TTSD3001 - Transport Security Online Training Platform

Description

Summary of work The Transport Security Directorate works with a range of stakeholders to deliver transport security, including overseas work with partners through capacity development, mentoring and sharing of best practice. To date, ASIO, IMSOT and MSC have shared training material via external hard drives, DVDs and memory sticks. These include four different maritime related training films and twelve different aviation related training films that have DfT logos and represents the Department. These training materials are either shipped out via our post room or personally carried to the training location. This includes domestic locations such as any of the 365+ UK ports, UK based training companies and overseas regions where maritime security training is delivered via face-to-face training workshops. In ition, we currently communicate Maritime security updates, security notices and PFSIs with our stakeholders via email. This process is inefficient and time coning, as we have roughly 500+ stakeholders in the UK alone that these key messages need to be delivered to. We do not currently have the functionality to offer any additional training to colleagues working at our ports and this is something the Department is keen to introduce in the form of accessible e-learning training modules that can be completed by security staff. To help future proof the MSC and IMSOT programmes, we need to evolve our current method of accessing training material, delivering key stakeholder security announcements and completing further training and thus suggest a secure online portal that can be accessed by our stakeholders to complete the above functions. The priority of the platform is for our stakeholders to be able to securely log on and access save our training films. But we would also require this platform to effectively send out stakeholder announcements at ports such as high security alerts, PFSIs and also give opportunity for s to also complete e-learning training modules. ASIO is primarily overseas focused, and, at present, distribution of the security films overseas is managed by our staff based abroad. Films are distributed in hard copy (hard drive or DVD). At this stage, they are not planning to open this up to their overseas stakeholders via a portal. ASIO plans to utilise the platform by sharing its suite of 12 aviation security films with UK-based training organisations. There is a lot of demand from UK companies and ASIO would be keen to make use of a DfT portal such as proposed here. The required functions for Aviation will be mostly the same, see below. The MoSCoW Requirement for this project is as follows: Must Have:Secure and reliable access to view,share,save training films. BOTH Must Have: accounts to securely log in, and also have function to reset password if required. BOTH Must Have:Metrics to analyse who is logging in and when. BOTH Must Have:Support box, email for s, in they are issues with the portal. BOTH Must Have:Administrator to support and manage the portal, in particular any issues with logging in, passwords, technical difficulties etc. BOTH Should Have:Stakeholder security updates, notices and suitable alert method in place. This will need to have a functionality to set up specific groups as not all security notices go to all stakeholders. MARITIME ONLY, ASIO COULD BE INTERESTED LATER Should Have:Address Book pulled from MALLARD onto the portal, so that we have port’s contact details for security announcements, PFSIs. MARITIME ONLY Should Have:Port Facility Security Instructions for only domestics. MARITIME ONLY Could Have:Training Section E-Learning Modules, Film Handouts. MARITIME ONLY, ASIO COULD BE INTERESTED LATER Could Have:Generic feedback, comments section that come directly to us. BOTH Won’t Have:All content together. They will need to be in different appropriate sections. BOTH Expected activities during this project include finalising team requirements, establishing needs, work with digital and procurement to reach out to suppliers, agree winning bid and then support supplier in setting up portal. Where the supplied staff will work No specific location (for example they can work remotely) Who the organisation using the products or services is The online portal will be used by DfT, UK,OT,CD Ports, UK based ASIO training organisations, UK, International Maritime Security Training Providers and International Host Countries. It will be owned by DfT, but will be used by the aforementioned stakeholders. The portal will need worldwide access. Why the work is being done This project aligns with the commitment made in the National Strategy for Maritime Security (published August 2022). https:www.gov.ukgovernmentpublicationsnational-maritime-security-strategy. “To improve collaboration between government and industry, a dedicated maritime security portal will be created to provide timely and effective industry engagement. This will enable quick, reliable, and up to date communications with secure access for sharing documents covering both policy and compliance.” Furthermore, the CONTEST independent Annual Review of the MSSET programme made the following key recommendation: “Consider the benefits digital e-learning methods provide to support sustainability and reduce cost longer term.” The review also commented: “A shift towards digital e-learning methods is not just about staying updated with modern training methodologies its about harnessing the tremendous power of technology to amplify our counter-terrorism training efforts. Active learning methodologies allow them to maximise investment by building upon the existing expertise of our personnel, ensuring they are not just informed but proficient.” This project also aligns with the commitment made by Departments across Whitehall to support the OTs. From the tenth annual Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London on 11-12 May 2023: “Maintaining the security of shipping and port facilities is an important part of maintaining economic security through ensuring the continued flow of goods and supporting essential industries tourism. The UK and the OTs agree on the need to continue to work collaboratively on ensuring effective maritime security within the Territories in compliance with the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).” This commitment from DfT is also in place with regard to supporting the CDs. As mentioned above, our current method of delivering training films has proven to be time-coning, costly and ineffective in many s. The constant re-ordering of bulk physical DVD copies and then individually preparing these to send out to stakeholders has caused issues and s in recent years. In ition, many of our stakeholders have actually also struggled to utilise the DVDs as some computer devices no longer have DVD slots and there’s currently no other way of them accessing the materials online. Some international stakeholders have also been reluctant to use the USB external hard drives due to IT security policies. MALLARD is used as a database which holds contact details for our ports port officers when sending security announcements and PFSIs. Our current process of issuing security announcements and PFSIs is also dependant on factors such as access to MALLARD – or a similar database - and liaising with Maritime Security Division which as mentioned above, can cause problems too. The