Term of Reference For the employment of Information Technology (IT Technician) for FCGO IT System 1. Background Organization and its functions: Financial Comptroller General Office (FCGO)as the major organization under the Ministry of Finance, is the main agency responsible for the Public Financial Management (PFM) system of Government of Nepal (GoN). The treasury operation is the pivotal function of this office as the central level function. In order to manage the treasury,it also carries out the functions mentioned in the Financial Procedure Act, 2055 (B.S.) and Financial Procedure Regulation, 2064 for this office. Actually these laws for this office have mandated the major functions. As per the said laws, this office mainly overseesbudget implementation, treasury administration, cash and budget management, expenditure and revenue accounting, expenditure and revenue tracking, other receipts management, human resource management,strengthening the accounting system and preparation of consolidated financial statements of the government. There are District Treasury and Controller Offices (DTCOs) in 75 districts under this office. In Kathmandu district there are additional four TSA counters. The DTCOs release the budget and manage the fund for the expenditure and control the accounts for the offices operating under the line ministries of GoN. Presently DTCOs are making the payment through implementing the Treasury Single Account(TSA)in all districts. E-Governance Approach:FCGO has adopted the E-Governance approach for its business operations. In this endeavor,various functions have been digitized and thus replaced the manual process of the operations. For this, there is a Management Information System (MIS), which has computerized networks for the recording, reporting and business processes as well as other PFM works of spending units through the DTCOs. There are two levels of Computerizedsystem in FCGO and DTCOs, which are as follows: – Financial FCGO and, Management Information – System (FMIS) in Treasury Single Account District Expenditure Control System (TSA/DECS) in DTCOs The FMIS has been used to produce the budget publication and accounts of GoNfor more than a decade. 1 In addition to this, there are two systems namely Computerized Government Accounting System (CGAS)and Revenue Management Information System (RMIS). CGAS is planned to beexecuted in Paying Offices (POs) of GoN to capture transactions and their accounting, book keeping,expenditure reporting and revenue. For the time being CGAS has been piloted in all 75 DTCO's and 16 Paying Offices of Kaski district. In the current FY FCGO is planning to extend the use of CGAS to few ministries and other offices which are ready to use it. RMIS is an interfacing system, which has been piloted in 3 districts of Kathmandu valley. This system is designed to capture the entry level revenue data through a single online system operated by FCGO and used by banks, paying offices and DTCOs. After the introduction of new Charts of Accounts (CoA)based on Government Finance Statistics (GFS) 2001 code in 2068/69, the following Information Technology (IT) Systems have been redesigned and updated to make them compatible with GFS 2001 codes. Budget Management Information System (BMIS): This software is used in formulating annual budget in Ministry of Finance (MoF). The data required for budget formulation is also supported by the Line Ministry Budgeting System (LMBS) used at ministries level and FMIS at FCGO. The budget of fiscal year 2069/70 has been published based on the updated BMIS using GFS 2001 codes. Financial Management Information System (FMIS): This system is used for compiling entire data of budget release, expenditure, balances, virement, revenue collection, retention moneyfrom TSA-DECS. The FMIS gives consolidated information regarding entire financial performance of the districts obtained from DTCOs. FMIS is the means by which the FCGO exercises control over the DTCOs and ensures that data is accurate, complete and well timed. It is the main source of reporting of the budget execution, revenue collection and retention money. FCGO produces different financial reports at different intervals using such data. Line Ministry Budgeting System (LMBS): This is used for preparing annual budget at the line ministry level. It facilitates to transfer such data to BMIS used at MoF. TSA DECS is used by all districts for managing budget expenditure, revenue and retention money of Paying Offices of the district. The main feature of this system is that it records payment requests received from paying offices and Cheques printed and issued to them.TSA is now in the course of further enhancement. From the start of current FY commitment recording module has been started as 2 a component of TSA software which