SA Group Ltd

High Assurance Services

SA Group provides development, design, delivery and live service support for High Assurance Gateways and Systems. We bring our expertise in Cross Domain Interoperability Services and Gateways to deliver systems that connect Partners of Choice and UK Government from OFFICIAL to ABOVE SECRET.

Features

• Strategic technical advice in secure cross domain and international interoperability
• Architecture design principles developed in line with your organisational strategy.
• Design and securing SECRET and ABOVE SECRET systems
• Design assurance provided for High Assurance NCSC-approved architectures
• Operational experience in highly restricted secure delivery environments
• Cloud platform agnostic (AWS, Azure and hybrid private cloud)
• Service Desk for live systems and gateways
• Expertise in Cross Domain Interoperability Services and Gateways
• Delivery of High Assurance Gateways (HAG) including HYDRA
• Live service operation of High Assurance Gateways (HAG) including HYDRA

Benefits

• SQEP with over 15 years' experience in Cross Domain delivery
• Proven experts in technical change management
• Extensive experience in Fixed, Deployed and Overseas Cross Domain technologies
• Proven experience in design and delivery of secure systems
• Demonstrable experience of delivering innovative technical solutions
• Independent and vendor neutral
• Cyber Essentials+ accredited
• SC and DV Cleared resources
• Deployment and live service of Cross Domain Interoperability Services
• Connectivity to Domestic and International Partners of Choice (PoC)

£450 to £1,300 a unit a day

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Skills Framework for the Information Age rate card

  PDF

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at commercial@sa-group.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

769501463772016

Contact

Will Machin
+44(0)1249 280111
commercial@sa-group.com

Planning

• Planning service: Yes
• How the planning service works: Moving to a Cloud hosted environment can be a significant technical and business change that requires effective project and programme management controls. Effective project and programme management can ensure the smooth transition to or between Cloud-based service offerings, whilst minimising the business risk and protecting the benefits realisation.; ; SA Group will work with your organisation to ensure that your technical capability and performance requirements are clearly understood from the outset. We deploy best practice in programme and project management (PRINCE2, MSP, APMP, MoP, MoB, MoR, Agile PM & PgM, DSDM, SAFe), benefits management, risk management, scheduling, quality and assurance, stakeholder and communications management, programme definition and project initiation. These approaches will be combined with your own internal process to deliver the results you need. We have extensive expertise in digital transformation in the public sector, and combine this with practical experience of assisting projects and programmes in the planning phase to meet the requirements of the Digital Services Standard and Technology Code of Practice. We will develop, define and implement suitable governance, controls and management and reporting regimes in order to initiate and plan your digital project or programme.
• Planning service works with specific services: Yes
• Hosting or software services the planning service works with:
  • IAAS
  • Training IAAS
  • ITAAS
  • SAAS
  • PAAS

Training

• Training service provided: Yes
• How the training service works: SA Group have a broad spectrum of experience across all cloud related technologies. We can create and deliver bespoke training packages for different user communities to suit the requirements of your organisation.
• Training is tied to specific services: Yes
• Services the training service works with:
  • IAAS
  • ITAAS
  • Training AAS
  • PAAS
  • SAAS

Setup and migration

• Setup or migration service available: Yes
• How the setup or migration service works: SA Group’s SQEP team will provide end to end setup and migration incorporating discovery, assessment, migration planning, migration and testing, and deployment. A clear presentation of the roadmap for transition will be provided, with a comprehensive explanation of the current system, solution and how to implement, including effective procurement options.; ; During transition/migration either to or between cloud services, strong project and programme management controls must be in place in order to keep deliver on track and maintain alignment with the objectives of the business and keep strategic focus.; ; SA Group can provide advice on best practice across the full spectrum of project and programme management using PRINCE2, MSP, APMP, MoP, MoB, MoR, Agile PM & PgM, DSDM to help ensure that change initiatives keep to schedule. This can include support across some or all of the following areas: benefits management, risk management, scheduling, quality and assurance, stakeholder and communications management, governance, monitoring and control and reporting.; ; Our highly qualified and experienced consultants and can offer further support and advice in the area of Service Management and Test & Assurance to help deliver the required cloud services.
• Setup or migration service is for specific cloud services: Yes
• List of supported services:
  • IAAS
  • ITAAS
  • Training AAS
  • SAAS
  • PAAS

Quality assurance and performance testing

• Quality assurance and performance testing service: Yes
• How the quality assurance and performance testing works: SA Group deliver quality assurance and performing testing throughout the entire project lifecycle. We will ensure sustainable delivery by assessing the intended scope of the service and investigating planned; schedule estimates provided by service suppliers to validate the accuracy of existing forward estimates for the delivery of the service. Our structured approach utilises proven methodologies and innovative ways of working underpinned by experience of managing emerging challenges in the fast changing cloud hosting; and software environment.

