Buying data and analytics services – playbooks, policy and strategy simplified

In this blog, we unpack some of the key government publications relating to data, so you know what to consider when buying data and analytics software and services.

Published 30 November 2022

Last updated 16 December 2022

Staying abreast of government policies, strategies and playbooks can sometimes be a little daunting. These official publications are often the result of detailed consultations, lessons learned and ministerial direction – to be used as a useful reference when buying services for your organisation. Whether you’re an experienced professional or new to running procurements, we want to help you understand some of the key concepts.

National Data Strategy

The National Data Strategy (NDS) sets out how best to unlock the power of data across the UK. It includes 5 missions, with its third being ‘Transforming government’s use of data to drive efficiency and improve public services’. The NDS has been a strong driver for the creation of our new Big Data and Analytics agreement. The agreement offers a vital route to market for the IT platforms and solutions needed for enhanced data use – all of which will improve public services.

Digital, Data and Technology Playbook

The Digital, Data and Technology Playbook provides government guidance on sourcing and contracting for digital, data and technology projects and programmes. We have ensured our Big Data and Analytics agreement includes specific provisions to align with the playbook. For example, Lot 1 – Design, Build and Run Professional Services, includes all 3 of the playbook delivery models for buying from the market, making it easier for you to achieve best practice.

Data Protection and Digital Information Bill

The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill was introduced following publication of the Government’s response to the ‘Data: a new direction’ consultation. It proposes reforms to the UK’s data protection regime including provisions to deliver a data protection framework that is pro-innovation and pro-growth while maintaining high standards of data protection. It’s important to keep informed on this to understand what, if any, implications it may have on your data procurement plans.

Updated guidance on data protection legislation

Last week, the Cabinet Office published updated guidance on data protection legislation within Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 03/22. The action note replaces PPN 02/18 and contains streamlined guidance, and updated legal clauses to take into account our exit from the EU. It also includes guidance on international transfers of personal data. In scope organisations with contracts involving processing personal data should review this PPN.

Roadmap for digital and data

In June this year; the government also published ‘Transforming for a digital future: 2022 to 2025 roadmap for digital and data. The roadmap sets out ambitions to transform digital public services, deliver world-class digital technology and systems, and attract and retain the best in digital talent. All while driving value for money to the taxpayer. It includes 5 missions, with the third being ‘Better data to power decision making’ – explicitly focusing on the role data has to play.

Government’s 10 tech priorities

Unlocking the power of data is 1 of the government’s 10 tech priorities. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has identified 10 ways it intends to deploy digital tech to build back better, safer and stronger from COVID-19, and shape a new golden age for tech in the UK.

Collectively, all of the above clearly signal the importance of data and analytics for public sector organisations, as well as the opportunity it presents to improve efficiencies and enable economic growth.It also provides the foundation for the delivery of a range of vital public services and societal goals, from tackling climate change to enhancing critical citizen services.

How we can support you to achieve policy compliance

As with any procurement, policy compliance is essential. Our Big Data and Analytics agreement enables you to procure a range of specialised services and software. The agreement comes with assurance of compliance with the latest appropriate procurement policy notes, including:

social value – suppliers have already been evaluated against social value requirements and the agreement’s terms enable you to further evaluate this as part of each call-off
carbon net zero – suppliers have already confirmed their commitment to reaching carbon net zero by 2050 and to report on progress towards achieving that
throughout the agreement’s term, we will be monitoring and managing the ongoing compliance of all suppliers against the range of requirements set at the agreement level, for example, adherence with the relevant procurement policy notes and Cyber Essential Plus accreditation

Learn more about the Big Data and Analytics agreement

Our agreement offers a simple 2 lot structure which covers a wide range of capabilities across a strong group of suppliers. Of the agreement’s 50 awarded suppliers, 46% are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and all suppliers are also able to sub-contract.

Its premise is to offer you choice – enabling bespoke call-offs that ensure the best commercial outcomes for each requirement. This includes the choice of:

call-off term (up to a maximum of 5 years)
pricing mechanisms
buying options

An optional down-select mechanism has been introduced within lot 1 for Design, Build and Run Professional Services. It offers you the ability to create a shortlist of suppliers by 1 or more of the 6 pre-evaluated capability areas. You can also choose to use an expression of interest to down-select on lot 2. Plus, compliant direct awards are available across both lots.

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