Why read this
Read this before reducing a complex shortlist to a vendor score or signing a pilot statement of work.
Compare the job, not the logo
Put products in the same category only when they address a comparable job. Record intended use, evidence scope, deployment model, integration burden, support, and the buyer capability required to operate each option.
Ask for evidence that can be checked
Request current security and privacy material, evaluation results, customer references, accessibility information, service levels, data-processing terms, incident history, model-change notices, and exit commitments. Separate a supplied claim from independently checked evidence.
Evidence: Australian Government essential AI practices, OAIC artificial intelligence and privacy guidance
Price the whole operating model
Include implementation, integration, training, review, monitoring, incident response, data preparation, change management, and exit. A low licence price is not low cost if the buyer must build the missing control plane.
Questions for the buying team
- What exact job and outcome are being bought?
- What evidence is independent, local, dated, and relevant?
- What is the full cost and responsibility for operating, monitoring, changing, and exiting the system?
Local evidence boundary: this guide organises questions and sources. It is not a legal, security, clinical, financial, procurement, or implementation approval.
Sources and further reading
- Australian Government AI in Government Policy standards guidance
- Australian Government essential AI practices standards guidance
- OAIC artificial intelligence and privacy guidance standards guidance
- Australian Cyber Security Centre guidance standards guidance