702745450 - Development of EW tool prototype (project COMBINE) to Beta level

Tender description

Summary of the work JEWOSC require assistance to develop a prototype data science tool up to the Beta level, which can then be deployed to Analysts for data gathering. Expected Contract Length 7 weeks. DOS5 maximum contract extension for this project is 8.75 days Latest start date Monday 28 February 2022 Budget Range Maximum of £79,423.29 ex VAT Why the Work is Being Done Pj COMBINE is part of a project to upgrade the Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities of the JEWOSC (Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Centre) by using automation to triage data signals. A prototype of this system was developed as a data science task earlier this year (DOS5 ref 14474). This prototype has proved the concept is viable and valuable to the MoD, including some encouraging results when exposed to real data. This will feed into long term further development, but there has been indication from the JEWOSC that the prototype could deliver useful effect in the immediate term as a standalone tool. However, the prototype will need further development on the remaining backlog items to do so. Problem to Be Solved "The COMBINE prototype requires additional work to clear some issue log and backlog items identified during initial development which prevent the tool from being delivered to JEWOSC analysts. These items have been refined to the minimum number required to do so. The full requirements will be provided at the next stage, however representative tasks are UI standardisation, improved admin and logging tools, full conversion to run on live instead of synthetic data, and modification to allow ingest of 6004 format data. The tool is written in Python, with data visualisation done via the KX insight platform. Bidders will need to be able to work with Python, and either have a license to the KX platform, acquire one, or be able to supplant it's data visualisation capabilites within budget and timeframe." Who Are the Users As a user of the system, I need to be able to go through the full workcycle from data import -> (deinterleaving) -> output (matching)-> analysis (visualisation & export), with no critical bugs or capability issues, so that I can perform my job more effectively. As a user, I acknowledge that the tool is a prototype and will therefore have some performance limitations, but these will not be significant enough to require complicated workarounds or produce unreliable results. I should be confident that outputs are repeatable and that I could demonstrate this tool to third parties with confidence. Early Market Engagement Nil Work Already Done An Alpha phase for this concept was completed earlier in the year (DOS5 ref 14474). The hardware and generated code is held at RAF Waddington and will be provided, while the results and lessons learnt are feeding into other JEWOSC projects. Existing Team This is a UKStratCom project within the MoD. The teams working on it are Mission Data for Information Advantage (MD4IA), with support from UKStratCom's innovation cell jHub. Current Phase Alpha Skills & Experience • Be highly proficient at processing data in the MIDAS 6000 format • Be highly proficient skills in the KX Q database core engine language as part of the team, or have access to them. • Be proficient with RedHat Enterprises OS, including installation and configuration • Good understanding of Electronic Warfare Integrated Reprogramming (EWIR) data model, including Elint (Electronic Intelligence) Intercept Model (EIM), Observed Elint Model (OEM) and Radar Threat Model (RTM) for complex emitters • Have previous experience in development of advanced User Interfaces and Reports • Python Data Science - have previous experience in Development/Application of Algorithms to Classify/Identify regression and use clustering techniques • Be able to generate intercept records to a government provided format Nice to Haves • Experience with Windows Server 2019 • Experience of working in a Defence Electronic Warfare environment Work Location On-Site location is RAF Waddington. Substantial time will need to be spent there for deployment and testing in a secure environment. Working Arrangments MD4IA/JEWOSC will provide a program manager as a point of contact for daily standups. Due to the sensitive nature of the task data, testing with live data should be expected to be done in person at RAF Waddington. Security Clearance BPSS is the minimum acceptable level. SC is desirable to allow autonomous working. The Authority will not sponsor SC clearance. Additional T&Cs "All expenses must be pre-agreed between the parties and must comply with the Ministry of Defence Travel and Subsistence (T&S) Policy. The T&S policy can be provided upon request. All vendors are obliged to provide sufficient guarantees to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures so that the processing meets the requirements of GDPR and ensures the protection of the rights of data subjects. For further information please see the Information Commissioner's Office website https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/data-protection-reform/overview-of-the-gdpr/ DEFCON 76 no pre-existing code to be used without approval from MD4IA program manager" No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 3 Proposal Criteria • Propose Approach - Provide a high level description of your approach and methodology to deliver the contract, Describe how you will meet the SOR and deliverables • Plan and timeline, including time prior to work beginning in which to understand the system • Design Methodology - Describe your proposed design methodology and design process, which will include associated tools and methods • Previous experience and evidence of successful delivery from a similar project • Team structure including skills, experiences and relevance of individuals • Approach for end to end testing and assurance, provide evidence of quality assurance • Value for money - Describe how your proposal will optimise costs • Demonstrate how you will identify risks, assumptions and dependencies and how you will manage these • Communication plan between Authority and subcontractors (if used) Cultural Fit Criteria • Ability to adapt to the demands of a fast-moving and complex environment • Demonstrate role model behaviour for knowledge sharing and transfer • Demonstrate effective prioritisation skills • Demonstrate how you can work with our organisation and other suppliers • Provide evidence of how you share knowledge and experience with other team members Payment Approach Capped time and materials Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 65% Cultural fit 5% Price 30% Questions from Suppliers No questions have been answered yet.