Eligibility

Check NCSS membership status, under "Directory of NCSS Members"

Funding

Application

Applications are open all year round, as per the following steps:

Pre-scoped Consultancy

Capelle Consulting and ThunderQuote have been appointed by NCSS to provide pre-scoped consultancy services to support Social Service Agencies (SSAs) in their digitalisation journey. Watch the Capelle x Thunderquote introductory video and get to know them!

Step 1: 

Book a consultancy scoping clinic with the appointed consultant to assess your digital needs and the suitable consultancy package for your agency.

• Applicable only to pre-scoped consultancy services (#1 to #7)
• Clinic session is dedicated to discussing consultancy scope.
• For enquiries related to tech application, funding , IT Audit, Cybersecurity and Data Protection consultancy services , please contact tech-and-go@ncss.gov.sg
  

*Please note that clinic attendance is a prerequisite to application for all pre-scoped consultancy services only. Clinic attendance is not a prerequisite for tech funding application.

Step 2:

After the clinic, apply for the consultancy service via the OurSG Grants (OSG) portal.

1. Complete the TNG Pre-Scoped & IT Audit CSDP Consultancy Project Proposal
2. Access the OurSG Grant (OSG) portal.
3. Select: Project Category = Tech-and-GO!

• If consultancy funding is > $90,000, SSA has to complete the OHFSS Self-Assessment before application.
• If you are applying for more than one consultancy service, please submit one form for each consultancy service.
• Application closing date: 31 March 2025
• Application outcome will be communicated within 4-6 weeks, and a funding agreement will be sent to your agency.
• Once your application is approved, the consultant will contact you to begin the consultancy service.

IT Audit and CSDP Consultancy

Step 1: 
Source for and obtain quotations from professional service providers for the following services:

• Source from whitelisted professional service providers
  a. Data Protection Essentials (Programme)
  b. Cyber Essentials Mark (Certification)
• SSAs may self-source for a suitable service provider for the following services*:
  a. IT Audit
  b. Data Protection Trust Mark (Certification)
  c. Cyber Trust Mark (Certification)
  
  *For project costs exceeding $6,000, three comparable quotations are required.

Step 2:
*Only for Cyber Essentials Mark, Cyber Trust Mark, and Data Protection Trust Mark Consultancy

• Source for Appointed Certification/Assessment Bodies for the following consultancy services:
  a. Cyber Essentials Mark (Certification)
  b. Cyber Trust Mark (Certification)
  c. Data Protection Trust Mark (Certification)
  

Step 3:

After obtaining the quotations, apply for the consultancy service via the OurSG Grants (OSG) portal.

1. Complete the TNG Consultancy Project Proposal
   
2. Complete Annex A
   
3. Access the OurSG Grant (OSG) portal.
   
4. Select: Project Category = Tech-and-GO!

• If consultancy funding is > $90,000, SSA has to complete the OHFSS Self-Assessment before application.
• If you are applying for more than one consultancy service, please submit one form for each consultancy service.
• Application closing date: 31 March 2025
• Application outcome will be communicated within 4-6 weeks, and a funding agreement will be sent to your agency.
• Once your application is approved, the consultant will contact you to begin the consultancy service.

RPA and Digital Marketing Consultancy

Step 1: Contact appointed Consultant:

For RPA and Digital Marketing Consultancy with Singapore Polytechnic, please contact:

After the initial consultancy with IHL, apply for the consultancy service via the OurSG Grants (OSG) portal.

1. Complete the TNG Consultancy Project Proposal
2. Access the OurSG Grant (OSG) portal.
3. Select: Project Category = Tech-and-GO!
   • If you are applying for more than one consultancy service, please submit one form for each consultancy service.
   • Application closing date: 31 March 2025
   • Application outcome will be communicated within 4-6 weeks, and a funding agreement will be sent to your agency.
   • Once your application is approved, the consultant will contact you to begin the consultancy service.

• Recommended for:

  SSAs who want to have an overall digital masterplan on the systems they need to adopt in the next 3-5 years to build a future-ready organisation.

• Possible issue statements:
  1. My agency has multiple digital systems in place; do I need to replace/integrate them in the coming years?
  2. Are the existing digital solutions able to meet my business objectives; what other solutions do I need?
  3. What do I need to do to digitise my business processes to meet my organisation’s vision and service users’ needs?

