HMPO (Her Majesty's Passport Office)

Software Architect in HMPO

14 Incomplete applications

11 SME, 3 large

25 SME, 2 large

Specialist role: Technical Architect
Summary of the work: Hands-on Software Architect required to deliver 2 key outcomes in HMPO. Node.js experienced and SC cleared candidates preferred.
Latest start date: 20/04/2017
Expected contract length: 6 months
Location: South East England
Organisation the work is for: HMPO (Her Majesty's Passport Office)
Maximum day rate

Early market engagement
Who the specialist will work with: The existing team consists of Node.js and Java Developers, complete with a full agile team. This includes user researchers, designers, business change managers, product owners and service manager.
What the specialist will work on: Building on our AWS hosted platform, the software architect will be required to deliver key functionality to our services. These key deliverables are:
- Adding Overseas Customers to the Online Passport Renewal Service.
- Adding Priority Services to the Online Passport Renewal Service.

Address where the work will take place: 2 Marsham Street with a potential move to Victoria Office in September.
Working arrangements: The suppliers team will initially be required to work onsite at the base location working a five (5) day week. The Service is being delivered against the GDS Service Manual (e.g. agile delivery aligned to scrum methodology).
Security clearance: The Architect must have SC clearance or go through the SC clearance process. This typically takes 20 days.

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

Essential skills and experience: Solid development experience (5+ years)

Microservice experience

Keen interest in Industry trends and their application

Experience designing HA applications

Technical process design

Good documentation skills (UML and architecture)
Nice-to-have skills and experience: Node.js or Java Development skills

Strong understanding of Agile Delivery

Automated testing experience

Open Source Experience

Experience with CI and Kanban/Scrum

Strong understanding of Agile Delivery

How many specialists to evaluate

Cultural fit criteria

Assessment methods

Work history

Evaluation weighting

Technical competence

60%

Cultural fit

20%

Price

20%

1. Will the successfull candidate be allowed on site whilst their SC clearance is being processed? (we have just had to wait 9 weeks for a candidate's SC clearance to be completed before he was allowed on site).: The candidate will not be allowed on site during the clearance process.
2. Please could you confirm the IR35 status of this position, given the new legislation that becomes effective from next month?: It is for the potential supplier to determine the tax status. HMRC have produced the ESS tool to support this.
3. What is the Maximum day rate for this role?: The is no maximum rate set and all rates will be considered.
4. "The suppliers team will initially be required to work onsite at the base location working a five (5) day week." Does it mean the onsite work will be required only from start and the rest is flexible mix?: Flexible working is supported but it is up to the candidate to decide where appropriate.
5. I note that you have replied that it is up to the supplier to determine IR35 status. HMRC's guidance is quite clear that it is the responsibility of the public sector body to determine status.: We're awaiting HMPOs decision on this contract. HMRC's ESS tool should be used to provide guidance on what this outcome will be.
6. Could you please update us on the lead time for this application.: 1 week after closing to complete applications, interviews the following week.