OFFICIAL
Statement of Requirements (SOR)
RM6277 - Non Clinical Staffing
Mini Competition - Lot 3
FCDO Services Campaign Ref:
XLY120/NCS/6277/26/56
Role: QA Test Manager
Contents
1 Supplier Guidance 1
2 Requirements 1
3 Employment Status 1
4 Scope and Objectives 1
5 Number of Roles 1
6 Skills and Experience 1
7 Submission Process 1
8 Budget and Charges 1
9 Contract Duration 1
10 Contracted Hours & Additional Charges 1
11 Location & Hybrid Working 1
12 Overseas Travel 1
13 Expenses 1
14 Notice Period 1
15 Constraints 1
15.1 Professional Conduct 1
15.2 Security Clearance/Vetting 1
15.3 Current/Previous Work with FCDO Services 1
16 Skills and Knowledge Transfer 1
17 Hiring Manager 1
- Supplier Guidance
FCDO Services is a trading fund of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - www.fcdoservices.gov.uk.
Attached is our Supplier Guidance.
- Requirements
The QA Test Manager is responsible for ensuring the success and quality of the testing process so that products and services are of the highest possible quality for our customers. They design and execute test plans and carry out exploratory testing as part of a broader risk-based approach.
- Employment Status
Following assessment of this role using the HMRC IR35 CEST Tool, FCDO Services confirm the result as:
Off-payroll working rules (IR35) apply
A copy of the IR35 CEST Tool assessment is provided alongside this SOR and is available on request at any time.
To ensure compliance with the off payroll working rules, HMRC and tax regulations, deductions must be made by either:
- PAYE via Supplier
Deductions will be made after FCDO Services pays the supplier but before the supplier pays the contractor.
- Engagement via Umbrella Company
Deductions will be made through a compliant UK based Umbrella Company that is compliant with all relevant laws and regulations. The Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) lists accredited Umbrellas.
The IR35 CEST Tool assessment will remain current throughout the Call-Off Contract and any Call-Off Extensions. In the event the determination changes a revised assessment will be issued by FCDO Services.
- Scope and Objectives
Define the test strategy and lead its implementation ensuring that the test policy and processes meet ISO standards
- Construction of a Test Solution and management of end to end testing based on Business and/or Operational requirements
- Responsible for Test improvement and optimisation
- Responsible for implementation and maintenance of any test management tooling
- Engage with Business and/or Operational Stakeholders to gain agreement to the proposed test solution
- Create test documentation to support the agreed test solution
- Manage a team of testers with coaching and mentoring to ensure that all test solutions are successful and signed off by the end user
- Manage all defects and liaise between Business and/or Operational Stakeholders and software developers to ensure the defect management reflects the Business and/or Operational priorities
- Support the Go-Live/Production deployment activities of the Business and/or Operational solution
- Have expert technical understanding and provide advice to project teams
- Engagement of Business and/or Operational Stakeholders to gain agreement to the proposed Test Solution
- Design Test solution to encompass all, or some, of the following types of testing:
- Functional Testing
- System Integration Testing
- Non Functional Testing (such as Performance, Interface, Usability, Failover testing)
- Manage test estimations for the Programme/Project
- Creation of a Test Schedule that feeds into the Main Project Plan/Schedule (or Operational Plan)
- Creation of a Test Traceability Matrix document to monitor test coverage and test progress
- Number of Roles
1
- Skills and Experience
- ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Management (CTAL-TM) v3.0 or equivalent test management certification or proven test management experience.
- Basic knowledge of SQL scripts used to interrogate databases
- Knowledge of Cloud infrastructure setup (AWS and Azure)
- Awareness of Virtual Machine management tools (e.g. VMWare)
- Knowledge of test management tools
- Awareness of non functional testing techniques
- Level 3 Information Communication Technician or equivalent level 3 qualification in IT, Computer Science or relevant experience”
- Experience of working in Tier 2 environments
- Knowledge and practical experience in stress, load, soak and performance testing
• Knowledge of continuous integration (CI) and continuous delivery (CD)
• Basic Networking knowledge (e.g. Cisco)
- Knowledge of test automation tool sets
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It is required that any mandatory qualifications requested are checked and verified by the supplier. FCDO Services retains the right to request evidence of such checks.
