We questioned DSIT and the Cabinet Office on how they were strengthening digital procurement in government to support competition and innovation. They told us these issues were an ongoing challenge and that they wanted to find a balance between guiding procurement centrally without stifling opportunities to buy locally from SMEs.54 Measures they are taking include setting up a digital commercial centre of expertise to ensure that they build the expertise they need.55

We questioned DSIT and the Cabinet Office on how they were strengthening digital procurement in government to support competition and innovation. They told us these issues were an ongoing challenge and that they wanted to find a balance between guiding procurement centrally without stifling opportunities to buy locally from SMEs.54 Measures they are taking include setting up a digital commercial centre of expertise to ensure that they build the expertise they need.55 Type: conclusion | Number: 22 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: 5. PAC conclusion: DSIT and Cabinet Office have a long way to go to strengthen the government’s approach to digital procurement to ensure value for money and a thriving AI supplier market. 5. PAC recommendation: DSIT, in collaboration with Cabinet Office, should set out publicly how its proposed AI