Extracts from Supplier Intelligence Database

Submitted by TimDavies on Mon, 23/03/2015 - 15:33 | Updated on Mon, 26/10/2015 - 10:19
Finance
Society
Administration
Spending data
Status: 
Escalated to data holder
Publisher: 
Cabinet Office
Data request description: 
Suppliers interacting with government are required to sign-up to the Supplier Intelligence Database at https://sid4gov.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/. This service generates 'SID4GOV' Identifiers for each supplier, against which key supplier information is captured, including a supplier profile, cross-references to other identifiers (primarily DUNS number, but through this, also registered company numbers). This database covers both registered companies, but also sole traders and other entities dealing with government. As much data as possible should be made available from this database, including at least SID4Gov Identifiers and the name and other identifiers of the organisation they relate to. Subsidiary and branch information would also be a valuable addition. This would allow contract registers and other transparency disclosures to make use of, or look-up against SID4Gov IDs when publishing information.
Reason: 
The data is subject to restrictions because of personal confidentiality
No public access to the data is provided, and it is not clear whether any internal APIs to aid re-use of the data inside government are available. The T&Cs of the https://sid4gov.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ site suggest the data is being transferred into the ownership of a private company, and the privacy policy suggests some barriers to opening the data. However, this appears a strong candidate for data to be considered part of an essential Information Infrastructure for procurement and transparency, and there should be was to overcome these barriers.
Suggested use: 
Business Use
Community Work
These identifiers would be valuable as part of mapping public contracting, using the Open Contracting Data Standard.
Benefits overview: 
SID4Gov Identifiers can be used by departments to map together supplier information, increasing the quality and utility of information on government suppliers, and supporting analysis that can lead to more efficient and effective public procurement.
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