Planning

GEA Pathfinder

DSIT

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

24 Oct 2025 at 10:27

Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The "GEA Pathfinder" procurement process is managed by the Public Sector AI Directorate within the Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT). This project focuses on the IT services industry, specifically targeting consulting, software development, internet, and support. The procurement status is currently in the planning stage, with a market engagement end date set for 13 November 2025. The initiative is expected to cover regions including the British Overseas Territories, Channel Islands, Europe, Isle of Man, the Rest of the World, and within the UK.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses to engage with the government in transforming public sector operations through AI-based solutions. It encourages participation from a diverse range of suppliers, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs). Companies specializing in budgeting and workforce forecasting solutions are particularly well-suited to offer innovative, AI-driven solutions that address operational efficiencies in various government departments. The DSIT aims to compile a catalogue of tested products, providing businesses the opportunity to influence the future landscape of UK public sector efficiencies.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

GEA Pathfinder

Notice Description

Background and Objectives of the Pathfinder Project: The Public Sector AI (PSAI) Directorate within the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) exists to help the government make brilliant public services that empower people in the UK. We work at the very centre of government to drive digital transformation focused on user needs and to reimagine how government uses AI to deliver public services and initiatives. The newly established Government Efficiency Accelerator (GEA) programme is a flagship initiative aimed at driving operational efficiencies across some of the government's key enabling functions (Finance, Policy, HR) through the safe and responsible adoption of AI. The GEA is working in collaboration with the GCF Commercial Innovation Hub (CIH) to better understand the availability of AI based solutions that can be used by teams across government departments to drive efficiency and increase productivity. The goal of this Pathfinder Project is to engage with the market to understand current capabilities, initially focusing on three core business areas: Finance, HR and policy (more details on a specific problem area below). Applicants should note that this engagement is not intended to lead to the procurement of a particular solution for DSIT or any other UK Government Department. Rather, we are looking to build a catalogue of tested and "kitemarked" products that will be made available to public sector organisations to consider procuring them in the knowledge that they have been tested and will meet requirements such as security, usability, transparency etc. We are interested in hearing from all types of suppliers and would particularly encourage SMEs and VCSEs to submit proposals. Challenge Summary: As noted above, the GEA and CIH are engaging with the market to build a deeper understanding of how AI based solutions and products can help make government departments more efficient and productive. We appreciate there are a multitude of potential use cases so for this initial engagement we have chosen to focus on problems relating to budgeting and workforce forecasting. We are inviting suppliers to submit proposals outlining how their products could be used by finance teams across UK government departments in a safe, transparent and unbiased way. We are keen to explore solutions which can reduce the level of repetitive tasks required specifically when budgeting and conducting workforce forecasting. Submissions should demonstrate how the solution can streamline tasks, improve accuracy, and shorten time spent on repetitive work in order to free colleagues up to complete higher-value work. There is no fixed scope, as we aim for platform-agnostic, AI driven and innovative tools that adapt to various organisational needs. Solution should be accessible to organisations of all sizes and is not dependent on any specific ERP platform.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-4c442061-1bee-4a5f-ad63-6cda11522336
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/31001724-4311-4400-9bdd-5710d407e793
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Not specified
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

CPV Codes

72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
24 Oct 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
13 Nov 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DSIT
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SALFORD
Postcode
M3 5BS
Post Town
Manchester
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD3 Greater Manchester
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD34 Greater Manchester South West
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Salford
Electoral Ward
Blackfriars & Trinity
Westminster Constituency
Salford

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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