The Public Procurement Service (Administrator Baek Seung-bo) is sharply lowering the barriers for artificial intelligence companies to enter the public procurement market. The plan reflects the government’s intent to proactively purchase AI products, nurture innovative firms, and strengthen the industry’s self-sustaining capacity.
 [코리안투데이] 조달청 인공지능 AI 제품 공공조달 지원 본격화 © 장형임 기자 |
The Public Procurement Service announced that, in step with the recently enacted revision of the 「Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Establishment of a Foundation of Trust」, it will begin full-scale support to help AI companies swiftly enter and grow in the public procurement market. Eligible for support are AI products or services confirmed by the Minister of Science and ICT under the enforcement decree of the Framework Act on Artificial Intelligence.
 [코리안투데이] 조달청 인공지능 AI 제품 공공조달 지원 본격화 © 장형임 기자 |
First, regulations at the market-entry stage are being eased. The Public Procurement Service has reworked the criteria for AI products to newly enter Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contracts, removing the performance requirement that previously called for a track record of 30 million won or more, and lowering the threshold for the number of firms from three or more to two or more. The specification requirement has also been changed from a standard specification to one proposed by the company itself. In addition, by exempting the qualification assessment at the time of contract, it has eased the entry burden on emerging AI firms.
 [코리안투데이] 조달청 인공지능 AI 제품 공공조달 지원 본격화 © 장형임 기자 |
Sales channels also widen once firms are in the market. The Public Procurement Service has raised the threshold amount for two-stage competition under Multiple Award Schedule contracts fourfold. Accordingly, the threshold for general products has been raised from 50 million won or more to 200 million won or more, and for products under competition among small and medium-sized enterprises from 100 million won or more to 400 million won or more. This expands the range within which demanding agencies can purchase directly, without additional competitive procedures. Furthermore, AI products are granted a 1.5-point bonus in qualification screening for goods procurement.
 [코리안투데이] 조달청 인공지능 AI 제품 공공조달 지원 본격화 © 장형임 기자 |
This measure is significant in that it opens a channel through which early-stage AI firms that lack track record and scale can grow by using the public market as a stepping stone. When public institutions serve as verified buyers, companies can secure sales and delivery records, while the public as users can more quickly encounter verified AI products and services in administrative settings.
 [코리안투데이] 조달청 인공지능 AI 제품 공공조달 지원 본격화 © 장형임 기자 |
Public Procurement Service Administrator Baek Seung-bo emphasized, ‘We hope AI companies can grow by using public procurement as priming water,’ adding, ‘The Public Procurement Service will leverage public purchasing power of about 240 trillion won a year to support Korea’s leap into becoming one of the world’s top three AI nations.’
지역 홍보대사 신청 기자양성과정 신청 코리안투데이 지부장 신청 코리안투데이 인천강화코리안브랜드대상 신청 최고경영인대상 신청 소비자만족도대상 신청
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