PIPCS Development Service

Tender description

Summary of the work Carry out distinct Personal-Independence-Payment-Computer-System (PIPCS) Release Development work alongside problem fix work. Outcomes agreed via SoW's aligned to the PIPCS Development cycle. Java developers required, with Curam accreditation and previous PIPCS experience. Tasks include perform analysis, design, development and unit testing of software applications from user requirements and design documents. Expected Contract Length 2 years (with a 6 month extension option) Latest start date Monday 10 May 2021 Why the Work is Being Done To deliver development changes to PIPCS as requested by DWP in a number of releases, and to provide problem fixes into the releases. The supplier is required to provide Digital services comprising Software Engineers primarily at 'working level '. Our definition of 'working level' being the Software Engineer will be responsible for (1) the development of fit for purpose products (2) operational stability of the products they build (3) affect change in ongoing resilience of these products and (4) contribute to the overall Software Development Lifecycle Process, following agreed Architectural and Software Engineering principals. Problem to Be Solved Development work within continuous releases of 6 week duration. Additionally, the continuation of Application Maintenance development work feeding into the releases. PIPCS is based on a core Curam (V7.0.10) customised using Java. The indicative resource profile is 9 resources with the ability to potentially flex as an internal core team is recruited in parallel. Who Are the Users The existing project team will engage and work with the new Development supplier to carry out work as part of an overall team. Existing Team PIPCS Project team established at Peel Park, Blackpool includes Delivery Managers, Product Managers, Business Analysts, Technical Lead, Software Engineers and Test resources. There is an existing development supplier in contract until the end of June 2021 during which a period of Knowledge Transfer will be required to the new Development supplier. Some internal development resources will remain in place. Current Phase Live Skills & Experience • Must have significant and demonstrable experience of development in Java 8 ( >5 years for two team leads) • Must have significant and demonstrable knowledge of Oracle (2>5 years) • Working knowledge of Software Engineering best practices and an awareness of the Software Engineering profession and its principles. • An ability to understand user stories and convert business requirements into technical solutions. • An ability to gain, at pace, a detailed understanding of the solution to allow ongoing support and further development • A minimum of 4 years’ experience of Curam V7 • A minimum of 2 years’ experience of PIPCS Nice to Haves Demonstrable experience of working within a large government department or a comparable sized organisation within the last 3 years. Work Location Peel Park, Brunel Way, Blackpool, FY4 5ES Working Arrangments Intended to be on site 5 days a week in Blackpool. All expenses must be pre-approved and adhere to DWP expenses policy. However, currently due to Covid-19 pandemic all resources are working remotely. Security Clearance BPSS Additional T&Cs DWP is working with the internal legal team to review the DOS 5 legal documents against DWP's model T&C's. There may be some enhancements/amendments. This information will be shared with short listed suppliers with the RfP. For information only: 1. TUPE me apply to this contract - Should this be the case DWP will seek to share employee liability information in the RfP with shortlisted suppliers. 2.Additionally an assessment of the employee status will need to be undertaken with the preferred supplier to determine the IR35 position before a contract is entered in to. No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 3 Proposal Criteria • Approach and methodology • How the approach or solution meets user needs • Value for money Cultural Fit Criteria • Your approach to working as a blended team with our organisation to build joint ways of working • Your experience of successful collaborative working as part of a blended team sharing knowledge within the team • Evidence of a culture of continuous improvement where individuals learn from past mistakes and offer improvement opportunities • Social Value considerations Payment Approach Time and materials Assessment Method • Case study • Work history • Reference • Presentation Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 65% Cultural fit 15% Price 20% Questions from Suppliers 1. Is there a current or preferred supplier for this programme of work please? There is currently a third party supplier contract providing this service until the end of June this year. The preferred supplier will be determined through this DOS 5 competition and all suppliers in Lot 1 - Outcomes are invited to participate. 2. The following questions suggest this is procurement route is set out to award to the inbumbent “A minimum of 4 years’ experience of Curam V7A minimum of 2 years’ experience of PIPCS” how can you ensure a fair award? Curam V7.0 is a widely used COTS package that we know multiple suppliers have worked on. In regards to the PIPCS experience required, we know that over 250 people across multiple suppliers have worked on PIPCS, so there is relevant experience in the market. This essential criteria is required to facilitate swift productivity and will reduce knowledge transfer. 3. Who is the incumbent? BPDTS are currently responsible for delivering this service. However do have 3rd party contract in place. 4. Who is the incumbent? BPDTS are currently responsible for delivering this service. However do have 3rd party contract in place. 5. What rate are you budgeting for? Shortlisted suppliers will be asked to complete a pricing template in as part of the RfP response. DWP has not set a rate for budgeting purposes. 6. Is this contract inside or outside IR35? The DOS 5 allows DWP to compliantly use the framework where procurements could be in-scope of IR35 for example where supplier staff are working as part of agile blended teams; and the buyer is exercising some degree of control and direction of supplier staff.Additional T&Cs in the framework contract allow DWP to meet off-payroll working obligations. We have the ability to request; and the supplier the obligation to provide; the relevant information on which to make this assessment to assure the employment route of individual supplier staff.Assessments will be done once the preferred supplier has been identified. 7. Please can you share a breakdown of the 9 resource levels are likely to be? We note potential need for 2 Team Lead levels and seek clarity on the other initial resource levels envisaged. We envisage that the remaining resource levels would be primarily at 'working level '. Our definition of 'working level' being the Software Engineer will be responsible for (1) the development of fit for purpose products (2) operational stability of the products they build (3) affect change in ongoing resilience of these products and (4) contribute to the overall Software Development Lifecycle Process, following agreed Architectural and Software Engineering principals. 8. Given current restrictions would resources be considered to work remotely from outwith the UK with a view of being on site in Blackpool in due course? Due to increased security considerations and further complications with regards to having access to DWP assets we will only consider those that are able to be based in UK for the duration of the contract.