Understand and apply an agile framework

Test and learn

Innovation buying teams using an outcomes-focused approach are open to a range of solutions and avoid making solution assumptions. This involves a lot of uncertainty, therefore they must document a procurement approach structured to create certainty.

Embrace uncertainty with an agile approach

Agile delivery is a form of project management that accepts that project teams can't know everything when they are planning. It is geared toward working, learning and adapting. Therefore it is well-suited to managing the uncertainty inherent in innovation procurement.

In a procurement context, agile methods can support innovation by:

• focusing on outcomes to help attract a range of innovative solutions
• managing uncertainty through multiple-stages of testing and evaluation.

An agile procurement framework that is fit for the public sector must also support innovation buying projects to achieve obligations such as compliance with policies, transparency, fairness and value for money.

Iteration drives success

Change can occur in any procurement. The uncertainty of innovation, combined with the agile, iterative approach used to manage it, increases the likelihood of change. Project teams can use an iteration plan to anticipate when new information could emerge, what decisions might need to be made and how they will be governed and communicated.

The guidance presents an agile procurement framework fit for the public sector, and supports buying teams with practical steps to apply it through outcome-focused scoping and iteration plans that help anticipate and manage change.