Data Analytics Enterprise Partner

Tender description

Summary of the work The DAC requires an Enterprise Partner to assist in the delivery of data analytics services. Through provision of skilled people in Azure, data, cloud and infrastructure engineering. Sourcing, procurement and integration of software and data sources. Relaying experience and best practice of: solution development, and process, platform governance, and training. Expected Contract Length Six (6) months with two (2) six (6) months option periods Latest start date Monday 20 February 2023 Budget Range £1.8M – £2.5M Budget will be pro-rata to the length of contract including options. Why the Work is Being Done We seek an Enterprise Partner to work collaboratively with the Organisation and other suppliers to deliver outcomes for an Enterprise Data Analytics Platform based on Hybrid (on-premise and public cloud) Microsoft Azure technology. The Data Analytics Centre (DAC) will enable delivery of enterprise wide, cross-classification, end to end data analysis services. Utilising Microsoft Azure public cloud and a cross-domain solution to an on-premise Azure Stack Hub. The Platform is fully managed and will operate across the full lifecycle of ingest/store/analyse/visualisation of data; enabling users to deliver enduring data solutions and services. The current platform requires Infrastructure-as-Code (IAC) development and the DAC require industry expertise and knowledge to achieve this. User demand on the platform is expected to increase rapidly, therefore growth enabled by timely procurement of software applications & tooling and recruitment of Suitably Qualified Experienced Personnel (SQEP) is required. Core capabilities for the proposed contract would include provision of services and SQEP to support the following activities: •Software and Integration •Data sources and Services •Governance of the platform (safety/security) •Horizon Scanning •Provision of training services •Improved Ways of Working •Professional Services/ Consultancy •Knowledge transfer •Act as a route to market for Hardware and Software •Support and inform Migration activities Problem to Be Solved To enable rapid collaboration with Industry across the expanse of the markets to offer innovative approaches / solutions. The Enterprise Partner will be an enabler to allow procurement of Hardware, Software, Professional Services and the recruitment of SQEP, as required. It is expected that the Enterprise Partner will be able to horizon scan for the latest technologies and practices. To lead change and encourage a culture of collaboration & compliance in a demanding environment, while informing and supporting governance and control. The Enterprise Partner will support a collaborative approach to data exploitation problem solving and are expected to fully integrate into the DAC. Supporting the customers’ own data analytics teams. Who Are the Users The DAC is a newly established team that will be supporting the delivery of data services across the organisation. To do this they need access to a broad range of skill sets, ranging from Microsoft Azure infrastructure engineering, PaaS, data engineering and science. Further supporting data collection and ingestion onto the platform. Through the Enterprise Partner, the DAC will need to procure new hardware, software and professional services to swiftly to meet use-cases and also to keep pace with the rate of change in industry and enable exploitation of the latest technologies. The DAC require access to the forefront of industry and academia research to enable the delivery of best-in-class data exploitation capabilities. Early Market Engagement Virtual Market Interest held Dec 2021 to provide industry with a more detailed overview of the project. A copy of the slides and the Q&A can be obtained from Desspisn–comrcl@mod.gov.uk Work Already Done The DAC has been established and an Enterprise cross-classification Data Analytics Platform is nearing final delivery. The Enterprise Partner would support future scaling out of the platform and data analytics products. Engaging with partners across the MoD and Industry contributing to solving this problem at an enterprise level. Existing Team The core team in the DAC compromises of a mixed team of Military, Civil Service and contractors. The contract roles are broken down into Delivery Head, Product Head, Service Head, a Data Architect. There are several permanent military and civilian contractual staff developers, and it is expected that the Enterprise Partner will work to the DAC and with other suppliers. Current Phase Not applicable Skills & Experience • Have experience of engaging and working with other partners (e.g. across gov, commercial and/or academia) (2 points) • Have experience of engaging and managing data analytics staff. (2 points) • Have experience of providing cleared staff and managing staff vetting processes up to and including DV. (2 points) • Have experience of designing, Implementing and operating end to end DevSecOps pipeline. • Have experience of working on a multidomain gatewayed platform. (2 points) • Have experience of designing, Implementing and operating Cloud and On Prem platforms. (2 points) • Have experience of Azure, and ASH platforms and Cross Domain Gateways. (2 points) • Able to provide Data Engineering and Data Science (2 points) • Onboarding software onto an existing cloud platform (including accreditation) (2 points) - Onboarding software onto an on-premise existing platform (including accreditation) (2 points) • Have experience of procuring and managing external data sources and feeds (2 points) • Have experience of conducting knowledge transfer of best