The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) invites firms to submit a Proposal for the following: The supply of one (1) full-time senior middleware resource to assist the WCB's IT Network and Data Centre, for an initial term of approximately twenty-four (24) months with an irrevocable option to extend for two (2) additional periods of up to twelve (12) months each.
Description of Services
The senior middleware resource will be expected to perform the following:
a) System administration activities necessary to support and maintain availability, performance, and security of the WebSphere Application Server, IBM MQ, and SAP BOE environments including Microsoft Windows operating systems and associated products;
b) Problem resolution activities that includes analyzing scope of problem, trouble shooting, and resolving incidents, according to defined policies and procedures;
c) Participate on project teams, and provide technical assistance/advice to internal staff;
d) Participate in the implementation, configuration, testing, and transition to production the upgrade to WebSphere Application Server, IBM MQ, and SAP BOE including:
(i) Development of technical design;
(ii) Transforming the design documents into a working technical environment;
(iii) Data migration activities associated with the implementation; and
(iv) Perform knowledge transfer to WCB Information Technology support staff during the implementation.
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 WCB requires the Contractor to supply the one (1) senior middleware resource on a full-time basis [thirty-six and a quarter (36.25) hours per week] to assist the WCB's internal Information Technology resources with key work activities and upgrades on the WCB's middleware applications and projects.
The senior middleware resource must have experience and knowledge with the following:
a) Minimum eight (8) years of practical experience in a business application server implementation and support role within a Microsoft Windows environment; and
b) Previous advanced level experience in the support and maintenance of WebSphere application Server V9, IBM MQ V9, and SAP BOE V4 environments, including experience with Microsoft Windows operating systems and virtualization software Vmware, and WebSphere Server environment.
The senior middleware resource should have experience and knowledge with the following (which may be considered an asset when evaluating Proposals):
a) Understanding of a variety of technologies such as storage area networks, networking security including firewall, web application environments, content management systems, and virtual computing environments;
b) Experience in designing and developing automated test procedures and scripts using software aids such as Microsoft PowerShell;
c) Strong technical knowledge, analytical, and problem solving skills;
d) Ability to work effectively in a team environment and adapt to sudden change in direction or priority;
e) Good time management skills and ability to handle multiple priorities;
f) Effective written and oral communication skills; and
g) Ability to perform the Services according to WCB incident and change management process and procedures.
The Proposal should include an overview of the proposed resource(s) being offered, including profiles of work, which highlight their experience performing similar projects.
Final selection of a resource may be subject to an in-person, telephone, or video conference interview by the WCB.
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 WCB anticipates the Services will normally be performed remotely. If the WCB requests the senior middleware resource to attend onsite at the WCB's facilities, the Contractor shall not be entitled to reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses other than those incurred for travel/lodging/meals, as necessary to provide onsite work in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which shall be invoiced at cost.
Vendors are strongly encouraged to provide a skills matrix for each resource that is being offered for the senior middleware resource position. The WCB may use the skills matrix, in addition to the Vendor's general information and resume of the proposed resource(s), as an additional tool to evaluate the suitability of a resource for the one (1) senior middleware resource position.
It is expected the Services will be required for an initial period of twenty-four (24) months with a preferred start date of January 6, 2025. The WCB shall have an irrevocable option to further extend the Services on the same terms and conditions and fees for two (2) additional period of up to twelve (12) months each.
