Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government, with reference to procurement notice Review on the State of Digital Government (2024/S 000-039897) published on 11 December 2024, why this contract was awarded via Bloom Procurement Services rather than through a direct Cabinet Office procurement; and what assessment they made of the cost of conducting this procurement via the Central Digital and Data Office.

The contract was awarded via Bloom Procurement Services as part of the government’s commitment to ensuring value for money and efficiency in procurement processes. Bloom operates as a neutral vendor, providing a pre-approved supplier network that enables access to specialist services through a streamlined and competitive procurement route. In this case it was assessed that using Bloom facilitated access to a broad pool of suppliers with relevant expertise, whilst reducing administrative overheads and ensuring competitive pricing. Conducting this procurement via the Central Digital and Data Office would have required additional time and resources, potentially delaying delivery. The use of Bloom allowed for a more agile procurement approach, balancing cost-effectiveness with the need for timely delivery.