem to Be Solved With only a few members of the ASG, the group do not have the necessary resource to develop and prove guidance in new technologies across all domains, including Data, Cyber Security and Information Rights, and to shape future strategy in a timely manner, resulting in existing strategy not being reviewed and updated each year, and strategies not covering new technology early enough. Who Are the Users As an SRO I need to be confident that the designs produced use technology in an appropriate and cost effective manner. As CEO I need to know that IT's strategy follows current standards, use modern technology appropriately, and can deliver HE's goals. Early Market Engagement Work Already Done This is an ongoing service Existing Team This outcome will delivered in partnership with our current Architecture Services Group, which includes one other partner. The team includes a number of Lead Solution Architects under the Head of Architecture Services. The role will require engagement with the wider HE organisation at senior levels, and with a number of other suppliers. Current Phase Not applicable Work Location Remote Working Possible meetings at our offices in: Birmingham (The Cube) Leeds (Lateral) Working Arrangments This team is expected to form an integral part of our group working with our Head of Architecture Services as the outcome lead. There may be occasional travel to HE offices. Security Clearance Baseline Security Check Additional T&Cs Skills & Experience Have experience of defining strategies for public cloud (IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS), on premise and hybrid platforms, including cloud native technologies. Have experience in designing and building cloud-native applications on AWS, Azure and Oracle Cloud Experience in developing pragmatic and practical strategic platforms for public cloud, on premise and hybrid solutions Have experience of evaluating new technologies for strategic fit and suitability Have experience of providing guidance on ensuring the correct technical solution is used for services, based on various criteria including commercial, application lifecycle, data, etc. Have experience in RedHat, OpenShift and Azure Microservice products Have experience in evolving and improving architecture services Have a pool of resources available at short notice to provide architecture services to HE to meet technology and/or volume demands Nice to Haves Have experience of working within GDS Guidelines Have experience in assisting an organisation develop agile delivery processes and integrating DevOps into an existing delivery framework. Have experience in introducing microservices platforms, processes and technology Have experience in multiple public cloud environments including Azure, AWS and Oracle Cloud No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 5 Proposal Criteria Explain the role of Architecture Services to an organisation (8%) Briefly explain how you would gather the organisation's requirements, and derive a strategic IT direction from them (8%) Briefly explain the people and process changes that are likely to be required when introducing an agile delivery process (8%) Explain the steps your organisation takes to ensure its staff remain current and up to date with technology (7%) Describe the broad architecture of a cloud native solution you have designed and delivered (7%) Provide an example where you have created a cloud first (not cloud only) strategy, including an on premise and hybrid capability based in the EU (7%) Provide a short description of the changes that HE ITD may need to deliver to support the Strategic Business Plan 2020-25 and beyond (8%) Give an example of where you have helped build an architecture community and a centre of excellence based in the EU (7%) Cultural Fit Criteria Place safety of ourselves, our workforce and our customers as number one priority (2%) Take ownership of work tasks with limited supervision (5%) Considers new and innovative ways of working (1%) Acts with integrity in delivering the service (2%) Payment Approach Time and materials Assessment Method Presentation Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 60% Cultural fit 10% Price 30% Questions from Suppliers No questions have been answered yet Budget range up to £3,133,910 over contract period