--- title: "AI Proof of Concept - Essex Connector" ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-0e9910d0-08ad-4d0d-9885-8cb799fa581f" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-0e9910d0-08ad-4d0d-9885-8cb799fa581f" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-0e9910d0-08ad-4d0d-9885-8cb799fa581f.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-0e9910d0-08ad-4d0d-9885-8cb799fa581f.json" source: "Contracts Finder" current_stage: "Planning" buyer: "ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL" published: "2024-08-19" --- # AI Proof of Concept - Essex Connector Buyer: ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL Current stage: Planning OCID: ocds-b5fd17-0e9910d0-08ad-4d0d-9885-8cb799fa581f [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-0e9910d0-08ad-4d0d-9885-8cb799fa581f) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-0e9910d0-08ad-4d0d-9885-8cb799fa581f.json) ## Summary Essex County Council (ECC) is currently in the planning stage for the "AI Proof of Concept - Essex Connector" project. This initiative aims to develop a digital platform that connects residents and businesses in Essex with employment, training, and skills opportunities using both conventional automation and Artificial Intelligence. Key features include personalised career advice, a careers quiz, employer profiles, and a talent pool. This tender falls under the software package and information systems category (CPV Code: 48000000), with additional classifications in IT services, career guidance services, and education and training services. The engagement period ends on 22 August 2024, with the location specified as the East of England, United Kingdom. This procurement opportunity presents substantial growth potential for businesses specialising in technology solutions, particularly those capable of developing and managing AI-driven platforms. The ideal candidates include SMEs and VCSEs with expertise in software development, information technology, career guidance, and educational services. By participating, businesses can gain a foothold in the public sector marketplace and form strategic partnerships with local authorities, contributing to the technological advancement of employment and training infrastructures in Essex. ## Notice Essex County Council (ECC) are seeking to create a single 'digital front door' under the project name CO0541 Essex Connector, that will connect residents and businesses with Essex based employment, training, and skills opportunities. Using conventional automation as well as Artificial Intelligence, Essex Connector will deliver Careers Information Advice and Guidance along with personalised recommendations relevant to users' interests and requirements. Essex Connector will also seek to streamline access into employment and skills opportunities by creating talent pools for employers and providers alike. The full specification of the tool is currently being devised but at present the following are aspects that we strive to incorporate within the solution: * AI-led Careers IAG 'careers co-pilot' * Careers Quiz * Skills & qualification Integration/Analysis * Employer Profiles and Spotlights * Development of an Essex Talent Pool It is our current intention that the connector is procured as a fully managed technology solution with a technology provider engaged to develop, implement and provide ongoing hosting and updates/developments of the product. The approach will be to identify the right partner to assist us with running a proof of concept (POC), allowing us to explore and understand what is possible prior to implementing a final lager scale solution. Attached to this Early Engagement Notice, you will find a survey that will help us to understand the shape of the market. ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Contracts Finder | | Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/2ea3e2dd-f3fe-46b2-8220-87ed72adf276 | | 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 | | All stages | Planning | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 19 Aug 2024 | | Submission deadline | Not specified | | Future notice date | 22 Aug 2024 | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | Not specified | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | Not specified | | Lots value | Not specified | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Planning | | Lots status | Not specified | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL | | Locality | CHELMSFORD | | Post town | Chelmsford | | Postcode | CM1 1QH | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLH East (England) | | ITL 2 | TLH3 Essex | | ITL 3 | TLH36 Heart of Essex | | Local authority | Chelmsford | | Electoral ward | Moulsham and Central | | Westminster constituency | Chelmsford | | Delivery location | Not specified | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 48 - Software package and information systems - 72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support - 79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security - 80 - Education and training services ### Codes - 48000000 - Software package and information systems - 72222300 - Information technology services - 79634000 - Career guidance services - 80000000 - Education and training services ## Release History - 19 Aug 2024 at 16:01 - Planning - Market Engagement Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/2ea3e2dd-f3fe-46b2-8220-87ed72adf276 - 30 Jul 2024 at 15:49 - Planning - Market Engagement Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/2ea3e2dd-f3fe-46b2-8220-87ed72adf276 ## Documents - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/2ea3e2dd-f3fe-46b2-8220-87ed72adf276 19th August 2024 - Early engagement notice on Contracts Finder - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/c47ed39d-b588-4326-bd57-bcc6d70e40a4 Interested parties can provide responses to all or some of the questions. Please feel free to provide additional information regarding services offered which you think the Council would find useful in relation to this exercise. Interested Parties should note that any responses received during this exercise will be treated as confidential information and it is the intention of the Council not to share this information with any third parties. Answers to questions should be submitted to both George.Knight@essex.gov.uk and Tyno.Tong@essex.gov.uk by 5pm on 20/08/2024. Thank you very much for your interest and participation. ## Provenance This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-0e9910d0-08ad-4d0d-9885-8cb799fa581f. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-0e9910d0-08ad-4d0d-9885-8cb799fa581f.json.