The Contracting Authority is procuring a single strategic Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transformation Partner through the establishment of a Closed Framework Agreement. The Framework will be available solely for use by the Borough Council of Gateshead (the Council) and may not be accessed by any other contracting authority or third-party organisation. A single Supplier will be appointed to the Framework following completion of this procurement process. The appointed Supplier will support the Council in delivering its AI transformation programme through an initial Discovery Phase and, where required, subsequent services awarded through individual call-off contracts under the Framework Agreement. The Framework Agreement will have an overall maximum value of £5,000,000 ex VAT over its term. This figure represents the total potential value of all services that may be commissioned under the Framework and does not constitute a guarantee of expenditure. Tenderers are required to submit fixed pricing for the Discovery Phase as detailed within this Specification and the associated Pricing Schedule (Schedule D). Pricing for any subsequent services commissioned under individual call-off contracts will be agreed between Gateshead Council and the appointed Supplier prior to the award of each call-off contract, taking account of the scope, requirements, deliverables and outcomes of the specific requirement. As a Closed Framework, membership will not be reopened or refreshed during the term of the Framework Agreement. Appointment to the Framework does not guarantee any minimum volume of work, value of contracts, or level of expenditure. All services beyond the Discovery Phase will be commissioned at the Council´s discretion and subject to approval, business need, available funding and the successful agreement of call-off contract terms and pricing.