Air Force looks to refactor HR apps, avoid vendor lock-in

The Air Force is facing a challenge familiar across the government – how to update your software portfolio and avoid the risk of vendor lock-in along the way.

In this case, the Air Force wants to update the Salesforce solutions that it uses for human resources functions. Currently, The Air Force currently has applications built under older licensing for Salesforce LWC and it wants to move to a Salesforce Public Sector Solutions licensing model.

But the Air Force to needs find a company that can refactor the software for Salesforce PSS in order to accomplish that, according to a new request for information posted Nov. 17.

Some of the support the Air Force needs include program and project management, iterative refactoring of current applications to Salesforce PSS, testing of refactored code, and testing and deployment. Other support includes cybersecurity such as zero trust alignment, continuous monitoring, and alignment with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification where necessary.

One question being asked in the RFI is whether anyone is capable of large-scale Salesforce PSS migration and whether applications will continue to work through the transition. The Air Force wants real-world examples.

Whatever approaches contractors propose, they most have an approach that minimizes vendor lock in and supports portability of code and data.

The RFI includes a self-screening checklist. While not for evaluation, the Air Force will use the information to identify capabilities it may use in a future solicitation. This includes elements such as Agile development, Salesforce partner credentials, and proof artifacts from earlier engagements.

The Air Force is looking for a quick turnaround with comments due Nov. 26.

We expect to see more of these kinds of projects on the horizon as earlier cloud adoptions age out and agencies look to licensing models that did not exist when they first migrated.