Award

ITT for a Comprehensive AI Knowledge Assistant Solution

ENERGY SAVING TRUST LTD

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

27 Jan 2025 at 00:00

Tender

07 Aug 2024 at 00:00

Summary of the contracting process

The Energy Saving Trust Ltd, based in Edinburgh, is initiating a procurement process for an AI Knowledge Assistant Solution to enhance the usability of their digital assets. This tender falls under the General public services category and is managed using an open procedure. The project includes comprehensive integration with various platforms such as WordPress, Microsoft SharePoint, and CRM systems. Key dates include the tender submission deadline on the 6th of September 2024, with the project commencement slated for the 14th of October 2024. The value of the contract is set at £260,000 spanning four years with annual renewals.

This tender provides a significant opportunity for tech businesses specialising in AI and enterprise search solutions. Companies with expertise in creating secure, scalable, AI-driven search and integration tools, particularly those familiar with Azure cloud hosting and multi-language processing, would be well-positioned to compete. Successful completion of this project could open further opportunities within the not-for-profit and public services sectors, enhancing the vendor's portfolio and market credibility. The AI Knowledge Assistant solution aims to support Energy Saving Trust's mission by optimising internal and external knowledge management, contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

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Notice Title

ITT for a Comprehensive AI Knowledge Assistant Solution

Notice Description

Energy Saving Trust is seeking to appoint a supplier to provide an AI supported federated enterprise search capability, in short, an AI Knowledge assistant for all of Energy Saving Trust's digital assets. This includes but may not be limited to our website portfolio, Microsoft SharePoint and Office, CRM systems, Intranet, inhouse applications and selected Shared Drives. The content source landscape is dynamic and will change over time. Internally it needs to be available to all employees and in part to contracted advice staff and function as an effective answer engine. Integration into our websites for customer service purposes needs to be included. The application hosting will ideally be on the Energy Saving Trust's Azure tenant and the cost needs to be included in the bid.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Energy Saving Trust is seeking an AI-supported federated enterprise search capability, here called AI Knowledge Assistant, to enhance the accessibility and usability of Energy Saving Trust's digital assets. The solution must integrate seamlessly with various platforms, including website CMS like WordPress, Microsoft SharePoint, Office, CRM systems (MS Dynamics, Salesforce), the Intranet, in-house applications, and selected shared drives. It must offer extensive data source connectivity and data enrichment through AI and machine learning. By connecting all employees (app. 500) and contractors (120-200) to relevant knowledge, the AI Knowledge Assistant will save time, improve efficient onboarding, facilitate the discovery of knowledge sources, and help close knowledge gaps. Leveraging advanced natural language processing (NLP), the system must understand and process complex queries in multiple languages, ensuring high search relevance and accuracy. Customization and flexibility are essential, with options for adaptable workflows, customizable data fields, and user permissions to meet specific business needs. Security and compliance are paramount, requiring robust encryption, role-based access controls and adherence to regulatory standards like GDPR, HIPAA, EU AI Act. The solution must offer a user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation, customizable dashboards, and support for various user roles and the ability to be integrated in the flow of work, i.e. MS Teams High performance, scalability, and efficient data processing capabilities are crucial, ensuring the system can handle increasing data volumes and user bases without degradation. Comprehensive customer support, transparent pricing, and flexible deployment options are also required, including hosting on Energy Saving Trust's Azure cloud tenant. The latter needs to be included in the pricing. The AI Knowledge Assistant should provide advanced data visualization, robust analytics capabilities, and support for all standard content formats, including search in audio and video. The supplier should demonstrate commercial sustainability, strategic partnerships, and high user satisfaction ratings, supported by positive reviews and testimonials. Accessibility features must comply with standards like WCAG and Section 508 for US organisations, ensuring usability for individuals with disabilities. Externally, the AI Knowledge Assistant must be able to enhance customer service by integrating with the website as an AI-powered chatbot, providing instant and accurate responses to queries. This tool should help Energy Saving Trust engage effectively with individuals, businesses, communities, and governments, promoting energy efficiency, conservation, and sustainable energy use. Engagement channels include online resources, tools, websites, phone helplines, email, local events, workshops, partnerships, grants, social media, and newsletters. The AI Knowledge Assistant will support advisors in these engagement efforts by providing comprehensive, accessible, and efficient access to information across all digital assets, ultimately contributing to energy savings and reduced carbon emissions. Extra requirements of the contract are WordPress plugin development for integration with most of our websites and integrations with a customised Microsoft Dynamics installation and our in-house application eco-system. The commencement date of the project is the 14th of October 2024. The maximum budget including estimated hosting costs is GBP260k (GBP65k per year for a period of 4 years) with annual renewal.

Renewal: As described in the ITT.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000774414
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JAN522558
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems


CPV Codes

48000000 - Software package and information systems

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£260,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£260,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 Jan 20251 years ago
Submission Deadline
6 Sep 2024Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
27 Jan 20251 years ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Cancelled
Lots Status
Cancelled
Awards Status
Unsuccessful
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ENERGY SAVING TRUST LTD
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
maddalena.galloni@est.org.uk
Contact Phone
+44 1315557900

Buyer Location

Locality
EH2 1DF
Postcode
EDINBU RGH
Post Town
Not specified
Country
Not specified

Major Region (ITL 1)
Not specified
Basic Region (ITL 2)
Not specified
Small Region (ITL 3)
Not specified
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Not specified
Electoral Ward
Not specified
Westminster Constituency
Not specified

Further Information

Notice Documents

  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=AUG511540&idx=3
    8th August 2024 - EST ITT AI Knowledge Assistant_v.2 The only change is replacement of "Appendix F" with "Appendix D".
  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=AUG511540
    ITT for a Comprehensive AI Knowledge Assistant Solution - Energy Saving Trust is seeking to appoint a supplier to provide an AI supported federated enterprise search capability, in short, an AI Knowledge assistant for all of Energy Saving Trust's digital assets. This includes but may not be limited to our website portfolio, Microsoft SharePoint and Office, CRM systems, Intranet, inhouse applications and selected Shared Drives. The content source landscape is dynamic and will change over time. Internally it needs to be available to all employees and in part to contracted advice staff and function as an effective answer engine. Integration into our websites for customer service purposes needs to be included. The application hosting will ideally be on the Energy Saving Trust's Azure tenant and the cost needs to be included in the bid.
  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JAN522558
    ITT for a Comprehensive AI Knowledge Assistant Solution - Energy Saving Trust is seeking to appoint a supplier to provide an AI supported federated enterprise search capability, in short, an AI Knowledge assistant for all of Energy Saving Trust's digital assets. This includes but may not be limited to our website portfolio, Microsoft SharePoint and Office, CRM systems, Intranet, inhouse applications and selected Shared Drives. The content source landscape is dynamic and will change over time. Internally it needs to be available to all employees and in part to contracted advice staff and function as an effective answer engine. Integration into our websites for customer service purposes needs to be included. The application hosting will ideally be on the Energy Saving Trust's Azure tenant and the cost needs to be included in the bid.

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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