Her Majesty’s Passport Office

Home Office - Her Majesty’s Passport Office – Infrastructure Architect

19
Incomplete applications
18 SME, 1 large
43
Completed applications
39 SME, 4 large
Published Thursday 9 January 2020
Deadline for asking questions Monday 13 January 2020 at 11:59pm GMT
Closing date for applications Thursday 16 January 2020 at 11:59pm GMT

Overview

Specialist role Technical Architect
Summary of the work The infrastructure architect will work on –
1. Technical design on HMPO cloud platforms and data centre
2 Technical security and governance of HMPO systems and services
3. SME in the TDA for infrastructure, networks and security
Latest start date Wednesday 19 February 2020
Expected contract length 24 months total. Initial 6months, further period up to 18 months depending on needs& performance
Location London
Organisation the work is for Her Majesty’s Passport Office
Maximum day rate £800

About the work

Early market engagement
Who the specialist will work with They will work as part of a Technical Design Authority who are responsible for specific domains.

They will need to collaborate closely with delivery teams and business stakeholders across the enterprise in a multi-supplier environment.

HMPO is moving from a large outsourced SI arrangement to an in-house, largely cloud based and open source based solutions delivered iteratively.
What the specialist will work on Work packages include, but aren't limited to:
1. Technical design on HMPO shared AWS platform and HMPO data centre
2. Technical design on HMPO SSS/PKI capability
3. technical security and governance of the new shared platform
4. SME in the TDA for infrastructure, networks and security

Work setup

Address where the work will take place London
Working arrangements Typically, on-site with wider team and clients in an Agile environment. Some site visits. Use of Confluence, Jira and Ardoq are the tools used to track progress against deliverables
We work in an engaging and collaborative environment where outputs require teams to own deliverables
Security clearance ‘SC Clearance is required. HM Passport Office will support the clearance process’

Additional information

Additional terms and conditions

Skills and experience

Buyers will use the essential and nice-to-have skills and experience to help them evaluate suppliers’ technical competence.

Essential skills and experience
  • Proven track record of migrating and architecting in a hybrid-environments including migration between data centre and cloud (AWS)
  • Good experience and understanding of Networks, network hardware, network tools and Network Security encryption LoadBalancing, DNS, Firewalls, SSL/TLS, CSOC protective monitoring technologies LDAP, PKI etc)
  • Very good knowledge and experience designing logical and physical solutions in data centres
  • Solid experience of designing secure architecture and solutions in a public sector environment
  • Good understanding/experience with DevOps tools, culture and automation
Nice-to-have skills and experience
  • Experience of Homeoffice/ HMPO systems or similar scale and complex government operational systems
  • Experience of GDS best practices and design standards

How suppliers will be evaluated

All suppliers will be asked to provide a work history.
How many specialists to evaluate 3
Cultural fit criteria
  • Work as a team with our organisation and other suppliers
  • Be transparent and collaborative
  • Be comfortable standing up for their discipline
  • Have a no-blame culture and take responsibility for their work
Additional assessment methods Interview
Evaluation weighting

Technical competence

60%

Cultural fit

20%

Price

20%

Questions asked by suppliers

1. Is there an incumbent in post? There is an incumbent in post. HMPO is unable to advise if the incumbent will be submitting a bid. The incumbent may submit a bid should they so wish. The evaluation process will be fair and in line with policy.
2. What is the IR35 status? We expect this engagement to be outside IR35, however status is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
3. Regarding Security Clearance – will a candidate who already has SC (current or lapsed) be given preference over a non SC candidate.
Can the candidate start the role and gain SC in due course? 		The evaluation process will fair and in line with policy and will be the same for ALL Candidates. No preference will be given to candidates who already hold valid or lapsed Home Office SC Clearance.
The specialist will be required to have SC Clearance before they can start the role. HM Passport Office will support the clearance process.
4. When do you plan on assessing this role for IR35 status? The IR35 assessment will be completed once the successful candidate has been identified and accepted the role.
5. Regarding Question 4, the assessment must be completed before the candidates can apply (or accept an offer). Could we please receive a confirmation on whether this will fall inside or not? We can confirm that this requirement falls outside IR35.
6. Is there any opportunity for the specialist to provide the services remotely for a day or two per week? There will be an opportunity for remote working. This will need to be discussed with the hiring manager.
7. Can the authority please confirm ASAP if they would accept someone part time i.e. 2 or 3 days a week Due to business need and demands of the role, we will not be able to accommodate part time working.
8. Q1. What's the procurement timeline?
Q2. Does rate include agency fees and if it is VAT inclusive or exclusive? 		Q1.Shortlisting is due to be completed by the end of January 2020, with interviews taking place early February, and award made by mid February. These date may be subject to change.
Q2.This maximum day rate is exclusive of VAT, however includes any agency fees.