
Energy Outsourcing Contract for Customized Energy Forecasting Software
Senior Team Leader
Age: 34
Experience: 12 years
Contract Details
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Client: SunGrid Renewables (mid-market, 300 employees, $200M revenue, Albuquerque, NM)
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A regional renewable energy company specializing in solar and wind power generation, focusing on optimizing energy forecasting and grid integration through customized software.
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Outsourcing Provider: Master1Tech, Lahore, Pakistan
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A Lahore-based IT outsourcing firm with expertise in customized software development, energy EAM solutions, and full-stack development.
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Contract Value: $535K over 18 months (July 2024–December 2025)
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Reflects a T&M model, with billing based on hours worked and resources used, aligned with BlueVolt ($525K) and Cascade Financial ($540K), adjusted for customized forecasting software complexity.
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Start Date: July 1, 2024
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End Date: December 31, 2025, with an option for a 1-year extension based on performance and client needs.
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Scope: Develop, integrate, maintain, and troubleshoot customized software, including APIs and middleware, for Infor CloudSuite EAM (for asset management), Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP (for financials and procurement), and a custom energy forecasting platform (for demand prediction and grid optimization). Provide training for 190 energy staff on software usage.
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Service Level Agreements (SLAs):
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99.7% system uptime to ensure reliable access to forecasting and asset management systems.
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94% resolution of software and API issues within 5 hours, balancing urgency with energy sector operational needs.
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Training for 190 employees within 4 months, with 89% proficiency in system tools.
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Compliance:
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NERC CIP (North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection) for cybersecurity in energy systems.
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SOC 2 Type II for data integrity and security.
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ISO 50001 for energy management systems.
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Governance:
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Bi-weekly reviews via Microsoft Teams, with project tracking in Jira and Confluence for documentation.
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Quarterly compliance audits to ensure NERC CIP, SOC 2, and ISO 50001 adherence.
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Budget Allocation:
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Software Development and API Integration: $214K (40%)
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Maintenance: $133.75K (25%)
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Troubleshooting: $107K (20%)
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Training: $53.5K (10%)
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Infrastructure (portals, ticketing, cloud): $26.75K (5%)
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Project Description
SunGrid Renewables outsourced the development and maintenance of customized software to Master1Tech to enhance interoperability between Infor CloudSuite EAM (for asset management of solar panels and wind turbines), Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP (for financials and procurement), and a custom energy forecasting platform (for demand prediction and grid optimization). The project aimed to improve energy production efficiency, reduce forecasting errors, and optimize grid integration while ensuring compliance with energy sector regulations. Key components included:
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Software Development and API Integration: Building a custom energy forecasting platform and APIs to connect Infor CloudSuite, Oracle Fusion, and external weather/grid data sources, supporting 2,000 daily forecasting transactions (e.g., energy demand, financial reporting).
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Maintenance: Regular updates to software, APIs, and middleware for performance and compliance.
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Troubleshooting: Rapid resolution of connectivity, data sync, and forecasting inaccuracies to maintain operational reliability.
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Training: Educating 190 energy staff (e.g., grid operators, financial analysts, IT teams) on software functionalities and forecasting dashboards. This project aligns with energy outsourcing trends, leveraging customized software for predictive analytics, similar to HCL’s Infor CloudSuite support and Oracle’s energy solutions for firms like Land O’Lakes.
Tasks Involved
1. Software Development
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Optimization Engine:
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Develop machine learning (ML) models (e.g., LSTM, Random Forest) using Python PCAP-certified skills to optimize BESS charge/discharge cycles, targeting peak shaving and frequency regulation, inspired by Itron’s forecasting solutions.
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Integrate real-time grid data (e.g., ERCOT market signals), weather APIs, and IoT inputs (battery management systems) to predict solar generation and demand, achieving <2% forecast error, per SAS benchmarks.
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Support short-term (5 min–24 hours) and medium-term (1–7 days) optimization for utility-scale projects (10 MWh–1 GWh), as per SunGrid’s project range ().
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Data Integration:
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Use Infor ION (from Infor Certified Integration Specialist) to integrate with SunGrid’s ERP (e.g., Infor CloudSuite) and external systems (e.g., LG Energy Solution’s battery modules, Valard’s construction data), ensuring SOC 2 compliance.
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Enable APIs for grid operators (e.g., ERCOT, Yukon Energy) and solar facility management, as seen in SunGrid’s Yukon project ().
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Visualization Dashboards:
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Build interactive dashboards using Tableau Certified Consultant skills to visualize BESS performance, solar output, and grid interactions, similar to NextEra 360’s analytics.
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Provide reports for stakeholders, supporting PPA negotiations and regulatory compliance (e.g., decarbonization mandates).
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Cloud Infrastructure:
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Deploy on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) using Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer expertise, ensuring scalability and 99.9% uptime, aligned with SunGrid’s EPiC approach ().
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Use Kubernetes for microservices, enhancing flexibility for SunGrid’s 100 kW–200 MW projects ().
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2. Deployment and Integration
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Deploy software via GCP, integrating with SunGrid’s BESS (e.g., 65 MW x 130 MWh in California,) and solar facilities (1–150 MW,).
