Microsoft skills

Description

Summary of the work Investigate performance issues with newly deployed application developed using Visual Studio and running on Microsoft SQL Enterprise Server and Windows. Make recommendations for resolution. Provide support to the supplier in further performance monitoring and tuning. Specialist role Performance analyst Expected Contract Length 1 month Latest start date Monday 28 January 2019 Maximum Day Rate 800 Who Speclialist Work With Application developer and client What Specialists Work On Performance analysis and tuning Microsoft SQL application Skills & Experience • Have in depth experience in the Microsoft technology stack • Be able to demonstrate track record of resolving performance issues. Nice to Haves • Communicate effectively with the client • Work as part of a team with the software supplier, application developer and hosting service provider Work Location London or Liverpool Working Arrangments Collaborative working to resolve performance issues Additional T&Cs Subcontract direct to existing supplier No. of Specialists to Evaluate 3 Cultural Fit Criteria • Team working • Take responsibility for their work • Work under time pressure Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 75% Cultural fit 5% Price 20% Questions from Suppliers 1. Can you please confirm if this role is outside IR35? The is a requirement for a service, not for a full time role. It is our expectation that IR35 will not apply. 2. Does the day rate exclude VAT? Yes. The stated day rate is a maximum before VAT. 3. Will there be any Security Clearance required for this role? If the supplier will need access to user data to perform the service, SC clearance will be required. 4. Please can you confirm if there is an incumbent in the role? This is a new, specific, one-off service requirement, not a full time role.There is no "incumbent". 5. Please can you confirm the level or clearance required for this position? (SC/DV etc.)? A minimum of basic check is required. If the supplier will need access to the user data to perform the service adequately, then SC clearance will be needed.On reflection, we now expect that SC clearance will be needed as it will simplify the rapid deployment of the service. 6. Is there a current incumbent in place? This is a new, specific, one-off service requirement, not a full time role.There is no "incumbent" currently providing this niche expertise. The supplier will be asked to work with the application developer and application hosting company, who are contracted to deliver and support the application for the client. These organisations do not have sufficient in-depth expertise in performance tuning of applications developed on these technologies, and we are seeking to supplement their skills. Consequently the supplier may be contracted by the client organization, or we may ask them to contract through the application hosting supplier. 7. Is this role likely to go beyond the initial 1 month period? No. This is a one-off service requirement, not a full time role. The limited, short-term nature of the work is reflected in the expected day rate. We anticipate 3-5 days initial effort with a report. Information and monitoring tools are available to support the work and the application is in use to monitor. We expect the work to include examining server settings and configuration, query tuning, index optimisation and log file handling, and possibly optimising the business logic code and web application components. SQL Enterprise Server-related improvements, web app server/code improvements, then environment improvements are likely to the priorities. 8. Under 'Additional terms and conditions' you specify "Subcontract direct to existing supplier". Since DOS opportunities normally lead to a direct DOS contract with the client organisation can you confirm what the contracting arrangement would be in this case please? We are seeking to deploy quickly the best available skilled resource to undertake this work.Two options are still possible for the sourcing of this service. We are seeking to source the service through a Call-Off under the Framework. The software supplier is also searching the market. If the latter route is followed, we will terminate this procurement and pass details of proposals to the software supplier. 9. Who is the existing supplier in this case please? We are not able to disclose this at present. Full disclosure will be made to shortlisted providers. The software supplier is providing its services to us under the terms of the DOS2 Framework. 10. If a supplier has all the relevant skills and experience but no SC clearance, is there any chance of considering the supplier? SC clearance timelines are beyond the project deadline mentioned if one has to get it done. SC clearance is preferred. If no suitable expertise is available where individuals have SC clearance, then we may consider staff with Basic Check. However such staff would not be able to be given access the Production and Pre-Production system environments. 11. Is there a limit on the number of resource(s) a supplier can bring in? No, within reason and subject to total cost. The key criterion is technical competence of the person/people to undertake the task. 12. Aside from experience with Microsoft SQL Server and Visual Studio which are mentioned, what other development skills or languages are beneficial for this role? Functional expertise in the application is provided by the software supplier. No other development skills or languages are needed. 13. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 29 January 2019 but you state the latest start date is Monday 28 January 2019. The framework allows for a minimum supplier response period of one week - hence the system deadline is Tuesday next week.However due to the urgent nature of the requirement we need this service to commence as soon as possible, ideally on Monday 28th January. Suppliers are therefore requested to submit their responses by close of business today, 24th January. If you are unable to do so but intend to bid by Tuesday next week please make a submission today to that effect. 14. Can you please confirm that any submissions received before the end of Tuesday 29 January 2019 will all be treated equally?For instance, if someone can't submit a submission today (or doesn't even notice the opportunity until Monday/Tuesday), would they be excluded from the process? The opportunity will remain open as advertised.All bids received will be evaluated equally.Consequently the work will not commence before 31st January. 15. Would this work be carried out remotely or onsite? Work Overview section suggests work done remotely. However the location item is listed down as London/Manchester. Please clarify The application software support is managed by the hosting and support provider, who are based in London. The client project team are based in Bootle, on Merseyside (not Manchester). We expect the supplier of this service will need to work closely with the application provider, so a London base is likely to work best. Travel as needed to the client site in Bootle would be reimbursed. However, the base location could be in Bootle if that works for the supplier. Can be negotiated.