RFI 14-2025.: National Police Check Systems Replacement (NPCSR) Project - Supplementary Industry Notice

Summary

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) wishes to thank industry for its interest in the market analysis process associated with RFI 14-2025, including participants in the industry briefing and subsequent industry presentations.This Supplementary Industry Notice is a post-market analysis notice to thank the industry for their invaluable contribution so far, and share a sanitised version of the market analysis findings and some information on upcoming activities.Market Analysis findings:·         The recent market analysis has enabled AFP to obtain a preliminary understanding of the extent to which the market meets the needs of National Police Check Systems Replacement project (the Project) prior to approaching the market.·         As a result of market analysis, AFP has developed a better understanding and appreciation of following aspects:o   feasibility of requirements;o   potential solutions, including conceptual designs, key features, benefits and challenges;o   viability of contractual arrangements / operating models;o   feasibility of delivery timeline; ando   rough order of magnitude (ROM) costs.·         The market analysis revealed the seamless and engaging user experience of modern IT solutions being incorporated with elements of minimalist design, low-code or no-code platforms, interactive attributes, and social media-like features for collaboration.·         Many of the potential solutions contained intuitive navigation, clear visual hierarchy, and a focus on making the solution easy and enjoyable to use.·         There is a highly competitive market sector with the capability, capacity and innovative solutions that is likely to satisfy Project requirements. This was substantiated by highly competitive pricing of potential products/platforms available in the market.·         There are sufficient potential suppliers in the market who would be likely to respond to an approach to market through an open tender process.·         The industry presentations demonstrated viable, proven solutions across a number of platforms that could be built with minimal or no customisation.·         The market analysis also confirmed that there are,o   several potential suppliers who could play the role of Prime Contractor / Prime Systems Integrator with or without any sub-contractors, using a single contract for the provision of the required products and services;o   several cloud-based, proven COTS products/platforms that could be delivered as a fully managed service with the Authority to Operate, and data being kept in-country (Australia) using a Certified Strategic Hosting Provider; ando   several potential suppliers who could provide in-country (Australia) establishment and sustainment services, including Service Desk (and IT Helpdesk), throughout the life of new system.·         The level of risk of failure inherent in the market sector is assessed as ‘Low’ as the majority of potential suppliers are well-established, market leaders with a proven track record of delivering similar solutions under similar circumstances.·         Given the size of market, it is anticipated the market sector is quite resilient in responding to any significant and unforeseen circumstances.·         All suppliers who participated in market analysis appeared to be familiar with supplier contracts acceptable to the Australian Government.·         The AFP confirmed an open tender as the optimal approach to market for assuring the best value for money for the agency.Subsequent activities:Potential suppliers are informed that subject to approval of funding, the AFP currently anticipates that it will conduct following activities on, or about the following dates:·         1st week of August 2025: release of RFT seeking responses from potential suppliers.·         November to December 2025: conduct contract negotiations and award contract to the successful Tenderer.·         3rd week of January 2026: commence work of the resulting contract.These activities and timelines are provided for information only and are subject to change, or to not proceed at all, at the sole discretion of the AFP.