AI SOURCE LIST

Start date :2019
End date :
Name of responsible governmental body :
  • Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS;)
Description :
  • The Government of Canada has created an AI Source List with 73 pre-approved suppliers “to provide Canada with responsible and effective AI services, solutions and products”. The framework allows government agencies to expedite procurement from firms that have demonstrated that they are capable of providing quality AI goods and services.
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Objectives:
  • Procurement vehicle to establish a pre-qualified list of suppliers (Source List) - who meet all of the mandatory criteria - to provide Canada with responsible and effective AI services, solutions and products.
  • Qualified suppliers must demonstrate competence in AI ethics, as well as implementation and access to talent. Firms that responded to the “Invitation to Qualify” had to prove to an inter-disciplinary panel that they satisfied these requirements.
  • The process of establishing and maintaining a list of AI service providers is an important way for the Government of Canada to engage with private companies in longer-term relationships. This dialogue facilitates the development of shared expectations and mutual understanding of the challenges faced by private companies which are relevant to public sector organisations.
  • The framework has three bands with escalating requirements. The lowest band has less stringent requirements, making it easier for small start-ups to qualify, thereby driving innovation and creating a deeper market.
OECD AI principle adressed:
  • Inclusive growth, sustainable development and well-being
  • Human-centred values and fairness
  • Transparency and explainability
  • Robustness, security and safety
  • Accountability
  • Providing an enabling policy environment for AI
Relevant policy area covered:
  • Public governance
Related to a theme:
Direct beneficiaries:
Estimated budget expenditure (range per year):
  • Not applicable
Background including shifts in the policy initiative:
  • N.A
Policy initiative is a structural reform:
  • No
Evaluated:
  • No
Link to evaluation or reports:
  • N.A
Public access URL:
Funding from the private sector:
  • No
Type of evaluation:
  • N.A
Evaluation provides input to:
  • N.A
Evaluation performed by:
  • N.A
Policy instruments :

Procurement programmes for AI R&D and innovation

  • Type : Procurement programmes for AI R&D and innovation
  • Name in English :
  • Country : Canada
  • Type of programme : Improving the capacity and competence of the AI procurement process
  • R&D/innovation objective(s) : Create demand for technology or innovative products and services
  • Programme focus : Strategic business sector
Last updated : Oct 6, 2022
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