Data Service Framework

Concepts

• data services
• belfast
• successful framework service providers
• additional azure services
• data governance
• professional it service providers
• data lake
• data warehouse
• manual data exchange
• best practice data management processes

Location

Belfast Harbour Estate

Geochart for 2 buyers and 0 suppliers

Belfast Harbour Commissioners

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Leaflet | Map tiles by Stamen Design, under CC BY 3.0. Data by OpenStreetMap, under ODbL.

Description

BHC is undergoing a digital and data transformation programme aimed at delivering best practice data management processes, data governance and data analytics to connect the different business areas and current approaches across the organization. A key element of the programme is to consolidate and standardise the approach to data analytics, business intelligence and reporting by providing a centralised data platform. This will aim to overcome siloed reporting, manual data exchange between areas of the business to augment the data they have and provide an opportunity for BHC to grow its capability and excellence using a common toolset. BHC is therefore conducting this procurement process to establish a framework of service providers that can support it, when requested, in the delivery of data services to meet these objectives. The framework will establish a select list of service providers to enable BHC to instruct a wide range and variety of data services in relation to the Microsoft suite of products, referred to as "Work Packages". The services required from successful framework service providers under any Work Packages instructed by BHC will likely comprise: 1. Cloud platform: Design, implementation, operations and maintenance of Microsoft Azure cloud platform for data and analytics workloads to include cybersecurity, cost control, change management, network connectivity to on-prem data sources and other 3rd party hosted systems and end user access. 2. Data platform: Design, implementation operations and maintenance of a Microsoft Azure hosted (F-SKU) Microsoft Fabric and Purview Data Governance data and analytics platform. To include sourcing data from on-premise and 3rd party hosted data sources, ETL/ELT, data lake, data warehouse, OneLake deployment and data governance, DataOp's processes. Additional Azure services can be used/referenced where used to compliment Microsoft Fabric and achieve more complex requirements. 3. Analytics: Design, implementation, operations and maintenance of governed self-service enterprise reporting environment built using Power BI and Microsoft Fabric. 4. Generative AI solutions: Design, implementation, operation and maintenance of custom generative AI solutions leveraging Azure hosted datasets (ideally withing Fabric OneLake) and built using the Azure custom copilot stack e.g. Azure AI studio, AI Search, Azure OpenAI and other Azure hosted LLM's, Azure app service etc. Bidders should note however that the award of a place on the framework does not guarantee a bidder any, or any minimum volume of, business. BHC will have the option, at its discretion, to use the framework to instruct specific Work Packages. Whilst estimated potential volumes and types of services/Work Packages are provided as part of the PQQ document (made available to bidders as set out in this contract notice) and within this contract notice, BHC is not under any obligation (express or implied) to utilize the framework and does not make any commitment or guarantee that it will instruct any, or any minimum value or volume of, services or Work Packages. All appointments to the framework will be made on a non-exclusive basis. Furthermore, BHC reserves the right, at its discretion, to make appointments for the same or similar services and Work Packages outside of the scope of the framework at any time. Instruction of all services under the framework will be subject to prior BHC internal approval and approval of budget (dependent on the value of the Work Package/services involved, such approval will be provided at either CEO or Board Committee level). BHC also reserves the right, prior to instructing any particular services/Work Packages, to change the order and priority of services/Work Packages under the framework at any time at its discretion.

Total Quantity or Scope

Further background information about the project, BHC's services requirements and objectives is set out within the PQQ document made available to bidders as set out in this contract notice. BHC is seeking to enter into a framework agreement with suitably qualified and experienced professional IT service providers for the provision of the services described in the PQQ. It is currently anticipated that any framework agreement entered into by BHC will be for an initial three (3) year period. BHC shall have the option, acting at its discretion, to extend on an annual basis thereafter on up to two (2) subsequent occasions of 12 (twelve) months each time, up to a maximum total period of five (5 years). Any services instructed under the framework will be instructed following a mini-competition between eligible framework providers. Prior to any services being put out to mini-competition, a detailed analysis of BHC's requirement will be undertaken to determine the more precise scope of services required for that Work Package.

Renewal Options

It is currently anticipated that any framework agreement entered by BHC will be for an initial three (3) year period. BHC shall have the option, acting at its discretion, to extend on an annual basis thereafter on up to two (2) subsequent occasions of 12 (twelve) months each time, up to a maximum total period of five (5 years).

CPV Codes

• 72300000 - Data services
• 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

Indicators

• Bids should cover the whole contract.
• Options are available.
• Renewals are not available.
• Award on basis of price and quality.

Other Information

BHC reserves the right at any time to: - reject any or all responses and to cancel or withdraw from this procurement at any stage; - award a framework agreement without prior notice; - change the basis, the procedures and timescales set out or referred to within the procurement documents; or - require a bidder to clarify any submissions in writing and/or to provide additional information. Bidders who wish to participate in this procurement will be required to provide contact details before downloading the PQQ document. Bidders who fail to provide their details to BHC or register in this manner will not receive any clarifications or updated information provided by BHC during the procurement process. The costs of responding to this notice and participation in the process will be borne by each bidder. All discussions and correspondence will be deemed strictly subject to contract until a formal contract is entered into. The formal contract shall not be binding until it has been signed and dated by the duly authorised representatives of both parties.