Best Practices for Government Procurement of Data-Driven Technologies

Abstract

Though governments have been consumers of technology products for decades, new data- driven technologies (e.g. data analytics, surveillance technologies, database management systems) present new challenges and legal concerns that were not contemplated when most relevant procurement laws or policies were developed. This guidance offers high- level considerations and recommendations that can improve transparency, accountability, oversight and public trust in government technology procurement without legislative or regulatory reform (though modernization of procurement laws and policies is highly encouraged). The guidance focuses on best practices government officials can employ prior to a technology being used or formally implemented, and it includes an appendix that summarizes additional procurement resources and reports. This guidance can also be useful to advocates seeking to understand and engage in government technology procurement.

Keywords: government procurement, data, technology, accountability, contract negotiations

JEL Classification: H57