      

• Deliverables:
  1. Digital strategy plan
  2. Change management plan
     
• The consultant will assist the SSA to:
  1. Perform SWOT analysis to evaluate current state pain points and prioritise digital solutions to meet future service needs of organisation.
  2. Chart an agency-wide five-year digital strategy plan, including (but not limited to) guidance on implementation in stages based on agency needs and priorities.
  3. Map future state user journeys using a user-centric approach to illustrate the impact to service users.
  4. Perform stakeholder analysis to assess the level of impact and develop the appropriate resistance management plan.
  5. Develop communication plans to stakeholders affected by the change with corresponding channels and timeline.
  6. Plan & validate change management strategies and provide change management tools to enable the organisation to secure buy-in from stakeholders.
     
• Read the DSP Fact Sheet, or watch this video on Digital Strategy Planning for more details.

• Recommended for:
  SSAs who require guidance on managing data across the data lifecycle and having a hands-on approach to using and analysing data for improving productivity and service user experience.
  
  
• Possible issue statements:
  1. What is a good way to manage data within my agency?
  2. My agency collects a lot of data. How can I make good use of data to benefit my organisation as well as my service users?
  3. What kinds of data tools might be useful for my agency
     
     
• Deliverables:
  1. Data management strategy plan
  2. Change management plan
  3. Pilot study report

   

• The consultant will assist the SSA to:
  1. Identify SSAs’ challenges and desired outcomes for data management practices.
  2. Perform SWOT analysis using the data lifecycle framework.
  3. Chart an agency-wide data management strategy, including guidance on best practices and recommendations in areas of people, process, and technology.
  4. Identify and conduct a pilot on 1-2 prioritised data use cases.
  5. Perform stakeholder analysis to assess the level of impact and develop the appropriate resistance management plan.
  6. Develop communication plans to stakeholders affected by the change with corresponding channels and timeline.
  7. Plan & validate change management strategies and provide change management tools to enable the organisation to secure buy-in from stakeholders.

Read the DM Fact Sheet, or watch this video on Data Management Consultancy for more details.

• Recommended for:
  SSAs who want to raise their in-house capability in managing IT projects through coaching sessions and hands-on implementation.
  
  
• Possible issue statements:
  1. How can my agency gain in-house expertise to manage future IT projects?
  2. How do we evaluate suitable IT vendors?
  3. How do we manage our stakeholders with the changes resulting from IT projects?
     
     
• Deliverables:
  1. Training and coaching plan
  2. Final consultancy report

The consultant will provide coaching sessions to train SSAs in the below digital capabilities (at least 4 out of 7 focus areas):

Read the IPC Fact Sheet, or watch this video on IT Project Coaching for more details. 

• Recommended for:
  1. SSAs who want to adopt Start Digital solutions (pre-scoped or Green Lane solutions).
  2. Learn more about Start Digital solutions.
     
     
• Possible issue statements:
  1. My agency does not know which solution to adopt.
  2. We need some help to select the suitable solution for our needs.

Start DT (Design Thinking) Consultancy

• Recommended for:
  • SSAs who want to identify improvement areas using a user-centred approach through design thinking
  • Possible issue statements:
    • Are you looking at how to improve communication with your customers/ members?
    • Do you want to create more convenient and streamlined ways of giving but you’re unsure how to serve different types of donors?
    • Are you wondering how might you improve effectiveness of outreach programmes?
    • Are you thinking how you might enhance onboarding experience for volunteers?
    • How might we encourage staff to embark on lifelong learning?
      
      
• Deliverables:
  • Pre-Project Evaluation Report (PPE), consisting of:
    • As-is and To-be process maps
    • User requirements report
    • Gaps analysis report on pain points, root causes, tech needs
    • Solutions selection matrix and recommendation report
• The consultant will assist the SSA to:
  • Develop as-is and to-be process maps.
  • Collect and document SSA needs and user requirements.
  • Identify opportunities to address pain points.
  • Perform detailed evaluation of technology solutions and vendors.
  • Recommend and compare least 3 solutions.

Read the Start Tech Consultancy Fact Sheet and Start DT Consultancy Fact Sheet, or watch this video on Start Consultancy for more details. 

• Recommended for:
  SSAs who want to adopt Go Digital solutions (non-pre-scoped and/or large-scale integrated IT solutions).

• Possible issue statements:
  1. My agency requires consultancy support to recommend and implement an integrated solution to increase productivity and streamline processes for our corporate functions.
  2. My agency needs are very specialised, and we need help to evaluate and implement a customised solution to support our corporate functions.
     
