Solution Architect

1. Purpose  The University of Canberra’s (University) Future Students Digital Handbook (FSDH) is a strategic digital transformation initiative that has been established in response to the planned decommissioning of the University's existing Digital Handbook in January 2027. The FSDH is intended to support the provision of a modern, accessible and future-focused course discovery experience for prospective students.   The University requires specialist resources to supplement internal capability and provide the expertise necessary to design, architect, develop, integrate and test the FSDH within the required implementation timeframe. The proposed procurement seeks a suitably qualified Solution Architect who will play a critical role in defining the target-state solution architecture, ensuring the platform supports a single source of truth for course information, seamless integrations with enterprise systems and a scalable foundation for future enhancements.   The contract is anticipated to commence in September 2026 and conclude in December 2026, for an initial term of approximately four (4) months. The term may be extended, subject to Project delivery requirements and the University’s ongoing need for specialist support.  2. Services  The Contractor shall provide a suitably qualified Solution Architect to support implementation of the FSDH Project. The Solution Architect will work collaboratively with the University’s Student Recruitment and Marketing, Digital, Information and Technology Management, the Content Management System (CMS) implementation partner and other Project stakeholders to define and govern the technical architecture required to support delivery of the FSDH.  It is noted that the Solution Architect may provide the required services either on-site at the University or remotely, as agreed with the University.  3. Specifications Mandatory  The Solution Architect must demonstrate the below attributes:  minimum five (5) years' experience as a solution architect;  demonstrated experience delivering enterprise digital transformation initiatives;  demonstrated experience designing and implementing complex integration solutions;  experience designing API, application and data integration architectures;  experience working with content management systems, digital experience platforms or enterprise web solutions;  experience defining information architecture, data ownership and system integration approaches;  experience producing architecture artefacts, technical specifications and solution design documentation;  strong knowledge of application architecture, integration patterns and enterprise architecture principles; and  strong written communication, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills.  Desirable  The Solution Architect should demonstrate the below attributes:  experience within Higher Education, Government or similarly complex organisations;  experience working with Squiz DXP or comparable digital experience platforms;  experience integrating enterprise platforms with source systems and APIs;  experience with search technologies, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and content discoverability solutions;  experience supporting Agile delivery projects; and  experience working in complex multi-vendor implementation environments.  Key duties and responsibilities 1. Key Duties and Responsibilities The Solution Architect will:  define the target-state solution architecture for the FSDH;  develop architecture artefacts, solution designs and technical documentation to support implementation;  define integration requirements between the FSDH and the University’s existing systems, including Squiz Digital Experience Platform (DXP), Curriculum Lifecycle and Management Solution (CLaMS), Online Course Catalogue (OCC) and Callista;  define authoritative systems of record, data ownership and information management approaches;  develop integration patterns, API requirements and data exchange models to support dynamic content delivery;  define architecture principles supporting a single source of truth for course information;  review and validate vendor solution designs and technical deliverables;  define security, performance, scalability and reliability requirements;  support implementation of search, discoverability and content delivery capabilities;  provide architecture governance, technical assurance and design review services throughout implementation;  support technical decision-making, issue resolution and risk management activities; and  produce architecture artefacts, specifications and supporting documentation required to support implementation and knowledge transfer.  2. Out of Scope  The following activities are out of scope for this engagement:  User Experience (UX)/User Interface (UI) and visual design activities;  software development, configuration and coding activities;  content creation, content approvals and business process ownership;  infrastructure administration and ongoing operational support;  Project, vendor, procurement and contract management activities; and  user acceptance testing coordination and business testing activities.  The Solution Architect will focus on defining the target-state solution architecture, integration patterns, Application Programming Interface (API) requirements, data management approaches, technical governance and architecture assurance activities required to support implementation of the FSDH.  