What's Happening?
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is set to award a £14 million strategy and delivery contract to consultancy Public Digital. The contract, which spans three years with an option for an additional year, aims to support HMRC in adopting new digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance customer interactions and increase tax revenue. Public Digital was founded by Mike Bracken, a former executive director of the UK Government Digital Service, who recently resigned as a director of HMRC. The contract is currently in a standstill period, with the earliest signing date set for September 10. Other bidders for the contract included Kainos Software, Made Tech, and North Highland UK.
Why It's Important?
The awarding of this contract is significant as it represents HMRC's commitment to modernizing its operations and increasing efficiency through digital transformation. By shifting more than 80% of customer interactions to digital channels, HMRC aims to generate an additional £6.5 billion in tax revenue. This move aligns with broader governmental efforts to embrace digitization and improve public sector services. The involvement of Public Digital, a consultancy with a strong background in digital service transformation, suggests a focused approach to achieving these goals. The contract also highlights the competitive landscape among technology consultancies vying for government projects.
What's Next?
The next steps involve the formal signing of the contract, expected to occur after the standstill period ends on September 10. HMRC will begin implementing the strategies outlined in the contract, focusing on increasing digital interactions and leveraging artificial intelligence. Stakeholders, including government officials and technology firms, will likely monitor the progress and outcomes of this initiative closely. The success of this project could influence future government contracts and digital transformation efforts across other departments.