is believed to be crucial in budgetary forecasting. The above mentioned Systems have been developed and maintained using Oracle 11g as database engine and Oracle application server as middle tire and Oracle form report 11g as application development software. The systems are documented with both technical and user manual as well. All 75 DTCOs have been working on web-based (Online) connectivity. It is also planned to connect these districts and run on web-based system. Among 67 DTOs, 60 have been implementing Treasury Single Account (TSA) system, which is running the Web based modality. Rest of the DTCOs has been using Imprest Fund Release (Non-TSA) Procedure and DECS software for its treasury operation. It has also been planned to implement TSA system in other 15 DTCOs from the next fiscal year. Recently, FCGO has established the Data Center (DC) at its own premises and established Data Recovery (DR) Center as the back up system at Government Integrated Data Center (GIDC), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, at Singhdurbar, Kathmandu. 2. Status of Hardware Architecture and Software Platform: Currently, FCGO has an environment of Database Server and Application Server at Data Center (DC) and one server at Data Recovery (DR) Center as Database and Application Server. All three servers are IBM P7 Server with 4core and RAM 128 GB. There are External Storage and Centralized tape library as well deployed to maintain the data backup. Furthermore, DTCOs are connecting with FCGO at DC established at FCGO. There is no connectivity between FCGO and DTCOs through DR Center. DR Center is connected with DC through Dark Fiber.FCGO is using online (Web-base) mode for Wide Area Networking (WAN) system. FCGO has installed the following devices (hardware) at Data Center (Primary Site) to run the above mentioned IT systems: Database (RISC) Server (IBM Power7 P/N: 8205-E6B) - 1 Web Logic/Application (RISC) Server (IBM Power7 P/N: 8205-E6B) - 2 Enterprise Rack (IBM Enterprise Rack) – 2 San Switches (IBM System Storage SAN24B-4) – 2 External Storage System (IBM DS5020) – 1 Tape Library (IBM TS3100 Tape Library) - 1 UPS For Backup System (K-Star –RP60) – 2 Core Firewall (Cisco ASA 5520-CSC20-K9) – 1 Core Switch (Cisco Catalyst Layer 3 3750 Series) — 2 Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)(Macfee IPSM-2850) - 1 Cisco Router (1800 Ferics-2 & 1900 ferics-1)-3 3 Similarly, FCGO has installed the following devices (hardware) at Data Recovery Center (Secondary Site) to back up the data and to support the above mentioned IT systems: Database and Application (RISC) Server (IBM Power7 P/N: 8205-E6B) - 1 San Switches (IBM System Storage SAN24B-4) – 2 External Storage System (IBM DS5020) – 1 Tape Library (IBM TS3100 Tape Library) – 1 Core Switch (Cisco Catalyst Layer 3 3750 Series) – 1 Brief descriptions of the architecture are as follows: 1. DTCOs access the centrally deployed Application Server at Data Center from their terminals (Desktop/Laptop) using web base mode of connectivity. The Application Server will also be used as Oracle Web Logic Server. 2. FCGO deployed another Sever as a central database server at Data Center. Data of the database will be stored in external storage with Oracle Advanced Security enabled. This will transparently encrypt the data. 3. The third server has been deployed as both database and application at Data Recovery (DR) Center. Half (2 core) of the server has been used for database purpose and the other half (2 core) of the server has been used for application purpose. 4. Data between Data Center and DR Center will be synchronized using ERM (Enhanced Remote Mirroring) technology. DR center is connected with DC through Dark Fiber. 5. DTCOs only access the Application and Web Logic Server at Data Center. There will be no connectivity between FCGO and DTCOs through the Server located at DR Center. FCGO is responsible for smooth and consistent operation and maintenance of the following IT systems: FMIS, TSA DECS, CGAS and RMIS. In this context, FCGO has to always keep Server system, Networking & Hardware administration, Connectivity mechanism, Database& Software administration intact and workable. In view of this, FCGO intends to engage a few IT Technicians for the support service of these IT systems. 