1.19 In 2012, HMRC signed a memorandum of agreement with Capgemini to make Aspire more compliant with government policy. The memorandum committed HMRC and Capgemini to introduce competitively procured services and changed Capgemini's role to separate providing and integrating services. The memorandum also committed parties to starting negotiations on direct contracts between Capgemini's main subcontractors and HMRC.
1.20 In October 2013, HMRC appointed a new chief digital and information officer. In early 2014, the chief digital and information officer launched a programme, called the Aspire Replacement Programme, to specify and procure HMRC's future technology requirements. This programme is part of HMRC's wider transformation programme, including implementing its digital strategy published in 2012.