Digital Architect

Description : Project Overview

The Province requires up to one (1) Digital Architect to work with 3D on service innovation, program review and digital transformation projects across the GoA. The Digital Architect(s) will work as part of cross-functional program review or product delivery teams.

These teams, led by GoA product owners and 3D work collaboratively and collectively participate in a full range of activities including : field research, backlog definition and refinement, and sprint planning and execution. Digital transformation projects review the current state of services, identify future opportunities, and then deliver new services that are efficient, effective and affordable. A Digital Architect provides architectural expertise and strategic guidance and is responsible for overseeing the software architecture of digital services, the alignment of services to a common architecture vision, and the iterative delivery of solutions to create a complete digital service.

The Digital Architect(s) will guide the team in the rapid, iterative delivery of user-centric services with solution designs that align to the overall architectural vision and are in support of technical standards, coding standards, common tools and platforms. The Digital Architect(s) will also guide the product owner and team in balancing the allocation of team capacity between user stories and technical tasks. The Digital Architect(s) may perform some development work if needed. Therefore, a Digital Architect must have a strong technical understanding of current and emerging technologies, balanced with strong business acumen and project leadership skills.

Scope of Services

It is anticipated that the Digital Architect (s) will be required for one (1) year; however, the Province may extend the contract for up to twenty-four (24) months on the same terms and conditions. The Digital Architect (s) will be required on a full time basis (7.25 hour work day), working across one (1) to two (2) projects. Time, location and frequency of work will vary depending on the needs of the particular project. At the end of each term, it is expected that the Digital Architect (s) may work a maximum of 1,960 hours, unless otherwise agreed upon with the Province. However, a Digital Architect may be required to work fewer or more hours depending on the nature and needs of their work, as directed by the Province. Services and project deliverables should evolve as the work progresses, in response to emerging user and business needs, as well as design and technical opportunities.

However, the following must be delivered (iteratively) over the course of the project :

Lead the solution architecture of digital services by :

• o Developing the overall architectural plan, ensuring a citizen-centered design and agile software approach;
• o Uncovering existing system context;
• o Providing recommendations and prototypes for technical discovery and feasibility;

o Providing and being accountable for the solution designs that account for iterative implementation; and

o Analyzing impacts, exposure, and risk as it pertains to the solution design.

Guide the team in the implementation of digital services by :

o Contributing to code changes in order to implement user stories and to complete technical tasks; and

o Providing coaching and mentorship to the product team.

Contribute to the architectural vision for a platform of user-centric services, particularly as it relates to the use of common components and capabilities to accelerate service delivery.

Contribute to the development of principles, metrics, and standards for service quality and delivery.

Provide software architecture information to technical and non-technical audiences by creating materials (documents, diagrams, presentations, etc.) appropriate to the audience.

Actively participate in the development and continuous improvement of the architecture practice. The Province and the Contractor shall determine changes to Services and Materials as required. The Province and the Contractor will determine changes to Services and Materials through the Artifacts.

Incumbency :

1 incumbent position, however, for this and all other opportunities, the Ministry seeks the best person to fill the role

Location of Work

The Digital Architect(s) primarily work remotely; however, the Digital Architect(s) may be required to attend meetings or work sessions in Alberta on reasonable notice from the Province. At the time of providing such notice, the Province will advise of the expected duration of any such meetings or work sessions. However, time to travel and any associated expenses to and from Edmonton and / or travel within Alberta will be at no cost to the Province. The Province reserves the right to alter this work arrangement on reasonable notice to the Digital Architect(s). Work must be done within Canada. The Vendor will be consulted about the alteration in work arrangement; however, the Province retains ultimate discretion to the work arrangement. Digital Architect(s) will primarily work remotely, the Digital Architect(s) shall be responsible for providing all of its equipment, including computers, software, printers, supplies, desks and chairs. However, the Province shall ensure that the Digital Architect(s) have the necessary access and credentials to the GoA system. In the event that the Digital Architect(s) are directed to work in-person, the Province shall only provide the requisite office space and furniture.

