Decision details

GMP have used Chorus software for a number of years and indeed it was initially a joint development between GMP and Chorus Intelligence Limited. In August 2024, GMP issued a Prior Information Notice to understand whether any supplier could provide additional capabilities beyond the current software capabilities. GMP received presentations from several organisations, but there were no products available and whilst suppliers were willing to develop tools, this was at considerable cost to GMP. Only Chorus offered to enhance existing functionality for free and at no cost\risk to GMP.

A short contract is recommended to understand whether Chorus Intelligence Limited can deliver the required capabilities, but also because future costs are unknown. Licence costs will be stable, but the Artificial Intelligence being developed may incur costly processing charges. Whilst Chorus will bear these costs for the initial development period, GMP need to understand if the resultant product will be value for money.

The Deputy Mayor approves a Direct Award of a 1 year contract for Mobile Phone Analytics Software using Crown Commercial Supplier G-Cloud 14 call-off process, to Chorus Intelligence Limited, with the option to extend for a further 1 year. The likely value of the 2 years spend would be circa £600K

What alternatives were considered and why were these rejected?

To go to tender:

• Do nothing – rejected as GMP require a product to analyse mobile phone usage. The current product is a significant time-saving over manual processes.
• Undertake a bespoke procurement exercise (OJEU) –rejected as the PIN established that no supplier had a suitable product and that development costs could be significant with no guaranteed outcomes.

Following the supplier presentations, it was concluded that Chorus Intelligence Limited presented the only current product to meet GMP’s requirements and the most likely outcome of an enhanced product at no cost to GMP.

Costs have increased since the previous G-Cloud 12 procurement and more units wish to use the product, hence this has moved into the Deputy Mayor’s approval level