DD/IT/SVCS/024 - Protector Digital System Integration Team

Tender description

Summary of the work MOD seeks minimum three FTE System Engineers/Architects specialising in design/integration of Communications/Information Systems. Integration of OFFICAL/SECRET/ABOVE SECRET data and voice CIS solutions for next-generation Remotely Piloted Air System-Protector. Outputs include, not limited to: solution/service/technical architectures; interface specifications; test, evaluation/acceptance plans; artefacts to support JSP604 accreditation and ad-hoc technical reports. Expected Contract Length 12 Months,Extension Options: additional up to 12 months subject to financial approval Latest start date Monday 10 January 2022 Budget Range The MOD expects to spend a maximum of £0.65M per annum inc VAT. This includes a Limit of Liability for T&S of £15k. Why the Work is Being Done This work will support the delivery of end to end CIS services to support the safe operation of Protector in the UK and overseas. This activity is required now in order to achieve key Protector programme milestones including the achievement of the planned Initial Operating Capability milestone in Q4 23. Problem to Be Solved Protector Air systems will be operated on the ground at fixed locations in the UK. This will require robust Command and Control links between the ground stations and the air systems that will need to be integrated with existing MOD and commercial CIS. To support missions and communications with other parts of MOD, the Protector operators will require access to a range of MOD and other CIS and these will need to be integrated with the Protector ground systems. In addition, a new ground facility will be built for Protector and this will require the full range of MOD CIS at different security domains to be installed to support Protector operations. Who Are the Users The main users of the services that the supplier will work with are in Air Command. A description of the user needs is provided. The Protector operators need: • the ability to fly and control the RPAS beyond line of sight from fixed locations on the ground in the UK. • The ability to obtain information at multiple caveats that reside on MOD and other networks to prepare and execute missions • The ability to share information and communicate with other stakeholders across the MOD and coalition enterprise. Early Market Engagement High-level Target Architectures have been developed by the Defence Digital Design Directorate and Delivery teams have provided cost estimates to deliver the integrated services. Additional work is required to develop more detailed solution, service and technical architectures and to integrate systems to support the delivery of the required end to end services. Work Already Done High-level Target Architectures have been developed by the Defence Digital Design Directorate and Delivery teams have provided cost estimates to deliver the integrated services. Additional work is required to develop more detailed solution, service and technical architectures and to integrate systems to support the delivery of the required end to end services. Existing Team The supplier will work with Armed Forces personnel, Civil Servants & Contractors. Engagement with people from other teams is required. In addition to the Protector RPAS user and stakeholder community, there are other subject matter experts that will be involved such as: Architects from the MODs Design Directorate and Technical Leads from Defence Digital teams that provide MOD CIS services. Defence Digital has appointed a Lead Delivery Owner (LDO) at 1* level to oversee the delivery of services for Protector. The supplier will work under the guidance and direction of the 1* LDO supported by a LDO Manager. Current Phase Not applicable Skills & Experience • Experience of working on aerospace programmes undertaking systems engineering and design activities. • Experience of developing CIS solution, service and technical architectures . • Experience of integrating end to end CIS services with aircraft systems. • Experience of integrating systems with existing MOD services at various security levels. • Experience of test, evaluation and acceptance activities to support the integration of end to end CIS services . • Experience of designing and integrating secure CIS with high level cyber and security requirements. • Experience of working with MOD or similar organisations on CIS projects and familiarity with JSP 604. • Experience of communicating technical and complex subjects to non-technical stakeholders. • A sound understanding of requirements and architecture development at various levels to support programmatic analysis and integration. • Demonstrate that the team members are suitably qualified to fulfil the systems integration role. Nice to Haves • Experience of working on military Air ISTAR platforms and programmes. • Experience of Air ISTAR systems including those on the aircraft and the ground. • Experience of working with US industry and DOD on government programmes and managing constraints such as ITAR. • Experience and understanding of Unmanned Air Systems, typical CIS links and requirements and how they are safely operated. • Experience of Defence IT systems at all levels including applications, hosting and the network layer. • Experience and understanding of tactical networks, satcom systems and data standards. Work Location The work will take place at MOD Corsham, Westwells Road, Wiltshire, SN13 9NR and remotely using MOD provided IT. Regular visits to other MOD sites will be required including, but not limited to, RAF High Wycombe, RAF Waddington and Defence Equipment and Support at Abbey Wood, Bristol. Working Arrangments The supplier is expected to work collaboratively with the Authority's team attending face to face meetings as required. Work onsite is expected 3 days a week for face-to-face team meetings. All work at SECRET will be conducted at MOD sites. The supplier will need to sign an NDA to comply with International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Development of solutions will involve working with other MOD teams and third parties Security Clearance Developed Vetting clearance within the team is essential as the task requires unsupervised access to ABOVE SECRET information. Other individuals in the team will require, at least, SC clearance. Clearances should be live for the duration of the contract. Only UK Nationals are permitted to work on this contract. Additional T&Cs •No Company personal or company laptops are permitted. •T&S will be paid in accordance with MoD Policy. •Team members will be required to undertake extensive travel and stakeholder management. •Remote working is acceptable using MOD provided IT, but weekly visits to Corsham (duty station) and other MOD sites is expected. T&S will not be paid between home and duty station. No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 4 Proposal Criteria • How many people are in the technical team and what are the roles and skills of the individuals. • How will the team work together alongside MOD stakeholders to undertake system integration activities. • What is the proposed systems integration approach and methodology. • How the approach and methodology will ensu]re delivery of the required activities and outputs. • How the team will assure the quality and accuracy of their outputs. • What are the perceived risks and dependencies and how will these be managed. • How will the team ensure that value for money is delivered. Cultural Fit Criteria • Evidence of how you foster an inclusive and professional working environment. • Evidence of how you demonstrate Sharing of knowledge, experience and expertise with the Authority and other team members. • Evidence of how you demonstrate a transparent and collaborative approach to delivery. • Evidence of how you take ownership of problems and use initiative to ensure a successful outcome • Evidence of your approach to problem solving with stakeholders from multiple organisations, including Civil Servants, other contractors and vendors. • Evidence of how you work with organisations and stakeholders with differing levels of technical expertise. Payment Approach Fixed price Assessment Method • Work history • Reference • Presentation Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 65% Cultural fit 5% Price 30% Questions from Suppliers 1. Is there an incumbent, will they be applying? There is no incumbent, Defence Digital operate fair, open and transparent tender processes, and bids are assessed purely on the information provided at each stage of the process. 2. Is MOD able to Security clear team members who do not currently hold that level of clearance? The Authority will not be able to provide SC Clearances. SC must be in place prior to and for the duration of the contract. 3. How should we structure our 100 word answers to make our evidence as clear and focused as possible? Please structure each answer to provide evidence of experience using the ‘STAR’ technique. ‘S’ Situation (set the scene), ‘T’ Task (describe the purpose), ‘A’ Action (explain what your organisation did), ‘R’ Result (share the outcome) 4. Please can you confirm that the Work Histories will be required for each specified role, with the standard template (3 x 500 words). Yes. We will require a work history for each specified role. Can you please mark the work history to clearly show which role they related to. Work histories will use the standard template and 500 work limit. 5. Is the requirement inside or outside IR35? This requirement is inside IR35.