GB-Corsham: PNC Gateway Contract

NOTE: This notice was updated on 14 April 2016 for the following reason: Correction to eMail address ISSComrcl-AppsSecInfTeam@mod.ukPNC Gateway Service The Authority is seeking expressions of interest via the Supplier Suitability Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) linked to this Contract Notice from potential suppliers for a PNC Gateway Service.

On an annual basis, UK Government carries out approximately 200,000 vetting checks.

The customers includes both public and private sector.

National Security Vetting Services (NSVS) consist of Counter Terrorist Check, Security Check, Developed Vetting clearances, Compliance and Aftercare Management services.

The Cerberus system is used by Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) to process Security Clearances on behalf of UK Government.

It is maintained and hosted by CGI on behalf of DBS NSV.

Cerberus is due to be replaced in 2016 with the NSVS.

The MOD is contracting for PNC Gateway Services to allow Cerberus/NSVS to connect to the PNC.

This will allow NSV to search for and view Criminal Record data in accordance with UK Vetting Policy, as set out in the Cabinet Office Security Policy Framework.

Scope The PNC Gateway Service will consist of but not limited to: • A solution to facilitate an interface between Cerberus/NSVS and the PNC, allowing PNC search requests to be processed and responses returned. • Automated system to process PNC checks. • Managed Services consisting of; Service Helpdesk Solution Management Support Preventative Maintenance • Business Continuity Measures • Disaster Recovery provision The new contract will be for an initial period running from 18th June 2016 to 4th January 2020 with a further one year option.

Single Statement of User Need DBS requires PNC Gateway Services to provide access between PNC and Cerberus/NSVS in order to conduct Criminal Records Checks for the purposes of Security Vetting.

Required In Service Date Full Operating Capability must be available for live use by 18th June 2016.

Capability Gap There must be no gap in the provision of PNC services to ensure business continuity of vetting services.

The PNC interface into Cerberus/NSVS will provide full automation of all PNC criminal record checks.

A Disaster Recovery solution is required as well as robust Business Continuity measures.

Suppliers are required to self -certify in a SAQ that they meet the minimum eligibility and suitability criteria using a Yes/No methodology, for the economic, financial, professional and technical standards and also give confirmation that they can provide a Home Office Accredited Gateway Service by the 18th June 2016.