The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) invites firms to submit a Proposal for the following: The supply of one (1) full-time resource to act as the Enterprise Cloud Architect for an initial period of twelve (12) months with an irrevocable option to extend up to two (2) additional periods of three (3) months each to provide support in the development of required artifacts for WCB's digital modernization program.
Description of Services
The WCB requires the Contractor to supply a resource (the "Enterprise Cloud Architect") on a full-time basis [thirty-six and a quarter (36.25) hours per week] to provide their expertise and support of the WCB's transition to the target state digital ecosystem.
The Enterprise Cloud Architect will work with internal and external stakeholders to develop the WCB's enterprise cloud computing strategy and ensure that it supports the digital modernization strategy. The Enterprise Cloud Architect will be responsible for the overall performance, standards and direction of the architecture for the cloud domain and the creation/updates to key enterprise architecture deliverables. This position will also oversee all deployment in cloud environments, support solution development efforts, and IT governance processes.
The Enterprise Cloud Architect will be responsible for the cloud computing initiatives at the WCB and for directing the architectural aspects of the cloud strategy across all aspects of IT and the business. The Enterprise Cloud Architect will lead and be the foundation of a CCOE (cloud centre of excellence). The Enterprise Cloud Architect will guide cloud adoption and usage via three (3) main areas of capabilities; governance, brokerage, and transformation.
The Enterprise Cloud Architect will be responsible for building a target state cloud operating model that includes, but is not limited to:
a) Clear allocations of responsibility for cloud related functions;
b) Formal mechanisms for collaboration on cloud strategy and policy;
c) Formal or informal means for cross-functional collaboration and the sharing of best practices;
d) Cloud enablement (e.g., cloud governance, brokerage, and transformation);
e) Cloud sourcing;
f) Cloud security and risks management; and
g) Cloud program management.
It is expected that the Enterprise Cloud Architect has the experience and capabilities to successfully achieve the following responsibilities:
a) Plan, design, implement, and maintain all cloud computing environments and services in the WCB with a priority on digital modernization requirements;
b) Lead the analysis of the WCB's business future-state cloud capabilities and future (and current) IT environment to detect critical gaps and opportunities and recommend solutions for improvement to drive cloud migration;
c) Identify organizational requirements for the resources, structures, and cultural changes necessary to support the cloud enterprise architecture;
d) Identify and translate business and technical requirements into target and reference architectures to achieve digital modernization objectives;
e) Maintain cloud infrastructure architecture and monitor its performance according to WCB business objectives;
f) Research, evaluate, and recommend cloud infrastructure solutions based on business and technology considerations, and suitable alternatives to satisfy the WCB's needs;
g) Integrate cloud solutions with existing IT infrastructure, enterprise tools, and systems;
h) Analyse the current enterprise architecture to identify weaknesses and opportunities for improvement using cloud infrastructure solutions;
i) Ensure compliance of cloud solutions to architectural standards, principles, and solution patterns;
j) Act as a subject matter expert on technologies and trends in cloud architecture;
k) Assist in cloud infrastructure planning and implementation, including preparation, configuration and administration, cloud service-level and vendor support agreements;
l) Perform advanced troubleshooting concerning cloud infrastructure operation; diagnose problems based on knowledge of application architecture, orchestration, virtualization, system operation, etc.;
m) Perform evaluations of enterprise cloud technology standards, tools, products, and solutions to identify opportunities for improvement and speed up user adoption;
n) Remain abreast of emerging cloud technologies in order to evaluate and recommend external vendor offerings to determine best fit for the WCB's business needs; and
o) Produce technical documents of systems and architectures.
The Enterprise Cloud Architect is expected to possess the following skills, competencies, and characteristics:
a) Ability to articulate new ideas and concepts to technical and non-technical audiences;
b) Ability to build collaborative working relationships with various internal and external stakeholders;
c) Strong analytical ability and data-driven mindset;
d) Ability to rapidly acquire new knowledge and skills;
e) Familiarity with service design and pricing in the context of cloud-based solutions;
f) Working knowledge of cloud management platforms;
g) Experience as a solution architect or cloud architect in a complex operating environment;
h) Hands on implementation experience in the design and provision of cloud technologies;
i) Experience deploying and operating a public cloud framework;
j) Experience with cloud networking including Express Route, MPLS gateway, IPSEC, Private Peering; and
k) Experience with cloud deployment, technical and security architecture, legacy infrastructure architectures, database architecture, virtualization, software design, software development, IP networking, agile development, application lifecycle management, programming languages, technical solution architecture, and Microsoft Azure.
The Services shall normally be performed during Business Hours. However, the WCB may request some of the Services to be performed outside Business Hours from time to time, as deemed necessary, in the unfettered discretion of the WCB. The Contractor shall not be entitled to charge overtime rates unless specified in the Fee Schedule.
The Contractor will not be required to have and maintain workers compensation coverage for its workers who will be providing the Services, unless required pursuant to The Workers Compensation Act.
The Proposal should include an overview of the proposed resource(s) being offered, including profiles of work which highlight their experience performing similar projects. Vendors are expected to provide the following for each proposed resource:
a) Resource's name and identify any subcontractor relationship (i.e. if individual resource is not an employee of the Vendor);
b) Completed skills matrix identifying resource's skills and knowledge;
c) Ability to start on WCB's preferred start date or later date of availability; and
d) Resume of resource.
Final selection of a resource may be subject to an in-person, telephone, or video conference interview by the WCB.
The Services shall be provided onsite at the WCB's facilities located at 333/363 Broadway in Winnipeg, Manitoba at least fifty percent (50%) of the time, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Working remotely for more than fifty percent (50%) of the time may be permitted, but only as pre-approved in writing by the WCB.
It is expected the Services will be required for an initial period of twelve (12) months with a preferred start date of September 11, 2023. The WCB shall have an irrevocable option to further extend the Services on the same terms and conditions and fees for two (2) additional periods of up to three (3) months each.
