Request for Proposal. Alice Kavanagh 9th May 2018

Transcription

1 Request for Proposal Alice Kavanagh 9th May 2018 Unit 7 Suna House, Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3QQ +44 (0) info@heron.ai heron.ai

2 Introduction Purpose Heron AI is seeking to secure the services of qualified software developer(s) through a contract with a software developer service provider (hereinafter called Vendor ). The Vendor must be able to supply qualified contract software developers (hereinafter called Contractor or Developer ) in a variety of technologies and disciplines as outlined in this Request for Proposal (RFP). Work will be performed on a task or work order basis. Heron AI anticipates that it will require the equivalent of 8 full-time position(s) across the skillsets required and up to X full-time equivalents (FTEs) during the award period. The Vendor must designate at least one available resource for the two listed categories proposed who can be available to begin work no later than 1 July, The Vendor must be able to respond to requests for additional staff within 10 days. Background Heron AI is a tech-agnostic AI consultancy that specialises in developing bespoke AI solutions for large enterprises by working with a range of AI tools and systems. Description of Work to be Performed Heron AI is developing a variety of artificial intelligence software applications that require the specialised skills as described in this RFP. We are currently facing an issue that our development team are at capacity. We have projects in our pipeline that we are not properly resourced for. We are looking for a full time off shore development team to work with us to deliver these projects. Developers will be responsible for all aspects of development and implementation, including design, programming, testing, and configuration. Design requirements will be provided to the contractor following an agile development methodology. Developers must employ industry best practices for technology project management. Developers will work as needed with customers, designers, and Heron AI staff to meet project deliverables. RFP Deliverables As part of the response to the RFP, Heron AI would like prospective Vendor(s) to send a proposed solution to one or both of the following case studies. Complex Conversational Platform Scenario:

3 The client has about 5K sets of communications between all of their sales agents and the back office staff. These s contain multiple types of communications: - Sales queries - Operations enquiries - Information requests, - Internal communications such as; training events, new materials, new regulations, advisory informations etc. Some of the s are operational, however but they can also create sales opportunities and sometimes they are sales related but can create operational enquiries or internal requests Request: The purpose of the project is to reduce the bouncing of the s between the sales, operations and internal communications and with that, also create a chat bot that will be available to the sales agents to clarify as many clients queries as possible without interacting with the back office staff. Please describe how will you handle a classification project and at the back of the collected data create a Chat Bot for the Sales agents. Prediction App Scenario: The client has historical sales data for the last 18 months. All of their products have a 24 hour expiration date. The client needs to a decide what to order for all of their stock 14 days before it arrives. The main issue the client faces is the allocation of stock. The clients want to predict the sales but they also want to be on the safe side - loosing sales is more damaging then wasted merchandise. Request: Please describe what will be the steps to arrive to a prediction algorithm that will solve the clients problem. Skillsets and Experience 1. General Skillsets required of all developers Experience working with agile software development processes with rapid iteration cycles (2 week sprints) Experience with and commitment to key development practices inherent to effective agile development, including: 3

4 - TDD, Unit Testing (BDD preferably) - Continuous integration Advance experience with object-oriented design and development, including design patterns Experience with the Heron AI standard development environment: - Experience in programming language such as JavaScript, PHP, Python, Swift - Git ( at least one of the following: GitHub, GitLab, BitBucket etc) - Linux / Windows deployment - Experience working as a part of a distributed team. - Virtualised environments - At least one major cloud platform - At least one automated deployment tool 2. Skillset A: UI/UX Development Full stack web development HTML5, CSS, JavaScript + experience with PHP/Python, MySQL Wordpress 3. Skillset B: Backend / Services Dev Node JS PHP Python Linux / Windows server side SQL and NoSQL (*) 4. Skillset C: Mobile development React Native ios / Android native development (*) Quick prototyping SQLite / NoSQL experience 4

5 5. Skillset D: Data Specialist SQL / NoSQL experience (*) ETL (*) Knowledge of MySQL/ Maria DB, Hadoop, MongoDB, Spark, CouchBase ODBC Business Intelligence Replication, Scalability (*) 6. Skillset E: AI - ML, NLU, DeepLearning Watson (Assistant, Knowledge Studio, Discovery, NLU, NLC, Analytics etc) (*) Google AI solutions (DialogFlow, Cloud AI) (*) Microsoft Cognitive solutions Data analytics (DataRobot, BigML, RobotMiner etc) Machine Learning - any of the most advance platforms (*) 7. Skillset F: Manual Tester Capable to develop a test script Investigate the happy / unhappy flows Organised with an extraordinary eye for details At least 5 years experience in testing (*) 8. Skillset G: Automatic Tester At least 2 automation frameworks JS and Python understanding (*) Creative solutions thinker 9. Skillset H: DevOps 5