     
• Deliverables:
  • Pre-Project Evaluation Report (PPE), consisting of:
    • As-is and To-be process maps
    • User requirements report
    • Gaps analysis report on pain points, root causes, tech needs
    • Solutions selection matrix and recommendation report
    • Cost benefit analysis
  • Project implementation plan
  • Final consultancy report
    
    
• The consultant will assist the SSA to:
  • Develop as-is and to-be process maps.
  • Collect and document SSA needs and user requirements.
  • Identify opportunities to address pain points.
  • Perform detailed evaluation of technology solutions and vendors.
  • Recommend and compare least 3 solutions.
  • Obtain estimated cost of implementing the solution.
  • Analyse the cost vs benefit and assist the SSA in the tech funding application.
  • Develop a project management plan to implement the IT solution.
  • Develop a change management plan to gain stakeholders’ support and adoption.
  • Perform post implementation review with satisfaction survey.

Read the Go Consultancy Fact Sheet, or watch this video on Go Consultancy for more details.

• Recommended for:
  1. SSAs who want to adopt Grow Digital solutions (non-pre-scoped and/or large-scale integrated service delivery technology solutions).
  2. Service delivery technology solutions refer to:
     • Technology that benefits the clients directly (e.g., rehabilitation equipment, gamification, chatbot).
     • Technology that helps front-end staff to better serve their clients (e.g., cleaning robot, surveillance solutions, well-being monitoring solution).
       
       
• Possible issue statements:
  1. My agency requires consultancy support to recommend and implement an integrated solution to increase productivity and streamline processes that impacts our service users.
  2. My agency needs are very specialised, and we need help to evaluate and implement a customised solution to support our service users.
     
• Deliverables:
  1. Pre-Project Evaluation Report (PPE), consisting of:
     • As-is and To-be process maps
     • User requirements report
     • Gaps analysis report on pain points, root causes, tech needs
     • Solutions selection matrix and recommendation report
     • Cost benefit analysis
     • Baseline assessment report
     • Service user journey mapping
       
       
  2. Project implementation plan
  3. Final consultancy report
     
     
• The consultant will assist the SSA to:
  1. Develop as-is and to-be process maps.
  2. Collect and document SSA needs and user requirements.
  3. Identify opportunities to address pain points.
  4. Perform detailed evaluation of technology solutions and vendors.
  5. Recommend and compare least 3 solutions.
  6. Obtain estimated cost of implementing the solution.
  7. Conduct baseline assessment to determine potential productivity gains.
  8. Analyse the cost vs benefit and assist the SSA in the tech funding application.
  9. Conduct service user journey mapping to improve service delivery.
  10. Develop a project management plan to implement the IT solution.
  11. Develop a change management plan to gain stakeholders’ support and adoption.
  12. Perform post implementation review with satisfaction survey.

Read the Grow Consultancy Fact Sheet, or watch this video on Grow Consultancy for more details. 

• Recommended for:
  1. SSAs who require project management support for IT implementation projects.
     
     
• Possible issue statements:
  1. My agency has already identified my preferred vendor/solution and we need support to implement the solution.
  2. My agency has received TNG tech funding, and we are ready to implement the solution with consultancy support.
     
     
• Deliverables:
  1. Project implementation plan
  2. Final consultancy report
     
• The consultant will assist the SSA to:
  1. Develop a project management plan to implement the IT solution.
  2. Develop a change management plan to gain stakeholders’ support and adoption.
  3. Perform post implementation review with satisfaction survey.

Read the DIC Fact Sheet for more details.

• Recommended for:
  1. SSAs that would like to ascertain if their IT systems are adequately protected from data tempering and loss, controls are effective, and if they are compliant with applicable laws, policies, and standards.
     
     
• Possible issue statements:
  1. What are my agency’s IT risks?
  2. How do I mitigate the identified risks?
  3. Are my IT controls in compliance with IT-specific laws, policies, and governance standards?
     
     
• Deliverables:
  1. Audit report with corrective action plan.
     
     
• The service provider will assist the SSA to:
  1. Test logical and physical security controls, IT operations, disaster recovery procedures and business continuity.
  2. Conduct a data integrity assessment (process assessment, controls identification etc.).
  3. Assess control over critical system platforms, network and physical components, IT infrastructure supporting relevant business processes.
  4. Review IT strategy and IT organisation (organisational structure, leadership etc.).
  5. Review IT processes (helpdesk, service management, application management oversight).

• Recommended for:
  1. For SSAs who want to be recognised for implementing good cyber hygiene practices to protect their operations and clients against common cyber-attacks.
     
     
• Possible issue statements:
  1. My agency is unsure of which cybersecurity measures to focus on first.
  2. My agency needs guidance on implementing cyber hygiene measures against common cyber-attacks.
     