practices of Ways of Working, Governance, architecture (2 points) • Have experience of procuring hardware and software to enhance an existing platform. (2 points) • Have experience of engaging external companies in a collaborative approach (2 points) • Conducting Horizon Scanning and Reporting for advances in data analytics technologies and processes. (1 point) Nice to Haves • Performing training and knowledge transfer activities to develop the customer workforce (1 points) • Delivering an end-to-end training regime (TNA, programming, delivery, record keeping, quality assurance) to contracted and military staff (1 points) • Experience in supporting a production environment and supporting technical customers/users (1 points) • Working with current suppliers to enhance an existing platform(1 points) • Conducting trials and risk reduction exercises and introduction to service of new data technologies (1 points) Work Location Hereford Working Arrangments To be fully integrated into the DAC and enable a collaborative partnership, elements of the Enterprise Partner will be required to be on site with at least 1 developer/analyst on site at a minimum of 50% of the working week. Once the Enterprise Partner is integrated into the DAC and Ways of Working established, attending meetings as and when required. Hybrid or working from other locations will be considered. Travel to other locations and overnight stays may be required on occasion. Security Clearance SC/sole British Nationals is a minimum requirement. Personnel that hold elevated rights to the platform, and access to sensitive information will require DV clearance. In exceptional circumstances the Authority may make consideration to clearances and nationalities. Only the Authority has the discretion to make this decision. Additional T&Cs DEFCON 5J (18/11/16) Unique Identifiers DEFCON 76 (11/22) Contractors Personnel Government Establishments DEFCON 522 (11/17) Payment and Sums Due DEFCON 532A (05/22) Protection Of Personal Data (Where Personal Data Is Not Being Processed On Behalf Of The Authority) DEFCON 658 (10/22) Cyber The RAR Number Is: 884671566 and the Risk Profile is: Modarate DEFCON 659A (09/21) Security Measures DEFCON 660 (09/21) Official – Sensitive Security Requirements Additional terms are contained in the Schedules to the draft contract MoD DEFCONS can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/knowledge-in-defence-kid No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 5 Proposal Criteria • Technical solution and approach to innovating the DAC (3 points) • How the approach or solution meets user needs with estimated timeframes (3 points) • Provision of a Skills matrix (3 points) • Detailed Team structure (3 points) • Credentials and ceremonials in the specified area. (3 points) • Process for Identifying risks, issues, assumptions and dependencies (3 points) • Promoting a positive team culture when delivering (3 points) • Transparency and Communication (3 points) • Collaboration with wider industry, internal teams, the Authority and Customer (3 points) • Proposed methodology and benefits (3 points) Cultural Fit Criteria • Describe how you would embed and promote a no-blame culture, positive working environment and encourage people to learn from their mistakes. (2 points) • Give an example of how your company has shared knowledge and experience with others – Industry and government organisations. (2 points) • How would you describe the ideal corporate culture? (2 points) • Give an example of when you have worked with Clients with a range of technical ability. (2 points) • Give an example when you have led both your own internal teams and your customers (2 points) Payment Approach Fixed price Assessment Method • Case study • Presentation Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 70% Cultural fit 10% Price 20% Questions from Suppliers 1. Please can you confirm how we can obtain a copy of the slides from the virtual market event? The email address provided is undeliverable The email desspisn-comrcl@mod.gov.uk does work please try again. 2. I have tried to request a copy of the Market Engagement slides but the email bounced as not being recognised The email desspisn-comrcl@mod.gov.uk does work please try again. 3. We have also requested slides from Desspisn–comrcl@mod.gov.uk on 21/11/22 our email is returned as not working. Please can you assist? Please Copy and Paste the below email address:DESSPISN-Comrcl@mod.gov.uk 4. Can the Authority confirm, or at least give an indication (ie a range) for the number of DV cleared personnel expected to be required from Day 1 and for the first 6 months of the project. We are unable to confirm as it is dependent on the types of personnel required. We would like the Enterprise Partner to propose the types of roles dependant on the requirement they are working on. 5. Can the Authority confirm if the roles Delivery Head, Product Head, Service Head, and Data Architect are currently provided by one company or several? What companies currently provide the roles? Will these roles be subsumed into this requirement or stay contracted outside this provision? These roles are entirely separate from this requirement and will not be subsumed into this contract. 6. SC/sole British Nationals is a minimum requirement”. Will SC be sufficient or is being a “sole British national” an absolute requirement also? SC clearance and Sole British National are both absolute requirements 7. Is a written proposal only required from the 5 down-selected suppliers? As I cannot get to the end of the online submission without completing answers, I am not clear on whether a written proposal is required by 30 November. The Authority can confirm that written proposals are only required at stage 2 from the down selected suppliers. 