DfT throws focus on big data and machine learning
The Department for Transport has opened the door for the fifth round of applications for funds from the Transport, Technology Research Innovation Grant (T-TRIG), making up to £1.14 million available in total.
It said that businesses with ideas to improve transport through technology could bid for up to £30,000, a £5,000 increase on the previous limit, and placed the focus on two key themes: improving the UK’s road network using big data and machine learning; and reducing shipping emissions.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Ground breaking pilot projects are already benefiting passengers around the country, and this new round of innovation funding will give more businesses a chance to make their ideas a reality.”
CCS claims SME boost on Contracts Finder website
The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has said the number of suppliers registered on the Government’s Contracts Finder website has increased by 53% over the past year, hitting a total of more than 22,000 of which almost two-thirds are SMEs.
The site is managed by CCS with the aim of increasing procurement transparency and providing more opportunities for SMEs in public sector business.
Minister for Government Efficiency Caroline Nokes said: “Smaller businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and I am keen that they are able to access as many opportunities as possible, helping the Government to achieve our aspiration of spending £1 in every £3 with SMEs by 2022.”
NSS looks for digital system for sharing clinical examinations
NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) has begun to look for service or system to enable the digital requesting and reporting of examinations between clinical laboratories in the health service.
It has published a prior information procurement notice saying it wants to replace its paper based processes for referral and reporting. The new system should include a common user interface for end-to-end connections between laboratory systems throughout the UK; and it should provide access to a directory of available test repertories of connected sites.
NSS has valued any resultant contract at around £1 million.
Image from GOV.UK, Open Government Licence v3.0
