To build resilience, we require two flexible contracts. This is largely to mitigate against suitable resources not being available or in case there are any actual or potential conflicts of interest that cannot be resolved.
The objective of this tender process is to ensure that Ofwat has in place provision for the expertise and technical support needed in order to fulfil its statutory functions in respect of deciding trade effluent appeals. This will most likely take the form of the Supplier producing written reports which may include:
• technical grounds and justification for trade effluent consent conditions in dispute;
• recommendations as to whether trade effluent consent conditions are reasonable; and
• if appropriate, recommended new trade effluent consent conditions.
Any timescales for deliverables will be case specific. We will typically require a report to be provided first followed by any potential review of draft decision responses.
The Customer may also require ad-hoc written and telephone advice on an informal basis on individual appeals.
Hosting, Support and Maintenance of Ofwat and Open Water websites and ongoing improvements for Ofwat website
The Supplier of this contract will work closely with the Ofwat team to:
· Support Ofwat's maintenance and improvement of the websites so we best serve audiences and support our strategic objectives.
· Ensure the website is secure and as accessible as possible to a wide range of audiences.
· Align Ofwat's websites to latest government guidance/standards on website design, accessibility and functionality.
· Align Ofwat's websites to latest government guidance/standards on website hosting and security.
· Provide maintenance and support in line with agreed SLAs to ensure continuity of service via the website and address any functionality issues as and when they are identified.
· Develop an annual product roadmap.
· Offer expert advice on use of analytics and insight to monitor website performance and inform development.
· Offer expert support and advice when answering queries on functionality, user experience, industry best practice and improvement works.
· Investigate solutions and quote for improvement works when needed.
· Manage arrangements for web hosting and security services for both websites.
· Ensure the Ofwat websites are running on the latest versions of WordPress to ensure security and functionality. The sites will be hosted in separate cloud instances for security and resilience.
· It is a requirement of Ofwat that the hosting remain within the UK and that all data is stored and processed within the UK.
At the point of contract expiry, the Supplier will be expected to support the transition of all relevant data and associated elements to the incoming Supplier.
Overview of potential website development work
We have identified a number of areas of the website that we would like to potentially improve and/or develop in the two year cycle of the contract. At this stage while we do not have a timeline for development or set ideas about how much involvement we would need from the Supplier, they are included in this document as an indicator of the scope of work.
We would also welcome suggestions from the Supplier based on their expertise for ways we can continuously improve our website so that it meets user expectations and organisational needs.
Hosting zip files for download
Hosting interactive Maps or graphics with pop out boxes
Adding a 'recite me' function for translation of pages and to improve accessibility
Changing the functionality of 'Publications' and 'Consultations'
Building on the functionality of the News Centre
Making the website 'HTML first' in functionality
Altering website functionality to support more interactive graphic design elements
Awarded using Ofwat's Standard Terms and Conditions for Goods and Services.
Requirements and Specifications: Ofwat Board Software
General
• The Customer will require a minimum of 25 licences - 18 users and 7 administrators (we may need a few additional licences at a later stage). The Supplier must detail the options and process for increasing the licence count if required by the customer at a later date during the term of the contract.
• The solution must be compatible with existing client devices - Microsoft Surface Pro (Windows 8.1 and Windows 10), Apple iPads and iPhones (IOS 15.4).
• The solution must be compatible with Microsoft Edge and Safari as a minimum but ideally should be browser agnostic.
• The solution must be compatible with documents produced in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, able to access hyperlinks within documents, and upload video clips) and PDF documents.
• The Supplier must detail how the system will be accessed e.g. via use of an app or web browser or both with the ability to access the system from multiple devices at the same time.
• If client software is required to be installed on a Windows computer the Supplier must confirm whether an offline executable file is available for software installation. It should be noted that the customer's users do not have local admin rights to install software and cannot download executable files from the internet and any software installation would need to be carried out by the customer's internal IT team.
• The Solution should be easy to navigate for both administrators and for end users.
• It is a requirement of Ofwat that the hosting remain within the UK and that all data is stored and processed within the UK.
• The Supplier must detail the process and timescale for removing / exporting Customer data at the contract expiry date.
Along with:
Administrative functionality
Main User Functionality
Information Security
Hosting & Technical Support
This Call-Off Contract is for the provision of Services under Crown Commercial Service G-Cloud 12 Framework:
• Lot 2: Cloud software
The Services to be provided by the Supplier under the above Lot are listed in Framework Section 2 and outlined below:
Provision of iTrent HRM solution for up to 300 employees
Additional Services - Consultancy and training, if required, throughout the term of the contract which is not covered through MHR assist.
Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP), Regional Plan and RAPID gate two assessment support to Ofwat
We require at least four water resource specialists / engineers / asset managers to support the assessment of draft Water Resource Management Plans (WRMPs), regional plans and RAPID solutions for the period from 7 September 2022 to 7 June 2023. During September there will be a period of training and familiarisation. We require full time and/or part time at least 3 days a week average commitment from each staff member, although this may vary particularly during the familiarisation period in September.
In general, this work will consist of a desk-based assessment of each of the received plans and submissions and appended documentation. It will support the development of RAPID's recommendations on gate two submissions and Ofwat's response to draft WRMP and regional plan consultations.
We welcome consortium bids.