Security testing

• Security services: Yes
• Security services type:
  • Security strategy
  • Security risk management
  • Security design
  • Cyber security consultancy
  • Security testing
  • Security incident management
  • Security audit services
• Certified security testers: No

Ongoing support

• Ongoing support service: Yes
• Types of service supported:
  • Buyer hosting or software
  • Hosting or software provided by your organisation
  • Hosting or software provided by a third-party organisation
• How the support service works: SA Group will tailor service management work packages based on your organisation’s requirements. We work alongside your internal teams to develop a self-service support portal and can provide 2nd and 3rd line support as required.

Service scope

• Service constraints: Standard SAG mobilisation constraints apply.; ; Support response times: within 1 x business day.; ; Business day being Mon - Fri. Excluding Bank Holidays

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Email or online ticketing
• Support response times: SA Group can provide online support via our ticket system during standard working business hours. Monday-Friday.
• User can manage status and priority of support tickets: No
• Phone support: Yes
• Phone support availability: 9 to 5 (UK time), Monday to Friday
• Web chat support: No
• Support levels: SA Group will provide tailored support packages beginning with self service portals to empower users and reduce service costs. We will work with your organisation to determine what support is required to minimise ongoing costs. We can assist in writing Service Level Agreements with external suppliers and can provide SLAs for our own teams.

Resellers

• Supplier type: Not a reseller

Staff security

• Staff security clearance: Conforms to BS7858:2019
• Government security clearance: Up to Developed Vetting (DV)

Standards and certifications

• ISO/IEC 27001 certification: Yes
• Who accredited the ISO/IEC 27001: BSI
• ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date: 24/09/2019
• What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover: There are no excluded clauses in our 27001 certification
• ISO 28000:2007 certification: No
• CSA STAR certification: No
• PCI certification: No
• Cyber essentials: Yes
• Cyber essentials plus: Yes
• Other security certifications: Yes
• Any other security certifications:
  • CISSP
  • CISM
  • CRISC
  • CCSP

Social Value

• Social Value:

  Social Value

  • Fighting climate change
  • Covid-19 recovery
  • Tackling economic inequality
  • Equal opportunity
  • Wellbeing

  Fighting climate change

  SA Group’s environmental and sustainability policy demonstrates our dedication, approach and methods of reducing the company’s environmental footprint. We are committed to being environmentally friendly and our Carbon Reduction Plan holds us accountable for being Net Zero by 2030. Our Carbon Reduction Plan has been completed in accordance with PPN 06/21 and associated guidance and reporting standards. Our policy requires that the company and its employees comply with all relevant environmental legislation, regulations and requirements, where applicable and where practicable: • Work remotely to minimise pollution from day-to-day commuting • Recycle all possible waste material • Reduce the amount of waste material produced • Avoid the use of paper wherever possible • Avoid the use of postal services, saving time on transportation and on paper, e.g. emailing invoices and bids where possible • Recycle equipment that is no longer of use to the company • Keep energy use low, e.g. making use of low energy light bulbs and using schedules to ensure computers & lights are turned off after work, installing solar panels to reduce electricity usage from power grid and batteries to store electricity generated by solar panels not used • Reuse of printer wastepaper where possible, making use of the blank side for notes • Use printer manufacturers schemes to recycle toner cartridges and drums • Using environmentally responsible suppliers and leveraging carbon off set schemes (ECOSIA Browser tree planting scheme) • Purchase products made with recycled paper and a lower environmental impact • Avoid unnecessary travel by making use of instant messaging, video and audio conferencing, telephone and email • Car share on journeys, utilise public transport and consider using greener transport methods e.g. electric vehicles.

  Covid-19 recovery

  Creating employment, re-training and return to work opportunities Since the Covid-19 pandemic commenced, SA Group has evaluated market trends, our working practices, employees existing skills and training gaps. We continuously recruit new personnel, particularly those impacted by Covid-19 and apply a rigorous analysis of their skills to provide the appropriate level of training so existing and new staff can deliver our product. Recovering from the impacts of Covid-19 We have communicated effectively and regularly with our more vulnerable staff who were either shielding or needed support with their mental health during the pandemic. We actively work alongside our clients to provide the best service possible, immersing our teams into their way of operating by adapting ways of working to support their needs. Some of our staff are fully remote, supporting the client via conferencing facilities. Some employees are fully on-site due to the classification of the tasks and others are adopting a hybrid of these two methods. Supporting physical and mental health We are a member of The Mental Health at Work Commitment, sponsored by the mental health charity MIND, and Mental Health First Aid England. These memberships give us access to the latest resources to support our employees and their wellbeing. Our Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) look out for the wellbeing of our staff. An external Occupational Health Practitioner assesses individuals who are suffering from mental health issues and provide full support. To encourage good physical health, we share tips about the benefits of getting outside, exercising and eating healthily. Effective social distancing, remote working, and sustainable travel solutions Our office can accommodate social distancing practices if required. We have also facilitated remote working and encouraged individuals to travel sustainably by considering the route and only travelling when necessary whilst maintaining a Covid-19 compliant approach.

