What procurement process, if any, was used for purchasing artificial intelligence tools, if any, currently being used within the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any?

Answer

I am advised that the Social Investment Agency (SIA) has not undertaken any procurement processes for the purchase of artificial intelligence (AI) tools currently used by the agency. SIA accesses AI-enabled tools through its shared services arrangement with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and reimburses MSD for associated licensing costs. Any procurement processes relating to those tools were undertaken by MSD. SIA also uses certain open-source AI models for evaluation and research purposes, which have not been subject to a procurement process.