     
• Deliverables:
  1. Cyber Essentials mark valid for two years.
     
• The service provider will assist the SSA to implement measures in the following areas:
  1. Assets
  2. Security and protection
  3. Updates
  4. Backup
  5. Incident response

Other supportable services and deliverables to complement the scope of work of Cyber Essentials:

• Technical Testing Services
  • Vulnerability assessment (VA) report
  • Penetration testing (PT) report
  • Re-validation report
    
• Training
  • In-person/Online training for all staff
  • Suitable Cyber Security courses identified for IT staff
  • Staff attend relevant training(s)
  • Phishing campaign
    
• Technical Security Architecture Advisory
  • Review existing documentation of key information systems
  • Gap assessment report
  • Customised Cyber Security framework
  • Threat model

• Recommended for:
  1. For SSAs with extensive digitised operations who wish to receive a mark of distinction for putting in place good cyber security practices.
     
     
• Possible issue statements:
  1. My agency needs guidance to assess our cybersecurity risks and preparedness.
  2. My agency would like a pathway to meet international cybersecurity standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 27001).
     
     
• Deliverables:
  1. Trust mark certification valid for three years with an annual audit.
     
• The service provider will assist the SSA to:
  1. Implement measures to address the inherent cyber security risks that have been identified in preparation for the trust mark certification by the appointed certification body.

• Recommended for:
  1. For SSAs who would like to put in place basic data protection and security practices.
     
     
• Possible issue statements:
  1. My agency needs guidance on how to collect and use personal data as part of our operations.
  2. My agency needs to ensure business continuity, protect our client’s personal data, and recover quickly in the event of a cyber incident.
     
     
• Deliverables:
  1. Completed one-time set-up
  2. Retainer reports

Other supportable services and deliverables to complement the scope of work of Data Protection Essentials:

1. Project Management (including Breach Recovery Plan including Crisis Management, Communications and Business Continuity Plans)
   • Internal Personal Data Protection Policy
   • External-facing Data Protection Notice
   • Data Inventory Maps
   • Operations SOP
   • HR SOP
   • Data Breach Response and Complaints Handling Plan
     
2. Data Protection Post-Implementation Review/Data Protection (DP) Audit
   • Audit report of agency’s operations and functions to ensure:
     • Compliance with Data Protection Framework implemented
     • Policies and processes remain updated based on any changes in law/operations
   • Data Protection Audit Report with corrective action plans to ensure that respective staff have been assigned to undertake their responsibilities and set timelines for the plan to be executed.

• Recommended for:
  1. For SSAs who want to build trust with their service users by demonstrating that a robust data protection regime has been implemented.
     
     
• Possible issue statements:
  1. My agency wants to harness our data protection efforts to increase our competitive advantage and build trust with our stakeholders.
     
     
• Deliverables:
  1. Trust mark certification valid for three years.
     
• The service provider will assist the SSA to:
  1. Implement robust data governance practices, processes, and policies in preparation for the certification assessment.

• Recommended for:
  1. For SSAs who want to improve their productivity through automating their manual and repetitive processes with Robotic Process Automation. Suitable processes that can be automated are:
     • Repetitive
     • Rule-based
     • Use of structure data
     • Prone to human errors
     • Work across different systems
       
       
• Possible issue statements:
  1. My agency wants to improve productivity by automating manual and repetitive process through RPA.
  2. Project Outcome Report
     
     
• Deliverables:
  1. Automated Processes through RPA
     
• The service provider will assist the SSA to:
  • Understanding of processes and user needs
  • Developing prototype of the solution and get user feedback
  • Implement RPA Solutions

• Recommended for:
  • For SSAs who want to improve their branding communication, promote their programmes and service and to increase their reach and engage with their target audience in a way that traditional media can’t.
    
  • For SSAs who want to be self-sustainable to create constant online presence.
    
    
• Possible issue statements:
  • My agency wants to reach out to wider audience and volunteer to increase our outreach and fundraising.
  • My agency wants to create a presence online.
    
    
• Deliverables:
  • Digital marketing solution which may include:
    • Brand Audit:
      • Understanding target audience's motivation and decision making process/journey mapping, perception towards organisation/services, digital media consumption habits
    • Digital Content Strategy
      • Online value proposition, mapping of content pillars and digital channels
    • Content Creation
      • Social media content (static content, short-form videos)
      • Corporate videos
        
        
• The service provider will assist the SSA to:
  • Understand target audience's needs
  • Develop digital marketing solutions to address issue statements