This opportunity is closed for applications

The deadline was Tuesday 5 September 2017

Home Office - Police National Computer

NLEDP 056 - Natural Language Programmer

1 Incomplete application

1 SME, 0 large

7 Completed applications

5 SME, 2 large

• Published: Tuesday 29 August 2017
• Deadline for asking questions: Thursday 31 August 2017 at 11:59pm GMT
• Closing date for applications: Tuesday 5 September 2017 at 11:59pm GMT

Overview

• Specialist role: Developer
• Summary of the work: The role is responsible for developing new and enhanced PNC application software using Software AG’s Natural programming language
• Latest start date: Monday 18 September 2017
• Expected contract length: Minimum 6 Months. Potential for extension
• Location: London
• Organisation the work is for: Home Office - Police National Computer
• Maximum day rate: Price will form part of the evaluation criteria

About the work

• Early market engagement: Limited
• Who the specialist will work with: The specialist will be a member of the PNC ‘Names’ programming team which is comprised of a mix of Civil Servants and contractors
• What the specialist will work on: Application software on the Police National Computer is written in Software AG’s Natural programming language. The existing software development team is becoming increasingly involved in supporting the National Law Enforcement Data Programme. Additional programming resource is required to maintain the PNC software development program.

Work setup

• Address where the work will take place: Home Office, Fry Building; 2 Marsham Street; London SW1P 4DF
• Working arrangements: The appointed Contractor will be required to work onsite based at 2 Marsham Street, nominally 5 days per week. Home Office IT will be provided.
• Security clearance: Clearance to NPPV3 level or commitment to undergo NPPV3 vetting procedure.

Additional information

• Additional terms and conditions: None

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:
  • 3 years or more experience of software development using Software AG’s Natural programming language
  • Familiarity with major ADABAS calls
  • Understanding of how Natural statements relate to ADABAS commands
  • Ability to analyse, diagnose and resolve logic, coding issues in development and test environments
  • Ability to follow strict standards for performing unit and link testing of software components and batch processes
  • Production of module design artefacts, specifically module specifications and logic flow diagrams
  • Ability to clearly and confidently communicate with other parties at all levels, both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to review all artefacts (e.g. program code, module specifications, test plans, diagrams etc.) with confidence to challenge the author on matters of completeness or correctness in a cordial manner
  • Ability to work with colleagues at all levels in the organisation
• Nice-to-have skills and experience:
  • Experience with Fujitsu BS2000 JCL although applicants with sound experience of JCL on a different platform (e.g. IBM MVS) will be considered
  • Ability to prioritise tasks and manage expectations of stakeholders
  • Ability to work independently, be self motivated and organised, and adept in written and verbal communication skills

How suppliers will be evaluated

• How many specialists to evaluate: 3
• Cultural fit criteria:
  • Experience of working with Central Government or major private sector corporates.
  • Evidence of how the proposed Contractor would integrate with existing team members, take ownership of problems, resolve issues, and overcome barriers.
  • Demonstrable ability to work within the spirit of the Civil Service code, as at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-code
  • Commitment to transfer acquired knowledge & skills to Civil Servant team members
• Assessment methods:
  • Work history
  • Reference
  • Interview
• Evaluation weighting:

  Technical competence

  60%

  Cultural fit

  10%

  Price

  30%

Questions asked by suppliers

• 1. Q1. What is the lead time for feedback once the application is submitted?: A1. The requirement is urgent and we will endeavour to provide feedback to suppliers expeditiously.
• 2. Q2. Will this role be within IR35?: A2. This contract would probably be deemed outside the intermediaries’ legislation (IR35) but could be affected by factors outside HO control. HO assumes no liability and will grant no guarantee of status.
• 3. Q3. Any chances of change in start date as the latest date mentioned is Monday 18 September 2017.: A3. The requirement is urgent and we will endeavour to engage the successful supplier / candidate at the earliest possible opportunity.
• 4. Q4. Will you sponsor NPPV3 clearance?: A4. The requirement is urgent and we seeking to appoint a supplier / candidate already holding the requisite security clearance
• 5. Q5. What are the other expenses which will be paid?: A5. Expenses will be paid in accordance with standards HO terms
• 6. Q6. Any specific format (pdf,doc) in which CVs to be sent later?: A6. Any format will be acceptable
• 7. Q7. Is occasional remote working allowed?: A7. The security nature of this role does not lend itself to remote working
• 8. Q8. Is there any travel involved in this role and will the travel expenses be paid?: A8. There may be occasional travel the our site at Hendon. Expenses will be paid accordance with standards HO terms
• 9. Q9. Is the rate inclusive or exclusive of VAT?: A9. Rates / process should be submitted exclusive of VAT
• 10. Q10. Would you consider work permit holders (e.g. Tier 2 General Visa) and EU passport holders for this role?: A10. The primary stipulation is security clearance at a minimum of SAC level.
• 11. Q11. Can any other security clearance such as CTC, SC or DV be considered for this role?: A11. The primary stipulation is security clearance at a minimum of SAC level.