How do I choose a procurement route for an AI solution?

Contrasting

Match the route to the problem using current commercial practice (Exchange schemes, pro-bono pilots, competitive flexible procedure, framework call-off, or standard procurement) and follow the Procurement Act 2023. Older Guidelines still list useful vehicles (G-Cloud, DOS, AI DPS, innovation contests) but route names and framing have moved on — get commercial advice on what is live today.

Warning Conflicting or tensioned advice across sources

Knowledge Hub Procuring AI organises modern routes under the Procurement Act 2023. Guidelines for AI procurement (2020) emphasise G-Cloud, DOS, Spark DPS, GovTech Catalyst, Innovation Partnerships and the CCS AI DPS.

How to navigate this: Prefer Knowledge Hub for current route framing; use Guidelines for enduring method. Confirm live frameworks with commercial colleagues.

From the guidance

Primary (how) AI Knowledge Hub: Procuring AI

Position: Choose among Exchange schemes, Pro-bono pilots, Competitive Flexible Procedure, Framework call-off, or Standard procurement.

Based on your needs you have a range of options available to you: Exchange schemes; Pro-bono pilot competitions; Competitive Flexible Procedure; Framework call-off; Standard procurement.

Section: Choose your procurement route

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Contrasting Guidelines for AI procurement

Position: Consider frameworks (G-Cloud, DOS, Spark DPS), innovation contests, Innovation Partnerships, and the CCS AI DPS.

Framework agreements including G-Cloud, Digital Outcomes and Specialists, and the Spark Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) are useful starting points to consider. Innovation-oriented procurement procedures provide opportunities to accelerate the adoption of new technologies within government… The Dynamic Purchasing System for AI from Crown Commercial Service is the first example of this kind of novel approach.

Section: Procurement approach and vehicle

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Secondary (normative) AI Knowledge Hub: Procuring AI

Common myths: "It's just a pilot so procurement rules don't apply"; "Innovation means we can skip competitive process". Get commercial and legal advice early. AI procurement is not exempt from procurement law.

Section: Procuring AI

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