The University will retain responsibility for Project governance, business approvals, stakeholder management, platform ownership and implementation oversight.  3. Anticipated Deliverables The Contractor shall provide the following Deliverables: Deliverable  Inclusions  Due Date  Architecture artefacts, solution designs and technical documentation to support implementation;  Solution architecture and high-level design artefacts  Architecture diagrams and solution blueprints  Integration architecture and interface design specifications  Non-functional requirements and architecture considerations (security, scalability, performance, availability and maintainability)  Architecture decision records and design rationale  Technical standards, principles and implementation guidance  Supporting documentation required to enable design, development and implementation activities  Maintain throughout the Contract term  Status Update   completed and planned activities;  key decisions;  risks;  issues;  dependencies; and   support required  Weekly  Handover documentation  Architecture handover documentation  Final solution architecture artefacts and design specifications  Knowledge transfer sessions and supporting materials  Outstanding risks, issues, assumptions and recommendations  Architecture decisions and supporting rationale  Guidance for ongoing support, maintenance and future enhancements  Prior to Contract completion  Maintenance of architecture artefacts and technical documentation  Maintain architecture artefacts to reflect the current state of the solution design  Update architecture documentation, diagrams and specifications as requirements or design decisions evolve  Maintain architecture decision records, assumptions and dependencies throughout the engagement  Ensure architecture documentation is version controlled, current and accessible to project stakeholders  Support architecture reviews, governance activities and design assurance processes through the provision of current artefacts and documentation  Ensure architecture artefacts align with University standards, policies and approved design decisions   Maintain throughout the Contract term   4. Meetings  The Solution Architect will:  participate in Project governance, architecture, technical and stakeholder workshops, as reasonably required by the University;  participate in architecture review sessions, sprint ceremonies, implementation planning activities and technical design workshops;  work collaboratively with University stakeholders, implementation partners and technical delivery resources to support successful delivery of the FSDH;  maintain architecture documentation and technical artefacts throughout the engagement;  escalate emerging technical risks, issues, constraints and dependencies that may impact Project outcomes, scope, schedule or quality;  participate in Project reporting, architecture governance and implementation readiness activities as required;  support technical knowledge transfer activities to University staff and project team members; and  participate in transition activities prior to completion of the engagement.  Criteria The buyer has specified that each candidate must provide a response to each criterion. Each response is limited to 3000 characters. Essential criteria Weighting 1. TECHNICAL COMPLIANCE   - The extent to which the Quotation is assessed as meeting the technical requirements set out in the Statement of Requirement. - The Supplier’s understanding of the task, potential Project specific risks and details of how the risks will be managed during the Project.  - The Supplier’s proposed methods of managing interactions with the University. Weighting: 50% 2. CAPABILITY, CAPACITY AND EXPERIENCE - The Supplier’s demonstrated experience in delivering comparable user-centred digital experiences within the last five (5) years. Suppliers are requested to provide a minimum of two (2) relevant examples;   - Any assumptions, exclusions or constraints associated with the proposed engagement; and  - The Supplier’s availability, including the earliest possible commencement date; and proposed personnel’s availability for the indicative engagement period. Weighting: 20% 3. PROPOSED PERSONNEL RESOUCES The Supplier’s proposed key personnel including - concise current Curriculum Vitae (CV); - relevant qualifications, certifications and professional accreditations; and - a summary of the proposed personnel’s experience delivering comparable digital transformation, web platform, user experience or higher education initiative. Weighting: 20% 4. INDIGENOUS ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT Evaluation of Quotations will consider the Supplier’s indigenous programs and certifications, including whether the:  - Company is a registered or certified Indigenous owned enterprise by Supply Nation; - Company is noted on a State or Territory Register as being an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned enterprise; and/or  - Company has provided details of their company’s Indigenous program. Weighting: 10% Opportunity summary Sellers can submit Up to 2 candidates Number of sellers invited Fewer than 5 Number of candidates submitted Fewer than 10 Send us feedback About Accessibility Privacy Terms of use Disclaimer and copyright An initiative of the Digital Transformation Agency The Australian Government acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present. © Commonwealth of Australia