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Guide Origin: Official | ArcKit Version: [VERSION]

Use /arckit:sow, /arckit:evaluate, and /arckit:research to prepare compliant procurements via the UK Government Digital Marketplace (G-Cloud, DOS, Crown Hosting).

Route Decision Flow

Question Yes → No →
Buying cloud hosting/software/support? G-Cloud Next question
Buying a delivered outcome or team? Digital Outcomes (DOS) Next question
Hiring individuals at day rates? Digital Specialists (DOS) Next question
Need physical datacentre space? Crown Hosting (requires spend-control justification) Consider alternative or reassess

Inputs

  • Requirements aligned to Cloud First and open standards.
  • Budget and commercial constraints approved by commercial/procurement leads.
  • Security/compliance artefacts ready (Cyber Essentials, DPIA, Secure by Design).

ArcKit Workflow

Step Command Purpose
Supplier landscape /arckit:research Research G-Cloud services for <capability> Build shortlist, identify price points
SOW / Outcome spec /arckit:sow Generate SOW for <route> Structure scope, deliverables, timelines, evaluation
Evaluation design /arckit:evaluate Create evaluation framework for <procurement> Weight criteria (technical, delivery, compliance, price, social value)
Proposal scoring /arckit:evaluate Score <supplier> Consistent scoring, evidence, comments
Comparison /arckit:evaluate Compare vendors for <procurement> Final justification and recommendation

Store outputs under projects/<id>/vendors/ for audit.

Evidence Checklist

  • Procurement route rationale (spend control requirement).
  • Shortlist / longlist notes with exclusions justified.
  • Evaluation weights approved by governance board.
  • Standstill letters or award notifications drafted.
  • Security and compliance clauses embedded in contract terms.