Defence Digital, MOD

CMD Senior Data Scientist

6 Incomplete applications

5 SME, 1 large

9 Completed applications

7 SME, 2 large

Published: Wednesday 10 March 2021
Deadline for asking questions: Friday 12 March 2021 at 11:59pm GMT
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 17 March 2021 at 11:59pm GMT

Overview

Specialist role: Developer
Off-payroll (IR35) determination
Summary of the work: Cyber Mission Data-Alpha(CMD-A) shall improve the quality of Defence data, through new data structures to enable data exploitation through Machine Learning and Data Science.
CMD-A will facilitate the delivery of new Cyber Insights upon data currently held and identify information to assist decision making whilst saving resource effort through automation.
Latest start date: Tuesday 13 April 2021
Expected contract length: 18 months
Location: South West England
Organisation the work is for: Defence Digital, MOD
Maximum day rate: £850 per day MAX. (exclusive of VAT and inclusive of T&S)

About the work

Early market engagement
Who the specialist will work with: The Data Scientist will work within the multi-disciplined Cyber Mission Data Alpha team. This team consists of Authority Crown Servants, current contract supplier technical resource, and separately procured technical resource.
The Cyber Mission Data Alpha team fits within the current construct of the Data as a Service function, which forms part of the wider Defence Cyber Operations.
What the specialist will work on: You’ll work within the Agile Delivery Model to:
Increase data value through visualisation of Cyber data
Work with the DCO Users to turn use cases into value added data visualisation to inform decision making
Support the continual development of Automation, Orchestration and Machine Learning capabilities
Manage a small team of data scientists
Lead data mining and collection procedures
Ensure data quality and integrity
Interpret and analyse data problems.
Conceive, plan and prioritize data projects
Build analytic systems and predictive models
Test performance of data-driven products
Visualize data and create reports
Experiment with new models/techniques
Align data projects with organizational goals

Work setup

Address where the work will take place: MOD Corsham / Working from home. (To be agreed with the Authority)
Working arrangements: 5 days per week, either from MOD Corsham or working from home (to be agreed with the Authority).
Security clearance: DV, although initially SC (must be held to start role) would be acceptable with the aim to acquire DV once onboarded.
Sole UK nationality is required for this role.

Additional information

Additional terms and conditions: Off-payroll working rules apply (IR35 in-scope)

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: Master’s in Computer Science/similar field with 5+ years’ experience in Data Scientist/similar role - or Bachelor’s in Computer Science/similar field with 7+ years’ experience in Data Scientist/similar role. (7%)

Solid understanding of machine learning (4%)

Knowledge of data management and visualization techniques (7%)

An ability for statistical analysis and predictive modelling (4%)

Good knowledge of R, Python and MATLAB (4%)

Experience with SQL and NoSQL databases (4%)

Strong organizational and leadership skills (2%)

Excellent communication skills (2%)

A business mindset (1%)

Applied maths, statistics, and scientific practices. Understand, teach and supervise a range of practices and can apply theory’s to practical situations. (5%)

Data engineering/manipulation. Experience building data pipelines at scale using a range of toolsets. Advise on data engineering practices, lead data exploration by identifying/setting best practice. Identify future innovation opportunities. (5%)

Data science innovation. You’re a leader in your organisation. Identify future areas of innovation and can show how it can be applied to your organisation and wider government. (5%)

Developing data science capability. Promote/monitor continuous professional development of your organisation. Develop knowledge of cutting-edge techniques and share this knowledge. Develop and support data science capability across the organisation. (5%)

Domain expertise. Create data products proportionate to business benefit/achieve significant impact. Present analysis/visualisations to communicate complex messages. Support the evolution of data governance/take responsibility for applying ethical frameworks. (5%)

Programming and build. Design, code, test, correct and document moderate-to-complex programs/scripts from agreed specifications, using agreed standards and tools. Collaborate with others to review specifications where appropriate. (5%)

Understanding product life cycle analysis. Understand, teach and supervise a wide range of analysis techniques. Help organisations create and learn from strategic insights. Apply innovative approaches to resolve problems. (5%)
Nice-to-have skills and experience: Previous experience working within a defence or intelligence environment

Previous experience working within a defensive cyber security environment

An existing portfolio with demonstrates aptitude and skills

How suppliers will be evaluated

All suppliers will be asked to provide a work history.

How many specialists to evaluate

Cultural fit criteria

work as a team with our organisation and other suppliers (1%)
be transparent and collaborative when making decisions (1%)
have a no-blame culture and encourage people to learn from their mistakes (1%)
take responsibility for their work (1%)
share knowledge and experience with other team members (1%)

Additional assessment methods

Scenario or test

Evaluation weighting

Technical competence

70%

Cultural fit

Price

25%

Questions asked by suppliers

1. Is there a current incumbent?: Cyber Mission Data is a new project being stood up, so technically there is no current incumbent however, this project does supersede a project which had a current incumbent within it.
2. Is there a current incumbent or preferred supplier for this role please?: Cyber Mission Data is a new project being stood up, so technically there is no current incumbent however, this project does supersede a project which had a current incumbent within it.
3. Is there a current incumbent?: Cyber Mission Data is a new project being stood up, so technically there is no current incumbent however, this project does supersede a project which had a current incumbent within it.
4. Is there a current or preferred incumbent for this? If there is any then please let us know what are the key pain points?: Cyber Mission Data is a new project being stood up, so technically there is no current incumbent however, this project does supersede a project which had a current incumbent within it.

Although Cyber Mission Data is superseding a project which is currently in place, CMD is an entirely new project with a different set of objectives, which warrant the Authority going out to market to ensure that we are getting the most suitable specialists for each role. There were no particular pain points to address.
5. Is there an incumbent in the role? Is it a Ltd company or a service partner? If incumbent is this a need/desire to replace?: Cyber Mission Data is a new project being stood up, so technically there is no current incumbent however, this project does supersede a project which had a current incumbent within it.

The question in relation to whether it is a Ltd company or a service partner is not understood. Please re-word and re-submit.

Although Cyber Mission Data is superseding a project which is currently in place, CMD is an entirely new project with a different set of objectives, which warrant the Authority going out to market to ensure that we are getting the most suitable specialists for each role.
6. Do consultants need to have to have current SC clearance in-place? Would the MoD sponsor an SC application for consultant who has previously held SC clearance that has lapsed?: SC Clearance must be in place for the start of the contract.

This will not be sponsored by the MOD.
7. Is there an incumbent suppplier curently providing this role?: Cyber Mission Data is a new project being stood up, so technically there is no current incumbent however, this project does supersede a project which had a current incumbent within it.
8. Is there an incumbent currently in place?: Cyber Mission Data is a new project being stood up, so technically there is no current incumbent however, this project does supersede a project which had a current incumbent within it.
9. Is there an incumbent supplier?: Cyber Mission Data is a new project being stood up, so technically there is no current incumbent however, this project does supersede a project which had a current incumbent within it.

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