NGCN Network Systems Integrator

Concepts

• corsham
• information technology
• communications network
• network services
• defence fixed networks
• ngcn network systems integrator
• resilient network service
• business network service
• fixed networks
• network systems integrator

Location

Corsham

Description

1 PURPOSE OF THE PIN 1.1 The purpose of this PIN is to notify industry of upcoming Network Systems Integrator (NSI) Market Engagement. The Authority is keen to engage with System Integerators that can deliver the NSI requirements. As highlighted in earlier NGCN market engagements, the NSI will play a pivotal role in the successful delivery of the NGCN Programme. 1.2 During Market Engagement, the Authority will provide a detailed overview of the NSI requirements to ensure the scope and timelines involved in the delivery of the NSI are understood by industry before the commencement of formal procurement activities. 2 BACKGROUND 2.1 The Digital Strategy for Defence details the step changes in approach MOD needs to take to satisfy its digital vision. The key enabler is the Digital Backbone, which will integrate sensors, effectors, and decision-makers across multiple military domains and with MOD’s partners, to enable faster, data-driven decisions and improved operational and corporate outcomes. 2.2 The Digital Technology Strategic Direction provides the direction to exploit digital technology that NGCN takes its direction from. NGCN will enable the networking capabilities of the Digital Backbone and is therefore critical to the delivery of the Digital Strategy and for the future operation of the MOD. 2.3 NGCN has identified the need for three separate procurements to meet the NGCN requirements, one of which is a Network Systems Integrator (NSI). The NSI is intended to support Fixed Connectivity (FC), the service owner in their responsibilities to run and change network services provided by Defence Digital to UKMOD. 3 NSI STRATEGIC CASE 3.1 NGCN is a strategic programme within Defence Digital that will be the foundation for the delivery of a Single Enterprise Network for Defence. NGCN is aligned to the Defence Digital Strategy and the capability it delivers will form a core part of the Digital Backbone. 3.2 The NGCN Programme will transform the way in which Defence Fixed Networks are delivered, moving from the current model to a series of disaggregated services, provided by one or more Managed Service Providers (MSPs). This change will be realised via a phased approach, moving through various transition states, and will require a mix of skills and resources within the Fixed Networks delivery team. 3.3 To augment the capabilities of the programme team and enable Fixed Networks to realise this transformation in delivery model, the first procurement of NGCN will be for an NSI. The NSI will support the Fixed Networks Delivery (FND) team to: • Assure and manage the quality of the services provided by the new Business Network Service (BNS) and Resilient Network Service (RNS) MSPs. • Coordinate interactions with the various Defence Digital assurance and management bodies (e.g., Technical Design Authority (TDA), Release and Deployment (R&D) Board); • Efficiently and effectively manage changes to the services, providing a flexible service to consumers, and allowing MSPs to innovate in their solutions, while maintaining control of build standards and configuration management; • Control the networks provided by the MSPs, working with Operational Service Management (OSM) to monitor network performance and security, and passing control measures back to the MSPs; • Predict the impact of changes of changes to the networks, to avoid compromising the quality of service offered to consuming services; • Act as an intelligent customer, using flexible and innovative commercial approaches to disaggregate and procure services, ensuring the interdependencies between each of the ‘bundles’ are defined and understood; • Support the Fixed Networks Service Owner as they undergo the service restructuring and organisational shifts required to align with Defence Digital’s Service Executive Model (SEM).

Total Quantity or Scope

Network Systems Integrator

CPV Codes

• 72222300 - Information technology services
• 32412000 - Communications network

Indicators

Other Information

4 OVERVIEW OF THE NSI SERVICES 4.1 The Authority will provide a detailed level view of the NSI Services that will be taken to market during the Market Engagement Event. 5 MARKET ENGAGEMENT EVENT 5.1 A Market Engagement Event is planned for 15 November 2023 at techUK, 10 St Bride Street, London EC4A 4AD from 10:00 – 12:00. 5.2 The Market Engagement Event is an in-person event only. It is recommended that suppliers attend so that they can meet the NGCN Programme team as well as the Senior Management Team responsible for the delivery of the NGCN Programme. 5.3 Suppliers that meet the Conditions of Participation are advised to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled time to allow for identity verification. 5.4 Objectives of the Market Engagement Event: a) Allow the Authority to provide clarity on the NSI requirements and indicative procurement timelines. b) Gauge and generate interest around the contract opportunity and assess industry’s ability to support the indicative timelines. c) Obtain feedback and queries on the requirement as currently defined. d) Provide an opportunity for suppliers to raise pertinent concerns/risks on the successful delivery of the NGCN procurement. 5.5 Indicative Agenda of the Market Engagement Event Agenda Detail Time Duration Arrive - Drinks on arrival 09:30 30 minutes Welcome - Introduction and outline of the event 10:00 10 minutes NGCN – The ambition Recap on NGCN, including what and ambition 10:10 20 minutes NSI – The detail - The scope of the NSI 10:30 30 minutes Break - Break / Networking 11:00 15 minutes NSI – How it fits together - How all the procurements align, including boundaries 11:15 20 minutes NSI – Commercial information - Procurement process and contract model 11:35 20 minutes Summary - Summary and reminder of next steps 11:55 10 minutes Wrap up Close 12:05 5 minutes 6 REGISTRATION OF INTEREST 6.1 Suppliers interested in attending the Market Engagement Event must send an expression of interest to UKStratComDD-CM-NGCN-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk, all suppliers that express interest will be sent the Conditions for Participation in Market Engagement. 6.2 Delegates that had their Conditions for Participation approved for the NGCN Market Engagement Event held 30 May 2023, will not need to provide a new Conditions for Participation if there are no changes to the details earlier provided and their security clearances are still valid. A newly completed Conditions for Participation will be required if circumstances have changed. 6.3 Previously approved delegates should please check their security clearance details as expired clearances will invalidate earlier submitted Conditions for Participation. Updated information on clearances will need to be provided. 6.4 Participation in the Market Engagement Event will be subject to suppliers meeting the Conditions for Participation and will be limited to a maximum of two (2) delegates per supplier. 6.5 Suppliers must provide their response to the Conditions for Participation to the point of contact provided within Section 7.1 of the PIN on or before 12:00 GMT on 8th November 2023. 6.6 The Authority reserves the right to reject any response or expressions of interest provided after the deadline stated above. 6.7 There are limited spaces available for the Market Engagement Event and attendance will be subject to suppliers meeting the Conditions for Participation. 6.8 If the Market Engagement Event is oversubscribed, the Authority will limit attendees using the time of submission of valid responses to the Conditions for Participation as a differentiator. Attendance will be on a first come basis. 6.9 Presentations used to facilitate the event will be available to suppliers that meet the Conditions for Participation upon request following the Market Engagement Event. 7 IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE (DISCLAIMERS) 7.1 Suppliers must please note the disclaimers provided within the Conditions for Participation.