Defra: Artifical Intelligence: Discovery Alpha Beta

Tender description

Why the Work is Being Done Outcome: An IT system or systems which applies optimum use of AI to ensure the import of animals, plants and associated products are healthy and minimises cost and frequency of maritime fishing inspections in the first instance, expanding those systems into other areas as appropriate Problem to Be Solved To apply AI to improve Defra operations, initially for Border and Maritime inspections including: To better target consignments/catches that are likely to be non compliant through the use of various data sets and technology capabilities: Manual risk assessment is labour intensive and based on guidelines and factors such as country of origin, which lead to less effective inspections: Current inspection outcomes are not continuously incorporated into the process to enable improved detection rates. There is potential for further work beyond these areas Who Are the Users For Intelligent Inspections at the Border and in the Maritime Environment, some of the users and responsibilities are: 1) As a Port Health Officer, I want to be told which inspections to carry out based on risk of non-compliance, so that I can efficiently locate non-compliant consignments. 2) As a Risk Analyst, I want my definition of risk factors to be guided by intelligent insight, so that inspection guidelines can be adapted dynamically to improve detection rates. Early Market Engagement Work Already Done Defra has engaged with an external organisation to provide a high level review of analytics and Artificial Intelligence at Defra. Several potential opportunities to apply Data Science, Machine Learning and AI to Defra's work have been identified. Defra is now working with internal stakeholders to better understand and capture scope and user stories. Existing Team SMEs and managers from the APHA and MMO organisations within Defra. SMEs and managers from the Food Standards Agency. Staff from Defra's established Data Transformation Programme - Senior Managers, Delivery Manager, Engagement Lead, Business and Data Analysts, and Data Architects Current Phase Discovery Work Location Weybridge, London, with possible visits to York and Carlisle (APHA sites) and ports of entry, e.g. Felixstowe. Working Arrangments On site in Defra offices for majority of time with some scope for remote working upon agreement and adhering to Defra's various processes and policies i.e. security, data protection etc. Security Clearance Disclosure Scotland but may be some requirement for SC clearance Additional T&Cs Skills & Experience "1. Evidence experience of developing analytics solutions to provide better insight to deliver measurable business outcomes using large, disparate and/or complex data sources. 10 Evidence of deep knowledge and expertise of using artificial intelligence and predictive modelling solutions and the identification and ongoing maintenance of data quality. 10 Evidence experience of rapid development of proofs of concept (PoCs) using agile methodology that are robust enough to base future decisions on and which conform to clients' environment expectations. 10 Experience of evolving PoCs through to production systems and scaling accordingly. 8 Experience of delivering solutions to front-line users in critical operational areas that are easy to implement. 8 Evidence by example of proven capability to deliver data science expertise into projects and share learning. 8 Evidence by example of using open source components to deliver the solution. 6 Nice to Haves Expertise in Agile working, delivering proofs of concept, and sharing learning and knowledge. 5 Familiarity with consignment tracking systems and/or health certification systems. 5 Evidence by example using open source components to deliver solutions. 6 No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 3 Proposal Criteria How the approach meets Defra requirements. 10 Estimated timeframes to onboard.4 How risks and dependencies are identified and proposed approaches to manage them 4 Team structure, capacity and capability 4 Value for money. 8 Cultural Fit Criteria Work as a team with our organisation and other suppliers Be committed to Agile working Be collaborative and transparent when making decisions Take responsibility for their work Share knowledge and experience with other team members Challenge the status quo Payment Approach Time and materials Assessment Method Written proposal Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 60% Cultural fit 10% Price 30% Questions from Suppliers Budget range