Cloud Software Engineering Services (closed for invites)

The buyer is seeking quotations from suitably qualified suppliers to provide Cloud Software Engineer Services to deliver short‑term Proof of Value (PoV) engagements using a mix of delivery resources in a small delivery team, with a primary focus on Cloud Software Engineers.

The services are intended to accelerate AI capabilities and rapidly demonstrate business value through working prototypes, using Microsoft Foundry (Azure AI Foundry), and Microsoft Studio tooling, with immediate feedback incorporated into iterative delivery cycles.

The objectives of the engagement are to:

• Rapidly validate business ideas and use cases through working cloud‑based prototypes
• Translate business requirements into architecture and solutions immediately
• Implement automated data-driven measurements to evaluate performance
• Ensure PoV solutions are aligned with the Agency’s existing cloud ecosystem, policy, and governance
• Enable informed decision‑making on whether solutions should proceed to scale or production

Capability

• Software and AI Engineering
• Demonstrated capability to deliver production-grade software end-to-end, from solution design through to build, integration and deployment.
• Strong ability to develop and connect systems across application code, APIs, integration, and automation.
• Practical experience designing, building, and embedding AI capabilities into real software systems as part of end-to-end solution delivery.

Technology

• Microsoft Foundry (Azure AI Foundry)
• Design and delivery of AI‑enabled solutions using Foundry projects, agents, and approved AI services
• Integration with enterprise data sources and safety controls
• Microsoft Studio Tooling
• Use of appropriate Microsoft development studio tools (e.g. Visual Studio, Azure AI Studio, Copilot Studio where appropriate)
• Ability to select the correct toolchain based on speed, complexity, and governance requirements

Additionally, our ideal key resources will:

• Have experience delivering cloud and AI‑enabled solutions using Microsoft technologies, including Azure, Foundry, and Fabric
• Have experience applying DevOps and MLOps practices to cloud and AI solution delivery, supporting rapid iteration and automation
• Be able to apply judgement and critical thinking to complex problem‑solving, ensuring solutions are robust, pragmatic, and fit‑for‑purpose
• Be able to efficiently translate business requirements into technical solutions, working across teams to ensure timely delivery of outcomes
• Have demonstrated government or public‑sector experience, including working in small delivery teams and navigating the constraints and governance requirements of public‑sector environments
• Have experience delivering AI‑enabled solutions in a government context, including an understanding of the specific risks associated with AI and the ability to design solutions that appropriately mitigate those risks

Where project managers, data analysts, or business analysts are required to support delivery, ideal candidates will:

• Have experience managing and coordinating cloud, data, or AI‑enabled projects, ensuring milestones and deliverables are achieved within compressed timeframes
• Possess strong analytical skills to interpret information, identify trends, and support evidence‑based decision‑making
• Be able to clearly communicate insights, findings, and solution outcomes to stakeholders
• Have experience working with cross‑functional teams to gather requirements, define scope, and ensure alignment with business objectives
• Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple streams of work, prioritise effectively, and adapt quickly as requirements evolve

This approach aims to ensure that while the Buyer maintains a strong focus on Microsoft platforms and services, there is sufficient flexibility to incorporate additional tools and technologies where appropriate, enabling rapid proof of value, reduced delivery risk, and adaptable solutions that can evolve beyond initial prototypes if required.