portal would also provide resilience regarding holding stakeholder contact data. The recent issue has shown that this is something that needs to be ressed. On the portal, we will have to set up an ‘Address Book’, hopefully that will be a simple lift from MALLARD, but we will not put the inspection data we hold on MALLARD on to the Portal MALLARD,MASCOM will still remain and be used by rest of the compliance team as a database for its current functions such as reporting on inspections, keeping track of statutory documents, pulling contacts, updating inspection data etc. MASCOM will be ready around Easter, Early mer. This will replace MALLARD. Thus, seniors within Transport Security have expressed their strong interest in pursuing with this online portal and setting up the platform to mitigate the issues we’ve been facing. The latest we would to have this portal live by is December 2024 to manage changes to programmes – We will be doing less work in some of our IMSOT countries, and the portal is part of the exit plan. Key Benefits Include: Efficient method of accessing training films, saving the department time, effort and money. Environmentally more suitable too as we shift to digitalised way of working and will no longer need to use physical DVD copies and hard discs. Aligned with Maritime National Strategy and CONTEST Programme to explore and introduce security e-learning training modules. Secure platform for our stakeholders to view training films and receive port security announcements. Efficient and secure method of issuing Security Notices, PFSIs and a range of security announcements as necessary. The business problem - Evolved method of sharing maritime security training films - Evolved method of sending out security notices and PFSIs - Platform for stakeholders to complete e-learning training modules - Secure accounts end-s can log into - Metrics to analyse portal activity - Support contact for end-s who have issues with portal - Administrator to support manage portal - Feedback sections for end-s The people who will use the product or service User type: UK and OTCD Ports Definition: I need to access the portal so that I can view any security notices, PFSIs or if any of my security staff need to complete e-learning. User type: Training Providers Definition: I need to access the portal to view, access and share the training films with our delegates. User type: Overseas Stakeholders Host Countries Definition: I need to access the portal to view, access and share training films during our workshops, as well as offering e-learning training to required personnel. User type: Maritime and Aviation Security Operations Staff Definition: I need to access the portal to review content that is on there, and share with stakeholders when required to do so. User type: External Administrator Definition: I need to access the portal so that I can manage activity and respond to any queries issues. User type: Needs Definition: 1. Secure and Reliable Access to Portal. This includes being given login details for security, and being able to access via internet, even in international locations where connection may be weaker. Perhaps a function to savedownload the films so that they can be played even when connection may be weak? 2. Function to reset and change their password login details if they’ve forgotten. 3. We will have metrics to be able to see who’s logging in and when etc, but perhaps a help box or contact email for s to also be able to type their issues in if they’re struggling to access a page. For example, if a training film isn’t loading for them, they can log the issue and raise a ticket on the portal for the admin to resolve? 4. General feedback box for any other positive negative feedback? 5. Ability to Access, Play and Share Training Films. They should be easy to navigate through and be the same quality as the DVD Copies. 6. Suitable Alerts for Security Notices. Email notification pop up on the portal should appear whenever there is a security notice or announcement. 7. Similar to above, but suitable section and alert system for PFSIs (Port Facility Security Instructions). However, PFSIs should not be able to be accessed by international s and only for ports training providers in UK, so a way this can be limited to only UK s? 8. E-Learning Modules. To improve and develop security training, s should be able to access and benefit from the e-learning training section of the portal. 9. To be able to easily navigate through the Portal, and it’s sections. For example, the maritime area and aviation area should be separate, and s should be able to differentiate. Any pre-market engagement done NA Work done so far - Detailed discussions with key contacts within Maritime and Aviation to capture requirements - In-depth meetings and email conversations with Digital Business Partner - Submitted demand draft, requirements, objectives, and needs - Approved by digital and procurement to proceed with recommended CCS Digital Outcomes as the preferred route to market for this tender (standard discovery) Which phase the project is in Discovery Existing team Maritime Security Operations (Transport Security Directorate): Tanbir Ahmed – Programme Manager Jackie Coare – Finance and Policy Lead Steve Phillips – Inspector MALLARD Administrator Aviation Security Operations (Transport Security Directorate): Gordon Birnie - Capability Development Toolkit Manager Jilian Spindura – Deputy Head of ASIO Digital Team: Justin Bone – Digital Business Partner Address where the work will be done Online Remote Working arrangements Suppliers to provide preferred approach. The exact milestones will be agreed with the supplier when appointed. Status updates (teams meeting, email) detailing achievements of key milestones and issues that may impact timescales and cost should be provided. If SaaSCOTS solution is readily available to meet needs, then the discovery should identify these in the report. Security and vetting requirements Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) More information about the Security requirements: Whilst developing the portal, BPSS would suffice. However, the portal administrator may require CTC when in place as they will have access to official sensitive security notices. Latest start date 6 May 2024 Expected contract length Contract length: 2 years 0 months 0 days Optional extension: 1 years 0 months 0 days Budget Indicative maximum: £150000 Indicative minimum: The contract value is not specified by the buyer Further information: This tender opportunity and budget is for the Discovery phase only. DfT has the option to progress to Alpha if required and agreed with the supplier. Contracted out service or supply of resource? Contracted out service: the off-payroll rules do not apply Terms and acronyms Term or acronym: DfT Definition: Department for Transport Term or acronym: MASLO Definition: Regional Maritime Security Liaison Officer Term or acronym: IMSOT Definition: International Maritime Security Operations Team Term or acronym: ASIO Definition: Aviation Security International Operations Term or acronym: MSC Definition: Maritime Security Compliance Term or acronym: PFSI Definition: Port Facility Security Instructions Term or acronym: CONTEST Definition: UK’s Counter Terrorism Strategy Term or acronym: MSSET Definition: Maritime Engagement Strategic Engagement and Training Term or acronym: OTCD Definition: Overseas Territory and Crown Dependencies