This opportunity is closed for applications

The deadline was Tuesday 18 January 2022

The Pensions Regulator

TPR AE MS D365 CS Data Export Service replacement

2 Incomplete applications

1 SME, 1 large

7 Completed applications

5 SME, 2 large

• Published: Tuesday 4 January 2022
• Deadline for asking questions: Tuesday 11 January 2022 at 11:59pm GMT
• Closing date for applications: Tuesday 18 January 2022 at 11:59pm GMT

Overview

• Off-payroll (IR35) determination: Contracted out service: the off-payroll rules do not apply
• Summary of the work: Implement a solution to replace the Microsoft Dynamic 365 CS (D365) Data Export Service (DES) that is being deprecated by Microsoft in November 2022.
• Latest start date: Monday 7 February 2022
• Expected contract length: 2 months +4 months(optional)
• Location: No specific location, for example they can work remotely
• Organisation the work is for: The Pensions Regulator
• Budget range: Stage 1 £60,000- £120,00; Stage 2 (optional) £40,000- £80,000

About the work

• Why the work is being done: TPR’s Auto Enrolment (AE) platform consists of multiple components, including D365. D365 data is accessed by other components within the architecture, including the use of the DES for real time operational functions and reporting. With Microsoft’s announcement that the DES will be deprecated, we are required to accelerate the adoption of Azure Synapse Link, as recommended by Microsoft.
• Problem to be solved: The supplier will be expected to work with TPR to design and implement a solution that minimises impact through maintaining current system interfaces where the DES is used. The solution should be designed and implemented following best practice (ref. D365 DES Deprecation Playbook). ; Specific work items and deliverables include (Stage1): ; Identify data and non-functional requirements (performance, security, redundancy, etc.) where the DES is currently used ; Solution design, using Azure Synapse Link, SQL MI and other related technologies ; Automate controls to ensure integrity of data and alignment with D365 ; Impact assessment, indicating any areas where requirements can’t be met ; Provide any material required for approval by the internal Technical Design Authority (TDA) ; Testing (incl. non-functional) ; Implementation ; Solution and support documentation ; ; Subject to successful completion of Stage1, the supplier could potentially be asked to the contribute to same work items and deliverables in Stage2. ; The solution must conform to TPRs standards that follow industry best practice.
• Who the users are and what they need to do: DES is a key component and enabler of the AE service. This is used by all UK employers, for declaration of their duties, and TPR staff who manage and support the AE service.
• Early market engagement: N/A
• Any work that’s already been done: TPR have experience of Azure technologies, including Synapse Link. We are looking for a supplier that can deliver all aspects of the solution, but also leverage any existing solution assets, where applicable.
• Existing team: TPR has business and technical teams that will contribute to this work and will support the solution post implementation.
• Current phase: Not applicable

Work setup

• Address where the work will take place: See below regarding remote working. If there are any face-to-face meetings or in-house workshop facilitation, it is likely to happen at this address.; ; The Pensions Regulator; Napier House; Trafalgar Place; Brighton; BN1 4DW
• Working arrangements: We will work remotely with the team. Facilitation of the workshops is also likely to be remote.; Occasional face to face meeting might be required at Brighton subject to agreement and circumstances.
• Security clearance: DBS level clearance will be required for all personnel before commencement of the contract and the TPR reserves the right to require SC level depending on the nature work during the term of the engagement.

Additional information

• Additional terms and conditions: In Round 1 response is expected on the 13 technical essential skills. ; Following an evaluation the suppliers for Round 2 will be selected. ; Score Description; 0 Not met or no evidence; 1 Partially met; 2 Met; 3 Exceeded; Due to tight deadlines we are not looking for presentations and final evaluations will be based on the written proposals.

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:
  • have the necessary skills and experience in Microsoft Dynamics 365 CS and DES
  • have the necessary skills and experience in Azure Synapse link
  • have the necessary skills and experience in Azure Data Factory
  • have the necessary skills and experience in implementing transactional databases on Azure SQL Managed Instances
  • have the necessary skills and experience in data models from the Microsoft Dataverse, in particular D365 CS
  • have the necessary skills and experience in physical data modelling, including referential integrity and indexing
  • have the necessary skills and experience in delivering solutions for critical systems
  • have the necessary skills and experience in identifying improvement opportunities
  • have the necessary skills and experience in evaluating options and recommendations for optimisation
  • have the necessary skills and experience to design, build and test
  • have the necessary skills and experience of innovation and strategic thinking
  • have the necessary skills and experience in communicating with business stakeholders
  • have the necessary skills and experience of working as part of wider client team

How suppliers will be evaluated

All suppliers will be asked to provide a written proposal.

• How many suppliers to evaluate: 5
• Proposal criteria:
  • Case Study/Work History of a similar project in the last 2 years
  • Technical solution
  • Team structure
  • Stage 1 must be completed and accepted before 31st March 2022
• Cultural fit criteria:
  • work as a team with our organisation
  • be transparent and collaborative when making decisions
  • share knowledge and experience with our organisation
• Payment approach: Fixed price
• Evaluation weighting:

  Technical competence

  65%

  Cultural fit

  5%

  Price

  30%

Questions asked by suppliers

• 1. Can you please clarify the budget range for the project ?: A budget range was provided for Stage 1 for the work that could be delivered and accepted during the less than 2 months remaining in this financial year. ; In Stage 2 without any commitment allowance is made to provide services similar or missed without another competition in the next financial year subject to contract.
• 2. What phase is this migration project in ?: "The supplier will be expected to work with TPR to design and implement a solution..."
• 3. The delivery engagement may need requirements, design and implementation and may exceed the 31st March Stage 1 implementation timeline Synapse may need testing and implementation ?: Please see answer to Question 1