At Ask Mona, one question comes up time and time again :

“How can we work with you within the public procurement framework?”

Public procurement may seem complex, but it's a powerful tool to bring innovation to the public sector, especially when it comes to integrating cutting-edge technologies like generative AI. In this article, we’ll walk you through the main purchasing routes available to public entities in France and show you how they can help you access our AI solutions quickly and legally.

Whether you’re considering a direct award, an innovation partnership, or the UGAP framework, here’s how to navigate the process smoothly.

Why Public Procurement Is a Driver of Innovation

Public procurement isn’t just a legal constraint. It’s a strategic lever to modernize public services.

By following key principles : open access, equal treatment, and transparency, the French Code de la Commande Publique ensures that public money is spent responsibly. But more importantly, the Code now includes streamlined paths that favor innovation, particularly for digital solutions like ours.

With Ask Mona, you’re not just buying software. You’re giving your audiences interactive, AI-powered experiences, from  cultural chatbots to smart souvenirs and digital learning companions. And yes, all this can be done while staying fully compliant.

4 Procurement Pathways to Work With Ask Mona

1. Direct Awards (< €40,000 excl. tax): fast and flexible

For purchases under €40,000 before tax, you don’t need a formal tender. Public buyers can contract directly with the provider of their choice — no paperwork marathon required.

This is ideal for:

• Pilot projects
• First deployments
• Quick experimentation

We often use this approach to launch conversational experiences in museums or distribute our interactive smart magnets. The entire process can be handled with agility, while fully respecting the procurement rules.

2. Innovation-Friendly Contracts (up to €100,000 excl. tax)

Thanks to Article R. 2122-9-1 of the French Public Procurement Code, public entities can contract directly with a company if the solution is truly innovative — up to €100,000 excl. tax, with no competitive bidding required.

Ask Mona qualifies under this article as a Jeune Entreprise Innovante (JEI), and we have successfully worked with numerous public actors using this mechanism.

Perfect for:

• AI-driven cultural mediation
• Personalized digital learning assistants
• Data-enhanced public experiences

This is the best way to cut through red tape and accelerate deployment — all while promoting innovation in your institution.

3. UGAP: the public procurement shortcut

UGAP (Union des Groupements d’Achats Publics) is a central purchasing body that pre-validates suppliers for public institutions. If you go through UGAP, you:

• Skip the tender process
• Save time and resources
• Access Ask Mona’s solutions directly via their catalog

Our AI solutions — including chatbots, learning companions, and object-linked experiences — are available via UGAP’s channels. Want to check your eligibility or find the right listing? Get in touch.

4. Traditional Tendering: for large-scale projects

For budgets above €100,000 excl. tax, or if internal rules require it, you’ll likely need to launch a formal tender. We’re used to navigating:

• Open or restricted tenders
• Competitive dialogues
• Multi-partner projects

Our team supports you from the scoping stage to final delivery. We can help with technical annexes, innovation justifications, and compliance guarantees — without slowing you down.

Our Commitment: We Guide You at Every Step

We don’t just provide AI. We help you procure it efficiently.
Here’s how we support public buyers:

• Drafting justifications and technical memos
• Matching the right procurement route to your project
• Ensuring compliance with the Code de la commande publique

From the first quote to the final invoice, we’re by your side. We’ve already worked with dozens of French and European public institutions — and we’re ready to work with you too.

Ready to bring AI into your institution?

Public procurement doesn’t have to be a blocker. It can be a catalyst.

Whether you’re looking to launch a chatbot for your museum, an interactive souvenir for your visitors, or a digital learning assistant for your students, there’s a clear and legal way to get started  fast.

📩 Contact us now to find the right path forward. We’ll help you pick the best route and get started in no time.