  Tackling economic inequality

  SA Group understands the problems for those who face barriers to employment due to their background, skillset or geographical location. As an SME supporting the Defence community in the provision of skills and expertise, we want to bring diversity of thought and experience to our contracts. This requires diversity across our workforce in all senses, and we acknowledge the benefit this brings to us and our clients. We currently tackle economic inequality in three ways: • Continuing our Gold Award membership and active support of the Arms Forces Covenant. • Hiring locally • Training our employees, especially new employees for this contract, in skills such as engineering, architecture and information security. Armed Forces Gold Membership The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives. Over 70% of our staff are veterans, and we actively encourage and advertise to the veteran community through attendance at careers fayres, transition groups and charities such as TechVets. Hiring Locally SA Group has been a successful Wiltshire-based consultancy for over 14 years, beginning in Westbury and now located in Trowbridge. By growing in size, we can offer more opportunities, and more diverse opportunities, to the local workforce. We can also attract more skilled labour to the area as a reputable employer and contributor to the community. Training our Employees There is a recognised skills shortage across the UK, particularly in engineering, technical architecture and cyber security. We specialise in the delivery of technically complex programmes, particularly in Defence, and are committed to training our employees to have the right skills to help our clients meet their objectives.

  Equal opportunity

  We do not discriminate against any potential employees. Our Equality and Diversity policy is compliant with the Equality Act 2010. We have a number of HM Forces veterans within the company who have varying degrees of physical and mental disabilities and have employed wheelchair bound subcontractors. Supporting disabled people with new skills Irrespective of our employees’ individual capabilities or disabilities, we offer professional certifications and training to develop their skills. Influencing staff, suppliers, customers and communities If any of our people have a known disability, we liaise with our customers to ensure that they are aware of the situation and that any specialist equipment or access can be provided. We champion the support of disabled staff alongside our able-bodied staff to ensure equality throughout the workplace be it in our own offices or those of our clients. Identifying and tackling inequality in employment, skills and pay Our staff are treated fairly and equally within their peer groups and the wider workforce. Employees are allocated training to improve their skills to benefit them as individuals and the company. We review salaries on an annual basis and reward without prejudice based on performance against objectives. If inequality occurs, we have policies in place to allow for formal complaints to be raised or whistleblowing actions to be carried out. Supporting in-work progression We treat all our staff equally and encourage career progression and promotion through developing new and enhanced skills irrespective of the individual’s background. Identifying and managing modern slavery risks We have adopted a zero tolerance approach to modern slavery. To mitigate against any non-compliance relating to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 by our suppliers, we undertake due diligence checks and may request their own slavery and human trafficking statements, in accordance with our Supplier Policy. skills irrespective of the individual’s background.

  Wellbeing

  SA Group has publicly declared that our mental health at work is a priority by signing up to The Mental Health at Work Commitment, sponsored by the mental health charity MIND, and Mental Health First Aid England. These memberships give us access to the latest resources to help support our employees’ wellbeing.; Our in-house certified Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) are qualified to offer the practical skills to spot triggers and early signs of mental health issues, reassure and support employees and signpost them towards help. Our MHFA’s can spot the early signs of poor mental wellbeing and act quickly to support that member of staff. We follow a 5-point Mental Health First Aid action plan to detect and help poor mental health.; We share physical and mental wellness tips and ideas via our company magazine, newsletters and emails from our HR Director. Tips include preventing poor mental health by encouraging staff to get outside and connect with areas like nature and sport. ; We review our suppliers’ environmental policies and health and wellbeing procedures and mandatory related training before engaging their services. We have regular meetings with all parties throughout the contract ensuring that the subject of health and wellbeing is monitored. We work within the environmental and health and wellbeing initiatives of the local community, actively encouraging our employees to do this.; We regularly support national mental health and wellbeing campaigns such as Every Mind Matters and encourage our suppliers and customers to take part.

Pricing

• Price: £450 to £1,300 a unit a day
• Discount for educational organisations: No

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Skills Framework for the Information Age rate card

  PDF

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at commercial@sa-group.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.