Criminal Records Checks

Upon request by the Province, the Digital Architect(s) shall, at no cost to the Province, provide a current criminal record check. A Digital Architect(s) may be rejected if, in the opinion of the Province, the criminal record is unacceptable. Should a Digital Architect(s) be assigned to a team working for Justice, prior to performing Services, the Digital Architect(s) must provide the Province with an Enhanced Security Clearance . Digital Architect(s), in the opinion of the Province have an unacceptable Enhanced Security Clearance or equivalent, shall be rejected. The Province does not receive any information specific to the reason an enhanced clearance may be rejected. Participating law enforcement agencies only identify if an applicant s clearance is not accepted. Digital Architect(s) should be aware that over the course of the Work Order, Digital Architect(s) may be required to complete higher-level security clearances, such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Top Secret Clearance. Please ensure applicants are eligible to apply if required by the ministry. Acceptance by the Province of all Digital Architect(s) requires written approval from the Province following acceptable security clearances.

Other Mandatory Requirements (Project Experience & Delivery Approach)

The Supplier must provide two (2) project or assignment examples for each proposed Digital Architect. These examples must clearly demonstrate the candidate s expertise in the Digital Architect role. Each example must address Questions 1 through 5 below. If the response to a question is the same for both projects, this must be explicitly stated. The evaluation team must be able to clearly identify which project each response refers to.

Note : Project examples that reflect more recent experience will be evaluated more favorably, particularly those that demonstrate alignment with current public sector digital delivery practices.

1. Project Overview

Describe the project or assignment in which the proposed Digital Architect played a key role. The description should highlight the scope, objectives, and the candidate s specific responsibilities in the Digital Architect role.

2. Sector Context

Indicate whether the project served the public sector, private sector, or another domain. Preference will be given to experience in public sector environments, particularly those involving digital service delivery, modernization, or enterprise transformation.

3. Project Complexity and Scope

Describe the complexity of the project or assignment using one or more of the following dimensions :

o Number of integrated systems or platforms

o Number of users or departments impacted

o Degree of architectural transformation (e.g., legacy modernization, cloud migration)

o Duration and number of releases or phases

o Size and composition of the delivery team

o Regulatory, security, or compliance considerations

4. Delivery Approach

Describe the approach used for architecture, design, development, risk mitigation, and delivery. Include any special considerations related to methodology (e.g., agile, DevSecOps), quality assurance, and communication across cross-functional teams. Highlight how the architect contributed to successful delivery and alignment with enterprise standards.

5. Skills and Technologies

Provide a list of the key skills, tools, and technologies applied by the Digital Architect in the project. This may include architectural patterns, development frameworks, integration strategies, cloud platforms, or security practices. Focus on the architect s role in applying these capabilities to meet business and technical objectives.

Evaluation

1. Qualifications- 20%

2. Other mandatory requirements 20%

3. Interview - 50%

4. Pricing - 10%

Mandatory Training Courses :

Once hired the resource will be required to complete all mandatory training.

Enable Skills-Based Hiring

No

Qualification

Additional Details

Qualification

Assessment

Must Have

Education

Yes / No - Bachelor degree in Computer Science or related field of study equivalencies will be...

Yes

Work Experience

Duration - Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional agile product teams...

5 years

Duration - Experience as a software architect, leading the design and delivery...

5 years

Duration - Experience working with teams that also apply UX design, service design, design...

2 years

Duration - Proven ability to define and communicate solution architecture...

4 years

Duration - Strong communication skills with the ability to convey technical concepts...

5 years

Nice to Have

Work Experience

Duration - Experience applying secure development practices and managing...

4 years

Duration - Experience designing and implementing modern web applications...

5 years

Duration - Experience designing and managing APIs, including RESTful services...

4 years

Duration - Experience implementing CI / CD pipelines with automated testing...

2 years

Duration - Experience incrementally transforming existing legacy systems into modern digital serv...

5 years

Duration - Experience with containerization, orchestration, and infrastructure-as-code...

2 years

Duration - Experience with distributed systems design, including event-driven architecture

4 years

Duration - Experience with the GoA's Information Technology / Information Management...

2 years

Duration - Experience working with both relational and non-relational databases...

5 years

Duration - Experience working within public sector digital service frameworks...

2 years

Duration - Experience Work with Identity Access Management in a complex organization.

2 years

Duration - Exp working with architects and / or cross-functional teams to identify...

4 years