PLEASE NOTE: G-CLOUD 11 APPLICATIONS CLOSED AS OF 22ND MAY
As of the 26th March 2019, the government’s Crown Commercial Services have launched a competition for the latest iteration of their G-Cloud framework. This applies to all suppliers of cloud hosting, support and software services. The deadline for suppliers to apply is not the 22nd May 2019 (5pm BST).
If you’re looking to break into the public sector or simply increase your exposure to public sector buyers, the G-Cloud is an essential framework to be a part of. Buyers often consult the G-Cloud as one of their first ports of call when looking for suppliers within this area of the cosmos. If you’re not on it, your company might be overlooked.
What is the G-Cloud framework?
The G-Cloud is a framework set up to identify suppliers in the market that can deliver all things cloud related. Its purpose is to provide buyers, like local councils, NHS trusts, universities etc with quick and easy access to a qualified supplier list. Suppliers will be listed with profile pages relating to each service that they offer. This will include a description of the offering, pricing and any specific terms and conditions that will apply.
For more information we have created a useful video explaining what the G-Cloud is.
For more videos like this one, please see our video resources page here.
How buyers buy from the G-Cloud?
From there, buyers will be able to search through these profiles and select suppliers to award contracts to. This can be done in two main ways.
- Direct award – in cases where there is only one supplier that can deliver the services to the standards that the buyer wants, the buyer is able to directly award a contract to that supplier without the need for running a tender. This is a very attractive position for buyers, as it negates the time and resources needed to carry out a competitive tendering process AND ensures that they are awarding a contract to a supplier that meets certain criteria.
- Further Competition – in cases where two or more suppliers meet the buyer’s criteria, a further competition can be conducted. This generally uses the information that suppliers present within their application to join the G-Cloud. Buyers will compare your offering to their requirements, have a look at your pricing and, based on a combination of price and quality, will make a decision who wins the contract. Please note that direct competition, i.e. conducting a tender-type exercise is not permitted through the G-Cloud. Buyers will need to conduct a desk-based competition using their own pre-established criteria in order to identify a single supplier to contract with.
Things to note
All contracts awarded will use the G-Cloud call-off terms and conditions, unless you supplement these with your own.
The framework lasts for 1 year (with an option to extend for a further 12 months) and all contracts awarded through the G-Cloud will be for a maximum of 4 years (typically 2 years plus 2 extension options of a further 12 months).
You must publicly present your fees to the world AND if awarded a contract, you must honour these within the contract.
How do you apply?
The G-Cloud application process can take time, but the Crown Commercial Services have provided guidance for suppliers looking to join.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/g-cloud-suppliers-guide
Remember, this framework is almost always considered by public sector buyers looking for cloud based goods and services. If you only bid for one tender in the year, this would be the tender I’d recommend going for.
You will need to produce the following:
- 50 words describing your business
- 10x service benefits
- 10x service features
- A pricing schedule
- A rate card (for consultancy)
- A set of tailored terms and conditions (if applicable)
- A service definition document (describing your service in detail)
Now this is no mean feat but it is worth the effort if you can secure a spot on the framework. If you need any help, advice or assistance in your G-Cloud application, please don’t hesitate to contact me for further information.