Support for Microsoft Power BI Service Operations, Development and Training

Essential Qualifications/Experience:

·       5+ years as a consultant on large-scale business application implementations (evidenced by project descriptions including scope, role, and technologies used)

·       3+ years of experience with Power BI Report Server (on-prem) and Power BI Service (cloud), including configuration, administration, troubleshooting, and maintenance (evidenced by explicit tasks and environments in project experience)

·       3+ years of experience in data modelling, DAX, and dashboard/report development (evidenced by delivered reports/dashboards and described responsibilities)

·       5+ years of experience with MS SQL Server (2014 or higher), including complex SQL queries and ETL processes (evidenced by technologies and data-related tasks per role)

·       2+ years of experience proficiency in normalized/denormalized models and star/snowflake schemas (evidenced by data modelling activities in project descriptions)

·       2+ years of experience in Level 2 and Level 3 support within ITIL-based environments (incident, problem, change, request management) (evidenced by support activities and use of ITSM tools)

·       2+ years of experience working in Agile environments (evidenced by Agile roles or methodologies referenced in CV)

Desirable Qualifications/Experience:

·       Configure PBI Server to work with claims based ADFS authentication

·       Knowledge of Oracle Databases

·       Knowledge of KNIME Analytics Platform

·       Experience in developing in Java

·       Prior experience of working in an international environment comprising both military and civilian elements

·       Knowledge of NATO responsibilities and organization, including ACO and ACT

DUTIES/ROLE:

·       Power BI Server Configuration & Performance Optimization

ü  Provide expert-level configuration, tuning and optimization of Power BI Server to ensure high performance and reliability. The contractor will assess the current deployment, identify bottlenecks, and implement best practices aligned with Microsoft standards

·       Platform Administration & Monitoring

ü  Deliver ongoing Level 2/3 support, including monitoring of backups, logs, and performance tuning

ü  Support Level 1 support

ü  Maintain compliance with ITIL processes and NATO service operation protocols, and contribute to operational resilience of BI platforms

·       Incident, Problem & Change Management

ü  Resolve Service Desk tickets in line with SLA targets and participate in change management, including impact assessments, patching, and upgrades

ü  Ensure coordination with cross-service infrastructure teams

·       Patching & Upgrade Services (Power BI On-Premises)

ü  The contractor will perform planned patching and upgrade activities for the on-premises Power BI instance in alignment with internal release authorization (A2SL) and security standards (typically 2 to 4 times per calendar year)

·       Cross-Service Coordination & On-Call Support

ü  Collaborate with infrastructure and database teams under OLAs to resolve performance or upgrade-related issues

·       Power BI Visualization & Dashboard Delivery

ü  The contractor will design and deliver four (4) interactive dashboards using Microsoft Power BI to support operational and informational reporting needs

ü  Three (3) dashboards will be developed using existing data sources. These dashboards will enable users to search, filter, and visualize both current and historical workforce related data. One of the dashboards will include tabular and visual representations of duty rotations

ü  One (1) dashboard will involve the redevelopment and migration of an existing dashboard from a separate reporting platform into Power BI, including replication of core functionality and necessary adaptation of underlying data structures. Existing dashboard logic will be provided

ü  All dashboards should be designed with appropriate data modelling, user-friendly visualization, and standard interactivity (e.g., filtering, slicing) based on the data available in the HR data sources. If necessary, the contractor will create the optimized data structures in the workforce/personnel data warehouse with possibility for the HR admins to support SHAPE Command Group requirement.o For the assignment in scope of the project/service for this RFQ, the aim is to empower the Power Users to build/deploy their own dashboards.  And focus will be on platform provisioning and supporting the users in their endeavour

·       Contribution to BI Architecture & Standards

ü  Contribute to the creation and maintenance of the documentation of relevant architectural artefacts, data modelling and coding guidelines, standards and best practices

ü  Contribute to the creation and maintenance of relevant Standard Operating Procedures

·       Knowledge Transfer & End-User Training

ü  Develop and deliver a Knowledge-Transfer Plan & Schedule for NBAC staff, including end-user training sessions (both remote and in-person)

ü  Provide clear training materials, deliver class-room and/or virtual training classes and maintain attendance records

ü  Provide ad-hoc technical mentoring to Power Users as part of the Service

·       Documentation & Handover Assurance

ü  Deliver complete and accurate documentation of platform administration, operational processes, and support procedures

ü  Training shall culminate in a live walkthrough where NBAC staff demonstrate independent execution of administration tasks

·       The contractor will be part of the project implementation team as well as the service delivery team (early life support and/or service operations), working closely with the Analytics and Core Business Application team, relevant project and/or service manager, ensuring the secure, available, managed and compliant delivery of Power BI services to NCIA, NATO and its Strategic Commands