How do I specify requirements when buying AI?

Answered

Start from an output-based problem statement backed by user needs, cover data strategy/quality/bias, demand transparency about the supplier’s AI approach, and plan for maintenance, IP, liabilities and avoiding vendor lock-in.

From the guidance

Primary (how) Guidelines for AI procurement

Use output-based requirements in your invitation-to-tender that focus on describing the challenges and opportunities you are facing. This will allow suppliers to determine which technologies are most appropriate for your requirements. Use output-based requirements, which allow the supplier to propose how they will respond to your requirement. You will have to draft sufficiently detailed problem statements backed by user needs and required performance.

Section: Drafting your requirement

Read this in Guidelines for AI procurement (opens in new tab)

Secondary (normative) AI Playbook for the UK Government

When drafting requirements for AI, you should: start with your problem statement; highlight your data strategy and requirements; focus on data quality, bias (mitigation) and limitations; underline the need for you to understand the supplier’s AI approach; consider strategies to avoid vendor lock-in

Section: Specifying your requirements

Read this in AI Playbook for the UK Government (opens in new tab)

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