The Digital Government Authority has revolutionized the Kingdom's communications and information technology sector by launching a new methodology for classifying contractors and technology companies. This methodology fundamentally links official classifications with actual performance on government projects. This step aims to ensure the quality of digital outputs and enhance the efficiency of government spending, as any on-the-ground failures by an entity will directly result in a downgrade of its classification, thus limiting its opportunities to compete for future projects.
The context of digital transformation and the importance of the new classification
This regulatory move aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places digital transformation at the heart of its national priorities. The new system aims to eliminate companies lacking genuine capabilities (shadow companies) from the market and encourage investment in national talent and research and development. By integrating technical standards with financial solvency, government entities ensure they deal with entities capable of efficiently executing complex projects, thereby enhancing the reliability of the public sector's digital infrastructure.
Smart tools for a seamless user experience
In its latest version, the Authority introduced the "Sanad Classification Assistant" tool, powered by artificial intelligence, to enable establishments to understand the precise classification criteria and complete registration and evaluation procedures smoothly and with unprecedented speed. The Authority also ensured unified communication channels to guarantee a seamless user experience, providing comprehensive technical and guidance support through the "Amer" center and the Digital Government Cluster (DGC) platform, to help contractors overcome any obstacles they may encounter during the classification process.
The classification journey and precise evaluation criteria
The new guide covers all aspects of the process, from objectives and procedures to final deliverables, specifically targeting private sector companies seeking to provide the government sector with world-class technology services. The contractor's journey begins with obtaining a valid commercial registration and operating licenses from the Communications and Information Technology Commission, followed by registration on the digital government portal and linking the company's activities to the approved digital classification.
Applicants undergo a rigorous technical evaluation process using a comprehensive questionnaire that measures five key aspects: technical expertise, corporate governance, level of innovation and growth, compliance, and the size of the organization's available resources. This process culminates in the integration of the Authority's technical classification with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing's financial classification to issue a "General Classification Certificate," which accurately reflects the contractor's capabilities and financial and technical efficiency.
Hierarchical levels and continuous monitoring
The authority established four hierarchical classification levels, with the "Platinum Contractor" at the top, requiring excellence in research and development and the availability of local resources with a minimum passing score of 88 percent. This is followed by the "Gold Contractor" category, dedicated to implementation and integration services with a 70 percent passing score; then the "Silver Contractor" for support services with a 52 percent passing score; and finally the "Starter Contractor" for sales and distribution with a 40 percent passing score.
The classification certificate is valid for 12 months, allowing for two updates and rating improvements between the fourth and ninth months, with final renewal taking place during the last three months of the validity period. The authority emphasized that contractor performance on government projects is subject to continuous monitoring, as periodic evaluation results positively or negatively impact technical classification levels. This necessitates that companies maintain the quality of their services to ensure their continued qualification.
