Proof-of-concept projects, especially those that are paid, and have ambitions to scale toward larger contracts, can be important first steps in the door for underrepresented entrepreneurs and new businesses who may not understand or have the resources to navigate the traditional RFP procurement process. RFIs can also help assess a market interest toward RFPs, but add a time-delay to get toward a solution. Of course, not every function is eligible for a trial solution, especially core government services, but there are many aspects of government service-provision and internal operations where small pilots can result in big impact for governments. These may turn into contracts, but they can also be useful for businesses to learn and adapt their products to better meet government needs.
- High-impact, Medium-difficulty
- Example: Washington, DC’s Smart Cities Initiative \\ City Innovate’s list of successful proof-of-concept projects executed through their STIR program
- Next Steps: Identify some broad areas (especially within services or technology) that can be good first trials of a proof-of-concept approach. Then issue a challenge publicly. Organizations like CivStart and UrbanLeap can help ensure that these programs run successfully and many of the most innovative startups see your challenge.