Microsoft Power BI SME
Design, Implementation and Training
Iterative Approach using sprints
Required Security Clearance: NATO SECRET
SCOPE OF WORK
Under the direction / guidance of the local NCIA Point of Contact, assigned Project Manager, Service Manager or NBAC Analytics and Core Business Application Head, the contractor will support the following:
Power BI Platform Installation \& Configuration
Deploy, configure, and harden Power BI Report Server (on-premises) and possibly Power BI Service (SaaS) in line with NATO and NCIA security policies and architectural guidance.
Ensure secure setup of claims-based ADFS authentication and compliance with change-control windows.
Installation \& Configuration Planning
Produce a detailed Installation \& Configuration Plan covering both environments (NR and NS), authentication setup, and security controls. The plan shall serve as a baseline for deployment and accreditation activities.
Security Hardening \& Accreditation Support
Provide a hardened, operational platform with tested ADFS login for at least three representative user roles (admin, analyst, and viewer).
Support accreditation with NCIA Security Authority and ensure documentation is stored in relevant project repositories (e.g. CMDB).
Platform Administration \& Monitoring
Deliver ongoing Level 2/3 support, including monitoring of backups, logs, and performance tuning.
Maintain compliance with ITIL processes and NATO service operation protocols, and contribute to operational resilience of BI platforms.
Incident, Problem \& Change Management
Resolve Service Desk tickets in line with SLA targets (* 98% availability, MTTR per priority class) and participate in change management, including impact assessments, patching, and upgrades.
Ensure coordination with cross-service infrastructure teams.
Cross-Service Coordination \& On-Call Support
Collaborate with infrastructure and database teams under OLAs to resolve performance or upgrade-related issues.
Data Integration \& ETL Development
Design and implement ETL pipelines using NATO authorized tools (e.g. SQL Server 2014+, KNIME, Oracle Data Integrator or Java…) as appropriate, ensuring compliance with NATO data-classification and retention rules.
Produce complex SQL queries for accurate data extraction, transformation, and loading.
Power BI Visualization \& Dashboard Delivery
Build and maintain interactive Power BI dashboards, reports, and data models to support enterprise reporting needs.
Prototype dashboards shall be validated and signed off by the designated Business Product Owner.
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 endeavor.
Contribution to BI Architecture \& Standards
Contribute to the creation and maintenance of the documentation of relevant architectural artefacts, data modelling and coding guidelines, standards and best practices.
Contribute to the creation and maintenance of relevant Standard Operating Procedures
Knowledge Transfer \& End-User Training
Develop and deliver a Knowledge-Transfer Plan \& Schedule for NBAC staff, including end- user training sessions (both remote and in-person).
Provide clear training materials, deliver class-room and/or virtual training classes and maintain attendance records
Provide ad-hoc technical mentoring to Power Users as part of the Service.
Documentation \& Handover Assurance
Deliver complete and accurate documentation of platform administration, operational processes, and support procedures.
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.
SKILL, KNOWLEDGE \& EXPERIENCE
MANDATORY Requirements
All Contractor personnel delivering services on the contract must hold a NATO SECRET Security Clearance.
At least 5 years of proven, recent and relevant experience as a consultant on large implementation projects of business application, with a strong understanding of Power BI and DWH architecture, components, functionalities and Oracle and Microsoft Databases.
At least 5 years of proven knowledge and experience of installation, configuring, administering, troubleshooting and maintaining Power BI Reports Server.
At least 5 years of proven working experience in MS SQL Server (2014 and higher) and or Oracle databases.
Prior experience of working in Agile development methodologies.
Experience developing complex SQL queries and ETL.
Data Modelling and Design. Proficient in designing normalized and denormalized data models, star/snowflake schemas.
In depth knowledge and extensive experience with Power BI, including data modelling, DAX, and dashboard design.
Proven work experience of Level 2 and Level 3 support—including incident, problem, change, and service request fulfilment—using ITIL processes and service-management tooling.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex data sets.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to document work done.
Full proficiency in the English language.
DESIRED Requirements
Configure PBI Server to work with claims based ADFS authentication.
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.
This is a condensed version of the job description. A full, detailed job description will be provided during the application process.