2025-0334 Support for DevSecOps Engineering (NS) REMOTE - 6 Nov

• The NCI Agency is embracing cloud services by transitioning to Microsoft Azure with a security-centric design. This shift aims to enhance operational efficiency, collaboration, and security across the organization.
• The objective of this statement of work is to establish a support and operating model for End User Services operating in the Public Cloud.

Scope of Work:
The contractor will be part of a team providing Technical Level 2 and 3 support, ensuring the secure, available, managed and compliant delivery of Public Cloud Services to NATO and its Strategic Commands.
Under the direction / guidance of the IaaS/PaaS Team technical lead or the Cloud Operations Center Manager, the contractor will perform the following activities:
Operation of cloud infrastructure in Microsoft Azure by leveraging DevSecOps practices:

• Deploy and manage landing zones by utilizing DevSecOps practices to ensure a secure, scalable foundation for cloud workloads;
• Deploy and manage cloud workloads on top of the landing zones in an automated fashion;
• Utilize Infrastructure as Code and CI/CD pipelines through Azure Devops;
• Build, deploy and maintain containerized workloads using Azure Kubernetes Services (AKS);
• Deploy and monitor Azure Virtual Machines (VMs), including sizing, patching, backup, performance tuning and cost optimization;
• Build and maintain automated disaster recovery and backup solutions using services like Azure Backup, Site Recovery and storage replication;
• Monitor the performance and effectiveness of landing zones and cloud workloads;
• Identify opportunities for improvement and implement optimizations to enhance security and efficiency.

Support for application deployment and troubleshooting:

• Manage secure and reliable access to applications for end-users includingconfiguration of Azure Application Gateways, Azure load-balancers and customdomains;
• Monitor Application availability, performance and security using services such asAzure Monitor, Log Analytics, Application insights and configure automatedalerts;
• Provide support for Microsoft Azure Services - related issues, includingtroubleshooting access, networking and cloud resource specific issues;
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for Microsoft Azure Services processes, configurations, and workflows;

Security and Compliance:

• Implement and manage governance controls such as Azure policies to ensure compliance with organizational standards;
• Ensure all deployed workloads and services adhere to Zero trust security principles, including proper network segmentation, identity-base access control and logging;
• Conduct regular audits and reviews of access controls and permissions.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate with IT security, compliance, and other relevant teams to ensure cohesive cloud resources management strategies.
• Contribute to the lifecycle of cloud secure products in collaboration with the CTOCCOE to ensure reusable, secure and automated infrastructure modules
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders to understand IaaS and Paas requirements and address concerns.

Automation and Efficiency:

• Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency through automation and proactively implement solutions.
• Champion continuous improvement by evaluating new Azure capabilities, DevOps tools and security practices and integrate them into operations.
• Lead operational readiness for new cloud solutions, by establishing runbooks, knowledge base transfer sessions and handover to support teams

The services related to the activities above will be delivered in Sprints, and each sprint will have the duration 5 working days.
The content and scope of each sprint will be agreed during the sprint‐planning meetings as covered in the section 4.
 
Coordination and Reporting:
The contractor shall participate in daily status update meetings, activity planning and other meetings as instructed, via electronic means using Conference Call capabilities, according to the Cloud Operation Center Manager / Team Leaders instructions. This contractor hired for this position will be part of the NCIA Cloud Operations Center Team.
 
Constraints:
All the deliverables provided under this statement of work will be based on NCI Agency templates or agreed with the project point of contact. All code, scripts, documentation, etc. will be stored under configuration management and/or in the provided NCI Agency tools.
 
Security:
To deliver services under this SoW a valid NATO SECRET security clearance is required. All the deliverables of this project will be considered NATO UNCLASSIFIED, while access to networks exceeding this classification level is required. With this role being of technical nature providing administrative support, a security clearance at the NATO Secret level is required prior to the start of the engagement.
 
Practical Arrangements:
Place of Performance: The contractor will be required to provide the service 100% off site NCI Agency. The contractor will be required to provide the service within a NATO country, following the rules and regulations applicable for the operations of NATO CIS.

• NCIA Recognised Business hours/Holidays
• NCIA-Braine L'Alleud (BLA) official holiday schedule applies and will be provided to the contractor.

NCIA Hours of Operations:

• Monday to Thursday 0830 - 1730 and Friday 0830 - 1530 (CET)

Contractor Furnished Services:

• Contractor shall furnish everything required to perform the contract except for the items specified and covered under NCIA Furnished Property and Services below.

NCIA Furnished Property and Services:

• End-device (laptop)
• Access to relevant networks and environments will be provided by NCIA

Travel:

• The contractor is required to travel for the on-boarding and off-boarding to NATO offices in NATO HQ or Braine-l'Alleud as part of this role, for periods not exceeding 1 week.
• The contractor might be required to travel to NATO offices in NATO HQor Braine-l'Alleud every 6 months for periods not exceeding 1 week.
• Travel will be the responsibility of the contractor and the expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with Article 5.5 of AAS Framework Contract and within the limits of the NCIA Travel Directive. The service provider, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the framework agreement, will invoice them separately to the purchaser. These additional travel costs are considered an extra charge to the overall bid price.

Others:

• The service depicted in this SOW is expected to be carried by a SINGLE PERSON.

Requirements:
Qualification:
The Support for DevSecOps Engineering requires an experienced DevSecOps Engineer with the following qualifications:
Technical Expertise:

• In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Azure Cloud IaaS/PaaS Services;
• Proficiency in designing, deploying and managing landing zones in MicrosoftAzure by leveraging IaC and CI/CD pipelines; .E
• xpertise in managing governance controls such as Azure Policy;
• Experience in building, deploying and maintaining containerized workloadsusing Azure Kubernetes Services (AKS);
• Experience in managing deploying and monitoring Azure Virtual Machines(VMs);
• Expertise in enabling secure and reliable access to applications for end-users.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:

• Strong analytical skills to assess and improve DevSecOps processes andworkflows;
• Ability to troubleshoot complex Microsoft Azure Services issues andimplement effective solutions.

Security and Compliance Knowledge:

• Understanding of security best practices and compliance requirementsrelated to Microsoft Azure services and DevSecOps practices;
• Experience conducting audits and ensuring adherence to regulatorystandards.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with IT teams,stakeholders, and end-users;
• Ability to document processes clearly and provide training on Microsoft AzureServices and DevSecOps practices.

Organizational Skills:

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively;
• Attention to detail in managing user accounts, groups, and access controls.

Team Collaboration:

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and share knowledge andresources;
• Willingness to collaborate with colleagues to solve complex issues.

Others:

• The Contractor has strong customer relationship skills, including negotiating complex and sensitive situations under pressure;
• Full proficiency in the English language. French language proficiency is of advantage.