4 2. Objective of the Consulting Service: The main objectives of the proposed consultancy service are as follows: 2.1 To assist in managing and operating the overall hardware, and networking system of FCGO in order systems of FCGO intact and workable, to 2.2 To assist DTCOs in managing networking, and hardware system, operating 2.3 To assist in managing Wide Area Networking (Connectivity) system between FCGO and DTCOs, 2.4 To assist in managing the Server system in Data Center and Data Recovery Center, 2.5 To assist in managingsecurity features of Server, Networking, and Hardware system in FCGO and DTCOs, 2.6 To assist in providing training, and keep the IT the 3. Scope of the Services In order to attain the objectives and carryout the specific roles and responsibilities the consultantshall cover the following areas of concern in this job category: 3.1 Review and study of the IT Systems: The consultant isrequired to study and review the existing hardware, server and networking system of FCGO as well as the overall IT system with technical features of the system. 3.2 Assist in systems Monitoring in FCGO: the The functionality consultant of should the IT assist to monitor the functionality of the hardware, server and networking component of the IT systems in FCGO and gather the recent systems are not initiate remedy status of functioning actions chief of the IT section. 5 the systems. well, immediately and s/he If the should inform the 3.3 Visit DTCOs as and when required for IT solution and getting the intact and workable systems:The Consultant should also visit DTCOs to monitor the status of the hardware, and networking component of IT system as and when required and assist to provide support service in case of non-functionality of the system. 3.4 Modification and up gradation of the systems: consultant is responsible to provide assistance modification and up gradation of the Networking Hardware Architecture in order to accommodate requirements of FCGO and DTCOs. The for and the 3.5 Support Service: The consultant should provide support service for smooth and maintenance of the system. consistent operation and 3.6 Training and knowledge transfer: The consultant should assist in providing training to users according to the requirements on the systems. It is also necessary to assist to prepare training material and update it regularly for the knowledge transfer. 3.7 Enrichment of the systems: The consultant is required to receive comments and feedbacks from DTCOs and other users and integrate them into the system as applicable. 3.8 Familiar with the Accounting/Financial ManagementProcedures/ process of the System: It is desirable that the IT Technician should make familiar her/himself with the accounting, financial management procedures and technical process & features of the systems for the smooth running of the systems. 4. Specific Responsibilities to be performed by the Consultants The consultant shall be responsible particularly to perform the following tasks and responsibilities under the technical direction & supervision of IT section of FCGO: IT system Operation: The consultant is mainly responsible for providing assistance for managing and operating the overall hardware, server and networking system of FCGO and DTCOs in order to keep the IT systems of FCGO intact and workable. 6 Change and Modifications of the system: Assist in modifying and upgrading the relevant components of the systems as per requirement of the FCGO and MOF. Assist the Hub DTCO:The hub IT Technicians are stationed in the different hub districts need to be informed the central level operation and communicate them to harmonize with the system of FCGO regularly and also assist them for smooth and consistent operation and maintenance of hardware, and networking systems. Security Management:Ensure the system is operating in a secured way. In this case it requires managing Security Features of Server, Networking, and Hardware system in FCGO and DTCOs. Assist in the Data Flow Management:The Consultant should assist in managing data flow between DECS and FMIS and other related software. Connectivity Arrangement: The consultant should assist in managing the connectivity arrangement between DTCOs and FCGO. In case of problem, it is necessary to fix it with guidance & direction of concerned IT engineer and report to the authority immediately with the required solution thereon. Conduct Training: Assist inConducting intensive and regional IT training on the systems to users as per requirement. Provide functional training on the systems to users as per requirement.Assist in explaining and transferring knowledge and expertise on overall architect of the system to the concerned staffs of FCGO on an organized manner. Also assist to prepare the training module and materials. Assist in Preparing and Upgrading manuals: The Consultant is required to assist in developing, revising and upgrading architecture, manual and procedures with drawing & design of the hardware and networking systems. Support Service: Provide support service for smooth and consistent operation and maintenance of the system. Receive Feedbacks and comments and manage:It is an integral part of assignment, so the consultant should regularly deal with comments and feedbacks about the system operation and integrate them into the systems as required. 