Framework agreement on the support of NRW. BANK on the implementation of a Prime release switch

The subject of this call for proposals is a framework agreement on the support of NRW. BANK in the process of performing a Prime release change.

The NRW. BANK uses the 2020.4 version of FIS's Cross-Asset Trading and Risk Platform (formerly Prime) as a front-to-back system for its entire capital market business. This includes everything from business entry, risk accounting and settlement to accounting for fixed income, interest rate and credit derivatives, treasury products, futures and options, as well as promissory notes, repos, securities lending and securities collateral. External systems are also connected, e.g. through exchange interfaces or feeds for the supply of current market data.

The application is based on an MS SQL Server database (MS SQL Server 2016). Automic is used for job control, Git is used for development and version management, and the task workflows are mapped via Jira.

A release upgrade of the software must be carried out approximately every three years. This is a complex, cross-departmental project, as various standard functionalities of the trading, risk management and settlement software are used, as well as customized modules have been implemented on a large scale, which are integrated into the software via hooks or connected by interfaces.

The project "Prime Relase Change 2024" with the aim of migrating to the 2023.4 or higher release started in April 2023. A daily migration of the productive stock has already been set up. The first module tests are currently underway on the 2023.2 release. In addition to the goal of maintaining the status quo after the release change, there is a need for optimization in various places where the front-to-back system has been customized using Python code, e.g. redundant code that can be replaced by the introduction of generic functions.

Against this background, external support is now needed in the Prime environment.

The framework agreement is concluded with a company. The individual contracts based on the framework agreement will be awarded by NRW. BANK.

The provision of services is carried out in accordance with the detailed requirements of NRW. BANK in the context of the individual orders - depending on the project - always at the business premises of NRW. BANK in Düsseldorf ("onsite"). So much for a presence at the NRW. BANK is not a prerequisite, the Contractor is free to choose the place of performance ("offsite").

The timely execution of the services while maintaining the qualifications and experience promised in the offer is an essential basis of the framework agreement.

The estimated purchase volume amounts to a total of 300 consultant days for all companies participating in the framework agreement. A binding maximum purchase limit of 370,000 euros for consultancy services is set (information relating to the maximum term of the framework agreement). A minimum purchase obligation of NRW. BANK does not exist.

The NRW. BANK is not obliged to award contracts within the meaning of this Framework Agreement under the Framework Agreement (see recital 61 of Directive 2014/24/EU).