News story: SMEs gear up to supply to government through new £3bn tech deal

One hundred SMEs have signed up for the chance to secure a share of an estimated £3bn of IT investment over the next four years – giving them the chance to grow their businesses by helping the government to deliver more efficient, effective public services.

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has today awarded its new Technology Services 2 framework, with small and medium-sized enterprises representing more than 60% of the total number of suppliers signed up.

CCS is estimating that the framework will help public bodies to save more than £180 million over four years – money that can be spent on delivering frontline services.

Niall Quinn, Director, Technology Strategic Category for CCS says:

This framework delivers significant commercial benefits and gives more SMEs than ever the chance to deliver specialist technology support to the UK public sector.

Up to £3bn is expected to be spent through the agreement, which links public sector bodies with suppliers that can provide specialist IT services – from the management of a small desktop computer estate to the replacement of critical government systems.

160 suppliers have been awarded places on the framework, with 100 of them SMEs. There are twice as many suppliers on the new agreement compared to its previous iteration – Technology Services – giving more businesses than ever a chance to supply to government and increasing competition to drive down prices.

The agreement initially runs for two years, with the option to extend by two further years.

The agency innovation

For the first time, the new agreement includes an ‘agency’ element.

This gives public sector organisations buying services the option to employ a supplier as an ‘agent’ for their needs – buying in further goods or services through other CCS frameworks including Technology Products 2.

This gives customers a ‘one stop shop’ option to fully satisfy their requirements.

CCS will also be supporting small businesses who are new to working with government with regular introductory webinars and self-help videos on CCS systems and processes.

Lotting structure

  • Lot 1 – Technology Strategy & Service Design
  • Lot 2 – Transition and Transformation
  • Lot 3 – Operational Services
  • Lot 4 – Programmes and Large Projects (2 sub Lots)
  • 4a: Government Official security classification
  • 4b: Above government Official classification (government Secret and Top Secret classifications)

To find out more, visit the Crown Commercial Service procurement pipeline.