7 Visits of DTCOs: The consultant is required to visit DTCOs to provide support services and to perform other obligations as required by the FCGO. Maintain harmony and cooperation/collaboration:The consultants need to maintain close cooperation and harmony while working with the ITconsultants/engineers, staffs and the supervisor of the work. S/he should have the feeling of togetherness in the effective functioning of the IT system operation of FCGO and DTCOs. Others: Keep and update the inventory of hardware of FCGO and DTCOs, Install and set up the various hardware and related devices, Maintain the various hardware and related devices in order to keep them workable, Set up and maintain the antivirus program and other security applications, Configure the devices related to the connectivity, Be involved in efficient and smooth operation of website and internet of FCGO, 5. Availability of Previous Study Documents and Data: The consultant shall be made available the following books/documents for the accomplishing the obligations under the assignment: Technical Specifications of the IT systems, Configuration of the layout of Hardware, The functional flow of the FCGO, Users’ Manuals of the IT systems, Exercise Manuals of the ITsystems, 8 Latest status of the systems, and Orientation and overview of the IT systems. 6. Consultant's Qualifications and Experience: The consultant should have the following qualification and experience to carry out the assignment: 6.1 6.2 Academic Qualification and Training: Intermediate Degree or above in any discipline from recognized college / university. Training: on Fundamentals of Computer, and Hardware or Networking, minimum duration should be four weeks for each requirement. Training on CCNA or MCSC (min. Professional) will be given priority. Experience: General Experience: Theyshould have minimum 4 years of general experience in the field of database, networking and hardware administration in government or public or private organizations Specific Experience: Experience in the field of web based IT system for at least 1 year would be preferred. 7. Duration of Services: The service period of the consultant shall start from ..., 2014 and ends after 12 months from the starting date. Downstream of the services:The service of the consultant may be extendable upon the satisfactory performance of the consultant. 8. Facilities/Utilities and Logistics to be provided by the Client: The consultant him/herself shall be responsible for arranging all required utilities/facilities and logistics 9 for the completion of the assignment. However, the consultant shall be made available the following facilities/logistics during the service period, if required: Shall be made available shared office room with the counterpart employees of the concerned assignment. Shall have access to the computer and communication facilities (e-mail, telephone, fax etc.) during the obligations performing hours at FCGO, and DTCOs. The relevant information and documents, if any, from FCGO and the concerned DTCOs. Travel allowance and daily allowance shall be paid as per rules and regulations of GoN applicable for Non Gazetted First Class Officer. 9. Reporting Requirements and Deliverables: The consultant should report during or at the completion of the assignment the following reports and deliver the following outputs: 9.1 Reporting Requirements: The Consultant shall prepare and submit the following reports/documents: Monthly Report: The Monthly Performance section of FCGO consultant Report within should (MPR) seven to days submit the after IT the completion of the preceding month. The format and contains of MPR will be finalized mutually. However, the report should clearly explain the actions performed by the consultant in comparison with the agreed work plan. It should also contain perfections, deficiency and recommendations for improvements with a view to strengthening the IT systems. 10 9.2 Annual Report: The consultant should also submit annual report to the IT section of FCGO within fifteen days after the completion of the preceding year as per MPR modality. Deliverables: The assignments should deliver the followings: All responsibilities and tasks stipulated in the ToR to be performed in the right time and in qualitative manner. Intact and workable IT systems in FCGO and DTCOs. Monthly Performance Report (MPR) and Annual Report in English in the given time and format. Documents to be submitted as per the specific responsibilities. 10. Skill Transfer and Dissemination: The Consultant should perform the following activities for the skill transfer and training: The consultant should adopt the approach of skills and expertise transfer to the other users in MoF, FCGO, and DTCOs,while working with them. ******* 11