8. In order to plan time for bid team members can the Authority please confirm the anticipated bidding procedure timescales. i.e When is the result of the Stage one anticipated to be announced and when will the Stage 2 deadline be? It would be useful to know what is going on before and after the Christmas period. The Authority anticipates informing suppliers if they have been shortlisted for stage two on 12th December 2022. It is anticipated that the documentation for stage 2 will be released 13th December 2022. The anticipated deadline for written proposals 13th January 2023. 9. Could you please clarify if the following should have been split out as two separate questions? “Onboarding software onto an existing cloud platform (including accreditation) (2 points) – Onboarding software onto an on-premise existing platform (including accreditation) (2 points)” It appears that these are two separate questions that have been inadvertently combined. This should have been two separate questions please answer both questions in the one answer box 10. When is it envisaged that the ITT will be issued. The Authority anticipates informing suppliers if they have been shortlisted for stage two on 12th December 2022. It is anticipated that the documentation for stage 2 will be released 13th December 2022. The anticipated deadline for written proposals 13th January 2023 11. Our team was delayed in receiving the industry engagement slides and Q&A due to issues with the provided email address. We note per other CQs on the portal that other suppliers had this challenge, is it possible to extend the submission deadline for stage 1? Unfortunately the Authority is unable consider this request as the portal automatically sets the deadlines. 12. With regards to previous asked Question Number 9. The portal will only allow 100 word answers per answer box. Can the Authority advise what they want responders to do for the two questions that have been stuck together? This has been previously answered at Question 9 13. Where you ask for “Evidence of Working with current suppliers to enhance an existing platform(1 points)” are you referring to your suppliers or our suppliers? The Authority is looking for recent Evidence of Working with suppliers to enhance an existing platform 14. In regards criteria 9 and (10), please can you clarify if you are expecting 50 word per criteria as the response box on the Digital marketplace will accept only 100 words? Yes, this was an error and unfortunately cannot be changed without reissuing the entire advert. The Authority will accept bullet pointed responses. 15. Could you explain further what you mean by vetting processes (i.e does this refer to Industry Personnel Security Assurance accreditation)? This is the management of security clearances for staff/ personnel within the potential provider’s company 16. In relation to bullet 2 under essential skills and experience (“Have experience of engaging and managing data analytics staff”) does this refer to client teams or internal teams or third party suppliers or a mix of all of these teams? It is in relation to any of these types of these please be as comprehensive as you are able within the word limit. 17. In relation to bullet 8 under essential skills and experience (“Able to provide Data Engineering and Data Science”) does this refer to data engineering and data science resources or services or techniques / methodologies or all of these? It can refer to all of these please be as comprehensive as you are able within the word limit 18. In relation to bullet 16 under essential skills and experience (“Delivering an end-to-end training regime (TNA, programming, delivery, record keeping, quality assurance) to contracted and military staff”) how many individuals would be covered by the training regime? The Authority is requesting evidence of the potential providers essential skills and experience to gauge the level of capability and previous experience in Delivering an end-to-end training regime (TNA, programming, delivery, record keeping, quality assurance not how many individuals might require training in any potential future requirement. 19. In relation to 18 under essential and experience (“Working with current suppliers to enhance an existing platform”) can you specify if this would be an enhancement functional or non-functional requirements? The Authority is requesting evidence of the potential providers essential skills and experience to gauge the level of capability and previous experience of working with current suppliers to enhance an existing platform. 20. Please can we request an extension to the deadline? The Authority has considered this request and will not be granting an extension to the stage 1 deadline. 21. ould you please confirm we are allowed to partner with another supplier to respond to the stage 1 questions? Absolutely this is encouraged 22. Please can you provide further detail on the Analytics platform – what are the applications, architecture, data feeds? The Analytics platform is being built out on Azure, and Stack Hub. The data feeds are in the process of being defined, but could include open-source information, specific procured information, and existing data already gathered by the organisation. The platform infrastructure tooling consists of several Azure marketplace tools, collaboration apps, dev ops tools. 23. For clarity please can you confirm what the ASH acronym refers to in the following essential skill / experience:“Have experience of Azure, and ASH platforms and Cross Domain Gateways" ASH = Azure Stack Hub