6 At least a couple of automation frameworks for software provisioning, configuration management, and application deployment. Experience with Linux (Debian/RedHat and derivatives) (*) Windows administrations (PowerShell is a must) Networking Security (*) All positions must meet all skills listed under item 1, General Skillset, above. Mandatory skills for Skillsets A-H are denoted with an Asterix (*). Other skills are highly desired. Experience Levels for Each Skillset The candidates proposed for the above skillset should be divided into three categories: junior level, mid level and senior level. Please refer to the table below for our guidelines for the development experience of each level. A candidate may be proposed for both levels. Level General Development AI Development Junior 1-3 years 0-6 months Mid 3-5 years 6-18 months Senior 5+ years 18+ months Vendor s proposal must state the hourly rate for each candidate whose resume is being submitted in this proposal. The hourly rate is inclusive of all expenses and will be the only basis of payment by Heron AI to Vendor. Costs proposed for each position should align with the following: Hourly Rate Junior Level Mid Level Senior Level Skillset 1 - per hour per hour per hour Skillset 2 - per hour per hour per hour Schedule The schedule for this RFP is as follows. The time each milestone is due is defined as 4:00 PM Greenwich Mean Time on the date indicated on the schedule, unless indicated otherwise. This schedule is subject to change at Heron AI s sole discretion at any time. 6

7 MILESTONE DATE Heron AI releases RFP Wednesday, 9th May 2018 Confirmation of interest deadline Monday, 14th May 2018 Vendors submit questions to Heron AI Friday, 18th May 2018 Heron AI post responses to questions Friday, 25th May 2018 Vendors submit RFP response/ Proposal to Heron AI Friday, 1st June 2018 Invitation for interview released Friday, 8th June 2018 End of process, appointee confirmed Friday, 15th June 2018 Administrative Requirements Prospective Vendors are responsible for ensuring that their responses conform to the following requirements. RFP Coordinator (Proper Communication) The Coordinator for this RFP is: Alice Kavanagh Consultant Upon release of this RFP, all communications between prospective Vendors and Heron AI concerning this RFP must be directed to the Coordinator. Communications about this RFP between Vendors and Heron AI staff other than the Coordinator may result in disqualification of such Vendors. Reliance on Written Communication Oral communication between Heron AI and prospective Vendors is unofficial and nonbinding on Heron AI. Vendors may rely only on written information issued by the Coordinator. Heron AI will post all written information and correspondence with prospective Vendors on the same Website at which this RFP was originally posted. It is the responsibility of each prospective Vendor to visit the Website to find information posted by Heron AI. Heron AI will make no effort to contact prospective Vendors to inform them of written communication posted to the Website. Heron AI will remove the names of prospective Vendor firms and individuals along with their contact information from any written communication. However, by submitting a 7

8 question to Heron AI, prospective Vendors acknowledge and accept that Heron AI is not liable for third parties usage of written communication to identify prospective Vendors. Vendor Questions Invited Heron AI invites questions from prospective Vendors regarding this RFP. Such questions are intended to help Heron AI clarify RFP requirements, and communicate additional useful information about the skillsets required by Heron AI. Vendors should review publicly available information about Heron AI prior to submitting questions. This information is available at Proposal Presentation and Format Requirements Prospective Vendors must submit proposals in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format. Prospective Vendors may format their proposal in accordance with their best judgment, keeping in mind that Heron AI must be able to read each proposal easily.proposals must be written in English. Submission and Delivery of Proposals Proposals must be submitted via directly to the RFP Coordinator with documents attached to the . Information provided in the body of the rather than attachments thereto will be ignored by Heron AI. Late proposals will not be accepted or considered. Heron AI will acknowledge receipt of proposals by direct response to the submitter s within one (1) business day of receipt. Proposals submitted by other means, including but not limited to in-person, fax, or postal delivery, will not be accepted. Errors in Proposal Prospective Vendors are liable for all errors or omissions contained in their proposals. Prospective Vendors will not be allowed to alter proposal documents after the deadline for proposal submission. Heron AI is not liable for any errors in proposals. Heron AI reserves the right to contact a prospective Vendor for clarification of proposal contents. Right to Cancel Heron AI reserves the right to cancel this RFP at any time, for any reason. Issuing this RFP does not obligate Heron AI to enter into a contract with any Vendor or make any purchases. 8

9 Right to Reject Heron AI reserves the right to reject all bids. Responses should be submitted initially with the most favourable terms that the Vendor can propose. Incorporation of Documents into Contract By submitting a proposal, prospective Vendors acknowledge and accept that the requirements of this RFP and the contents of the Vendor s proposal will be incorporated into any contract entered into as a result of this RFP. Withdrawal of Proposal After submitting a proposal, prospective Vendors may withdraw such proposal at any time prior to the final submission date, as identified in the Schedule. Prospective Vendors may resubmit a proposal at any time up until this same milestone. Requirements Requirement 1 - Vendor Profile Prospective Vendor s proposal must indicate: Legal business name Legal status (corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, etc.) and state of incorporation, if applicable Year the entity was organised to do business, as it now substantially exists Address, and telephone numbers, and Internet Website URL for primary correspondence/contact Prospective Vendor s proposal must indicate the name, title, and full contact information for the point of contact regarding this RFP Requirement 2 - Acknowledgment of Terms and Conditions Prospective Vendor s proposal must acknowledge and accept each and every one of the following terms and conditions, and acknowledge Vendor s commitment to enter into a contract with Heron AI that specifies these terms and conditions. A proposal that does not acknowledge and accept each and every one of these terms and conditions will be deemed non-compliant with this mandatory requirement, and will be disqualified from further consideration. Contractor must be available for communication and consultation between the hours of 9:00AM to 5:00PM GMT. 9

