What is the Automation Marketplace DPS?

One of Crown Commercial Service's newest Dynamic Purchasing Systems, here's all the info so far on the Automation Marketplace.

Following on from Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) recent supplier engagement event, we’ve been given a bit more clarification as to what expect with this new Dynamic Purchasing System. Planned as a replacement of the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) contract which expires in March 2020, the Automation Marketplace will give suppliers the chance to put their RPA, AI or Machine Learning technology in front of public sector buyers.

When does the Automation Marketplace DPS open?

CCS have put forward a provisional timeline, that was announced at their supplier engagement event. The DPS is expected to open for supplier applications in February 2020. With it going live for public sector suppliers the following month in March. As a DPS though, it means that suppliers can join the Marketplace anytime during when it’s live.

What technology is the DPS for?

There’s quite a good scope of tech included in this one. The expectation is that the Automation Marketplace will be for suppliers offering automation services, which include RPA, Machine Learning and AI – to name a few solutions.

There are four categories, or filters, that the buyers will be able to narrow down their searches by. These are:

• Design (Strategy & Business Transformation)
  These services will help the public sector design a strategy, by understanding the opportunities and setting up strategic direction for their departments.
• Build (Problem Solving with Tech Solutions)
  These will be outcome based solutions. This means that these will be problem focused, rather than technology focused. Suppliers will be able to put forward creative solutions to buyers’ questions and problems.
• Live (Resource and Training)
  This category is based around people and resources. Helping the public sector upskill and help build their capability in-house.
• License (Software Licenses)
  Suppliers can provide software licenses, and assist the public sector with these within this filter.

How can I get on to the Automation Marketplace?

Being a DPS, suppliers can decide to get on to the marketplace at anytime during its lifetime. However, it doesn’t mean they should wait – as the longer they’re not on it, the more business they miss out on.

The application process for DPSs aren’t as time-heavy as big frameworks, so can cut down time on getting your submission in. However, as we always say, the hardest part is getting the contracts when you’re on them. So there’s a lot to think about, especially how it will fit into your sales and marketing strategies.