The Data & Trusted AI Alliance (D&TA Alliance), a CEO-led nonprofit consortium of industry leaders, has launched a new AI Vendor Assessment Framework (VAF) to help enterprises navigate the growing complexity of buying generative AI tools.
The framework provides a structured set of questions and guidance for evaluating AI products on both risk and value before purchase. It addresses key concerns such as privacy, intellectual property, transparency, scalability, integration costs and vendor stability.
Developed through cross-sector collaboration, the framework draws on expertise from law, procurement, technology and operations. Its modular design allows it to be adapted to different industries, AI maturity levels and product types, including both generative and non-generative systems. According to the Alliance, this flexibility enables teams to streamline due diligence, scale risk assessments to context and balance innovation with responsible governance.
“This is a helpful step toward thoughtful, efficient deployment of AI to support innovation,” said Andrew Reiskind, Chief Data Officer at Mastercard. He praised the framework’s practical focus, aligning it with Mastercard’s approach of applying strong principles, guardrails and human oversight to AI development.
The framework also aims to improve communication between buyers and vendors, reduce sales cycle times and eliminate unnecessary queries. Chris Hazard, Chief Technology Officer at AI vendor Howso, called it a “game changer” that fosters faster, more productive procurement discussions. Ben Diamond, Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Transcarent, said it offers a consistent lens for assessing third-party AI tools.
The D&TA Alliance said the VAF will evolve through feedback from industry users, ensuring it remains aligned with fast-changing technologies and regulatory demands. Gaurab Bansal, Executive Director of Responsible Innovation Labs, noted that it enables startups to demonstrate “enterprise-grade standards,” helping buyers focus on product merit rather than company size.
The launch comes amid rising pressure on enterprises to ensure AI purchases deliver value without compromising compliance or ethics. Frameworks such as the VAF and TrustPath’s AI assurance model are increasingly seen as vital tools to manage risks from regulatory exposure, operational disruption and reputational damage.
By using plain-language guidance accessible to business leaders without technical backgrounds, the VAF helps address a key barrier to confident AI adoption. Megan Areias, Lead Technology and Data Counsel at Kenvue, said it supports more objective and thorough evaluation of vendor claims across compliance, capability and risk.
The D&TA Alliance includes global firms such as AMD, AT&T, General Motors, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Mastercard, Nike, Salesforce and UPS. Its broader mission is to accelerate AI deployment through trustworthy standards that uphold business value and ethical use.
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