10 Contractor agrees to permit Heron AI to inspect any and all source code artefacts, documentation, scripts, tests, and the like, at any point during the project. At a minimum, Contractor will provide Heron AI with a zip archive file containing all artefacts upon Heron AI s request at any time. Contractor acknowledges and accepts that deliverables and artefacts, including but not limited to source code, documentation, scripts, tests, and the like, are developed as works for hire and are the property of Heron AI from the moment they are created. Requirement 3 - Contractor Qualifications Vendor s proposal should include résumé(s) of the Vendor s proposed development personnel, if they are available. If résumé(s) are unavailable, Vendors should provide a profile for candidate that they are proposing. Vendor must clearly specify the skillset(s) for which the individual is qualified. An individual may be proposed for more than one skillset. The qualifications of each individual proposed must be matched with each of the required skillsets. The number of projects and number of years of experience for each requirement must be clearly delineated, including specific technologies used, and tools and methodologies employed to complete the described work. The proposal should go beyond merely stating that a particular tool, technology, or methodology was used; Vendor must demonstrate how the tool, technology, or methodology was actually used/employed on significant past projects. Proposal Scoring Criteria Criterion 1: Vendor Qualifications (10 points) The proposal must include all information described under Requirement 1, Vendor Profile. Criterion 2: Terms and Conditions (10 points) The proposal must address all issues identified under Requirement 2, Acknowledgment of Terms and Conditions. Criterion 3: Developer Qualifications (50 points) Developer résumés should describe at least one (1) project delivered successfully by the individual in the past, using required skillsets and the development approach/ methodology. For each project, the résumés should list the type of work performed and the skill used to complete the work. The project should provide the name and contact information of a contact person who can verify the Developer s successful delivery of the project. The résumé(s) should clearly indicate the total experience with each skillset to substantiate their role at either the Junior or Senior level. Résumés will be evaluated against the position requirements. All candidates proposed must meet the General Requirements. Those not meeting the General Requirements will 10

11 be disqualified. For each General Requirement, the candidate will be scored by assigning 1 to 5 points for each skill depending on the candidate s experience. For each skillset, résumés will be scored against the skillsets identified for each position. All candidates must meet the skills denoted with an asterisk (*). Those not meeting these skills will be disqualified. All qualified candidates will be scored by assigning 1 to 5 points for each skill depending on the candidate s experience. Criterion 4: Developer Qualifications (50 points) We will evaluate the proposed solution(s) to the project description(s) in the section above. We will evaluate the responses looking at the methods and logic used in the approach. Cost Factor (Total points depending upon range of proposed costs) A Cost Factor (additional points) will be calculated on the basis of best value, where cost (hourly rate) and experience will be evaluated jointly. Best value will be determined as follows: The highest hourly rate* will be awarded zero Cost Factor points. The lowest hourly rate will be awarded the maximum allowable points where the maximum allowable points will be calculated based on the difference between the lowest and highest rate. Rates between the highest and lowest hourly rates will be assigned Cost Factor points proportionally. * Only hourly rates from Vendors who meet minimum requirements will be used in the cost calculations. Evaluation Process The candidates proposed by the Vendor, and the Vendor, will be evaluated based upon the following: 1. The proposal meets all the requirements of the RFP as described under Vendor Profile and Terms and Conditions. 2. The evaluation of proposed candidates qualifications based on skillsets described in this RFP and an assessment of candidates applicable education and experience. Administrative Screening and Requirements Upon receipt of a Vendor s proposal, Heron AI will review the proposal for compliance with all requirements of the RFP, including timely submission in the proper format. Any proposal not complying with each and every requirement will be excluded from further 11

12 consideration. Vendors are responsible for careful review of their proposals, prior to submission, to ensure that each mandatory requirement has been adequately addressed. Evaluation of Proposed Candidates A team of evaluators will be convened by Heron AI to review the proposals submitted against the scored requirements. Heron AI management will then make a final selection based upon the best value to Heron AI the combination of qualifications and cost. Heron AI will consider the total scores within 2.5 points of the highest score to be equivalent. Heron AI reserves the right to make awards with multiple Vendors for any of the skillsets required, but prefers to make only one award for both skillsets. Final Interview Process The final interview process with the selected candidates will be facilitated via video conferencing. More details on this process the format will be provided once Vendor(s) have been notified of selection. 12