- Submission Process
Suppliers should submit all CV’s to FCDOServices.Recruitment@fcdo.gov.uk by 01/06/26.
A maximum of 3 CV’s per supplier are allowed to be submitted.
- Budget and Charges
Pay Bands are determined by the Framework and Lot. Where there are overlapping Pay Bands, suppliers are required to apply the lower Pay Band. The High Cost Area Supplement is not applicable.
For AWR Agency Workers, the pay will be in line with a permanent employee.
Fee Type
Daily.
Maximum FCDO Services Charge Rate (including Supplier Fee)
£550.
- Contract Duration
The Call-Off Contract will be for 6 Months.
The maximum permitted duration of the Call-Off Contract is 24 Months.
- Contracted Hours & Additional Charges
Contractor
The core working hours are flexible, but normally start between 8.00am and 9.30am and finish between 4.30pm and 6.00pm, with up to 1 hour for lunch. The individual will be expected to work a Standard Professional Working Day of a minimum 7.5 hours per day.
A Standard Professional Working Week (based on 5 Days a week) is a minimum of 37.5 hours per week up to a maximum of 48 hours per week in order to meet specific business objectives (exclusive of lunch breaks). This will be at no additional cost to their agreed charge rate.
FCDO Services are unable to guarantee any work or usage of contractors. The Purchase Order will provide commercial cover with approx. usage for the stated duration.
The Call-Off Contract will be for 5 Days a week.
- Location & Hybrid Working
FCDO Services operates a hybrid working model (for applicable roles) where a minimum of 60% of working time shall be on site in the workplace. Any fully remote or home working arrangements will be temporary (unless agreed otherwise).
This role has been identified as a hybrid working role with the contracted location as Hanslope Park (Milton Keynes, MK19 7BH). The role holder shall adhere to the Hybrid Working Policy and any changes
Contractor
The work will primarily be carried out at the location specified above with occasional visits to locations in London and the Milton Keynes area. The cost of travel from the candidates home to and from these locations will be covered within the daily rate. If there is a requirement to attend meetings at client sites in the UK (outside of London or the Milton Keynes area) then the cost of this travel will be reimbursed in line with FCDO Services Contractor Expenses Policy.
- Overseas Travel
Not applicable.
- Expenses
Only necessary actual business related costs by a contractor whilst undertaking contracted activities will be reimbursed where such expenses are in line with FCDO Services Contractor Expenses Policy and have been pre-approved by the Hiring Manager or their authorised representative.
All expenses must be claimed through the supplier and evidenced with vendor specific receipts detailing the cost incurred.
- Notice Period
Seven (7) Calendar Days.
- Constraints
- Professional Conduct
All staff matters must be conducted according to standard expectations and arrangements, with full consultation and agreement with FCDO Services HR.
- Security Clearance/Vetting
Candidates submitted for this role must be British nationals, and be able to confirm:
- They are a British citizen and do not hold any other nationality.
- They have been a resident in the UK for at least two of the last five years
Due to the nature of this requirement, UK Government Security Clearance if not already held will need to be obtained.
The security clearance required for this role is SC.
Although advantageous, it is not a requirement that a candidate already holds Security Clearance.
Candidates who do not currently hold clearance must be able to obtain the appropriate level of clearance for the role specified. Short-listed candidates will be submitted for vetting procedures before being formally offered the position. This process can take 6-8 weeks.
Please consider this in relation to the urgency of this requirement when submitting your bid.
- Current/Previous Work with FCDO Services
Candidates are not permitted to be re-engaged in the same or similar contractor role within a 6 month basis per the ‘Use of Contractors in FCDO Services Policy’. Where a candidate moves to a different contractor role, there must be a break between roles of at least 1 month.
You will need to complete a self-declaration on the Contractor Selection Summary to confirm the candidates put forward have not worked for FCDO Services within the previous 6 months in a same or similar contractor role.
Supplying incorrect or false information will result in the candidate being rejected from the campaign.
- Skills and Knowledge Transfer
Contractors will be expected to deliver skills and knowledge transfer of their contracted work, technical expertise and experience during their contracted time. This will be at no additional cost to their agreed charge rate.
- Hiring Manager
This role reports directly to Nicola Moseley