Each of the Key Personnel will be working as part of structured assessment team and will report to a member of the RAPID and Ofwat teams. They will have access to the draft WRMP / regional plans and RAPID submissions supported by a number of appendices. The assessment will be carried out using a proportionate and risk-based approach using a framework that incorporates assessment criteria supported by a number of tests. We will provide training on the assessment framework, criteria and outcomes prior to the work commencing.
The roles we are seeking to resource are described below.
Engineering and technical test area support for WRMPs, regional plans and RAPID solution gate two assessments at Senior Consultant level.
Assessment of the water resources engineering and technical aspects of the WRMPs, regional plans and gate two submissions received. The Key Personnel will be working alongside and reporting to RAPID and Ofwat staff. This assessment will support that of the existing Ofwat and RAPID engineering and water resources teams. The Key Personnel will be expected to join short on-line Ofwat team check-in and progress meetings several times a week.
Responsibilities will include:
• Assessment of the technical water resources aspects and CAPEX and OPEX costs of each of the WRMPs and options within, regional plans and gated submissions received.
• Analysis of WRMP and regional plan table submissions.
• Quality written outputs for inclusion in all consultation response documents and presentations.
• Compliance with timetables/quality expectations.
Awarded using Crown Commercial Service Framework - Travel and Venue Solutions (RM6217) Lot 1: Booking Solutions UK Points of Sale - Low Touch
Requirement: Travel Solution
Booking UK rail, travel cards, accommodation and flights for business use.
Awarded using Supplier's Terms and Conditions.
Requirement: TAP Microsoft Upgrades
The Service Provider provides support services for Microsoft Dynamics 365, Power Platform and Azure services to clients.
The Client requires Support and the Service Provider agrees to provide the Support services for their Microsoft Dynamics 365 Solution and wishes to acquire such services from the Service Provider.
Ofwat TAP CMS Wave Upgrade/SLA Engine August-September 2022
The successful candidate will help Ofwat's press office function, building our profile and reputation, developing proactive campaigns and lead reactive media handling. You will need to establish yourself as credible and reliable with all parts of the organisation - including the leadership team.
You will need to be able to understand often complex, technical policy and turn it into accessible, compelling messages.
You will also need to provide wider support to the Corporate Communications resource pool, as required.
Key deliverables
• Help to oversee the press office function within Ofwat, acting as a primary point of contact for the media - national print, broadcast and trade.
• Work closely with the relevant policy leads, to build proactive opportunity such as national broadcast interviews, op-eds, features etc.
• Contribute to our reactive media handling. You will draft lines to take, statements and press releases.
• Coordinate closely with press offices in Ofwat's key stakeholders including other regulators and government departments, ensuring timely sharing of information and insights.
• Ensure that Ofwat's senior leadership are briefed on any relevant news stories or emerging issues.
• Be responsible for preparing senior colleagues in advance of broadcast or print media interviews. This will include drafting comprehensive briefing notes and arranging mock interview sessions.
• Build strong relationships with key journalists across national print, broadcast and trade media.
• As a member of Ofwat's Communications team, you will actively support broader communications activities and campaigns.
• Like many other organisations, Ofwat operates an 'out-of-hours' media enquiry service. You will be required to be part of the 'out-of-hours' rota and also to take part in it, including occasionally at weekends and public holidays.
Cost assessment support for RAPID gate two assessment
Awarded using further-competition against the Ofwat Consultancy Framework specifically Lot 1: Economics, Sub-Lot 1A. Regulatory Economics.
We require two cost assessment specialists to support the assessment of solutions for the period from 17 October 2022 to 28 February 2023. We require full time and/or part time at least 3 days a week average commitment from each staff member, although this may vary. Most of the assessment of the solution submissions will happen between 14 November 2022 and 31 January 2023.
In general, this work will consist of a desk-based assessment of each of the received submissions and appended documentation. It will support the development of RAPID's recommendations and Ofwat's final decisions.
Each of the Key Personnel will be working as part of structured assessment team and will report to a member of the RAPID team. They will have access to the submissions supported by a number of appendices. The assessment will be carried out using a proportionate and risk based approach using a framework that incorporates assessment criteria supported by a number of tests. We will provide training on the assessment framework, criteria and outcomes prior to the work commencing.
To ensure consistency in assessment we have developed a structured evaluation template which reflects the criteria published as part of the guidance for 2022.
The roles we are seeking to resource are described below.
Cost assessment test area support (two roles at Analyst / Junior Consultant level)
Ideally we would like to manage one contract with two Key Personnel. In the event there are resourcing constraints, then we welcome consortium bids.
The Key Personnel will be working alongside and reporting to RAPID staff. This assessment will support that of the existing RAPID cost assessment team. The Key Personnel will be expected to join short on-line team check-in and progress meetings several times a week.
Responsibilities include:
• Assessment of the cost assessment aspects of each of the submissions received.
• Clarification of queries with solution owners.
• Moderation of results within their test area.
• Quality written outputs for inclusion in all solution documents and presentations.
• Compliance with timetables/quality expectations.
This review is part of Ofwats's broader work programme on open
data, and we are looking for some senior strategic advice to assist
our consideration of open data issues.
TAP Support Services (Including Future Development)
Awarded using Supplier's Terms and Conditions.
Requirement: TAP Support Services (Including Future Development)
The Service Provider provides support services for Microsoft Dynamics 365, Power Platform and Azure services to clients.
The Client requires Support and the Service Provider agrees to provide the Support services for their Microsoft Dynamics 365 Solution and wishes to acquire such services from the Service Provider.