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Configure APIs for real-time data exchange with grid operators and partners (e.g., Powin Energy, Peak Power), leveraging Infor Integration Specialist skills.
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Conduct user acceptance testing (UAT) to validate optimization accuracy (target: 15–20% cost savings, per SunGrid’s value engineering focus,).
3. Training and Support
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Train SunGrid’s staff (20–30 engineers, project managers) on software usage, Tableau dashboards, and BESS optimization, using Tableau Certified Consultant methodologies.
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Provide 24/7 helpdesk support with Zendesk Support Administrator skills, ensuring <4-hour response for critical issues, inspired by SunGrid’s O&M services ().
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Offer biannual model updates and performance reviews to adapt to evolving grid regulations (e.g., FERC mandates,).
4. Maintenance
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Apply patches and updates using Google Cloud expertise, ensuring compatibility with SunGrid’s lithium-ion BESS and solar systems.
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Monitor ML models, retraining with new grid/solar data to maintain accuracy, as recommended by UL Solutions.
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Conduct annual compliance audits for SOC 2, GDPR (for Canadian clients), and local energy regulations.
Deliverables
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Customized energy storage optimization software (cloud-based, ML-driven).
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Tableau dashboards for BESS and solar analytics (5–8 unique views).
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Integration with SunGrid’s ERP, BESS, and grid systems (e.g., ERCOT, Yukon Energy).
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Training materials and 3 training sessions (virtual).
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12 months of post-deployment support, including 24/7 helpdesk and biannual updates.
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Documentation (user manuals, API specs, compliance reports).
Project Timeline
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Duration: 10 months (development: 6 months, deployment/training: 3 months, initial support: 1 month).
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Phases:
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Month 1: Requirements gathering, data source mapping (grid, BESS, solar).
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Month 2–4: Software development (ML models, Tableau dashboards).
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Month 5–6: Cloud deployment on GCP, API integration.
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Month 7–9: UAT, training, and documentation.
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Month 10: Go-live, initial support, and handover.
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Team Composition
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Project Manager (1): Oversees timeline, budget, and SunGrid coordination (PMP-certified).
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Data Scientists (2): Build ML models for BESS optimization, certified in Python PCAP.
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Tableau Developers (2): Create dashboards, certified as Tableau Certified Consultant.
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Cloud Engineers (2): Manage GCP deployment, certified as Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer.
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Integration Specialists (2): Handle Infor ION and API integrations, certified as Infor Certified Integration Specialist.
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Support Staff (2): Provide training and helpdesk, certified as Zendesk Support Administrator.
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Total: 11 team members, leveraging Pakistan’s 600,000+ IT talent pool.
Terms and Conditions
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Payment Schedule: 25% upfront, 50% milestone-based, 25% on completion.
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SLA: 99.9% software uptime, <4-hour response time for critical issues.
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Compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, and US/Canadian energy regulations (e.g., FERC, ERCOT).
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Intellectual Property: SunGrid owns software; Master1tech retains rights to reusable ML frameworks.
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Termination: 30-day notice with payment for completed work.
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Regulatory Compliance: Adheres to Pakistan’s SECP and CCP requirements, supporting M&A readiness.
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IT Skills Required
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Software Development: Python (Flask, NumPy, Prophet) for forecasting platform; Node.js, Java for REST APIs; Infor OS, Oracle Integration Cloud for integration.
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Middleware: Infor Mongoose for custom extensions; AWS API Gateway for secure API management.
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Programming: JavaScript for API scripting; Python for automation and forecasting tasks.
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Database Management: PostgreSQL for Infor CloudSuite and Oracle Fusion data; SQL for analytics queries.
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Troubleshooting: Datadog for log analysis; AWS CloudWatch for performance monitoring.
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Cloud Platforms: AWS (EC2, RDS, Forecast) for hosting and scaling Infor CloudSuite and forecasting analytics.
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Forecasting Development: AWS Forecast for ML-driven predictions; REST APIs for external data integration (e.g., weather, grid).
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Testing: Cypress for automated testing of web interfaces (e.g., forecasting dashboards).
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Version Control: Git (GitLab) for code management and collaboration.
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Ticketing Systems: ServiceNow for helpdesk and issue resolution.
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Training Delivery: Articulate 360, Camtasia, PowerPoint for e-learning and workshops.
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Front-End Development: React for creating user-friendly forecasting dashboards and asset management portals.
Contract Outcomes
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Cost Savings: 16% reduction in IT operational costs through efficient software development and automation, aligning with BlueVolt’s 15% savings.
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Performance: Supported 2,000 daily forecasting transactions with 99.7% system uptime and 92% demand prediction accuracy, ensuring reliable energy operations.
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Compliance: Achieved NERC CIP, SOC 2 Type II, and ISO 50001 compliance, with zero audit violations, critical for energy cybersecurity and efficiency.
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User Adoption: Trained 190 employees, with 89% proficiency in Infor CloudSuite, Oracle Fusion, and forecasting tools, meeting the SLA target.
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Reliability: Resolved 94% of software and API issues within 5 hours, maintaining forecasting and grid integration continuity.
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Operational Efficiency: Reduced forecasting errors by 20%, improving grid stability and energy allocation for 10% more renewable energy output.