It’s the G-Cloud season again and once more, applications opened for the 14^th iteration of this digital framework. This article provides a whistlestop tour of everything you need to know including what the G-Cloud framework is, how version 14 is different from version 13, and why it’s such a vital framework to be a part of if you’re selling cloud software, hosting or support to public sector buyers.

Applications to join this framework are open between 19^th February and 07^th May 2024.

The Application process begins with a series of self-declarations, commitments to comply with the framework rules and contract terms, as well as details about your organisation.

Next, you must prepare a product page. This acts like your product’s catalogue profile whereby any buyer can review to see if it meets their requirements. You must have

1. a “Service Definition” document detailing the product;
2. a transparent pricing schedule including any variations, combinations and discounts;
3. a set of terms and conditions that you want to apply;
4. and a consultancy rate card for various positions within your company

The key here is that all of your products features and functionality, the ins and outs of your services, all need to be transparently described and defined to allow buyers to make a judgement whether to award a contract or not.

There are several changes but here are a few top picks that are particularly significant:

• Insurance levels required must be demonstrable during the application process, rather than demonstrating cover if you’re awarded a contract. The levels are: £10 million professional indemnity, £10m public liability and £5 million employer’s liability cover.
• This framework is for 18 months, rather than the previous 12 months. However individual contracts awarded through the framework can be 36 months with an optional extension of 12 months.
• If you previously have a G-Cloud 13 product page, you can copy the details across for the G-Cloud 14 application, however you will need to resubmit all of the declarations and details from scratch.
• There is a financial assessment that you must pass in order to qualify for this framework. Details are publicly available within the tender documents here (or get in touch if you want more information).

You need not apply of you offer the following services. These fall outside the scope of this particular framework.

• co-location services
• non-cloud related services / consultancy
• bespoke design and development
• hardware – only hardware which supports the overall solution being delivered can be provided under G-Cloud 14
• recruitment – only support relating to the cloud is permitted, not the provision of staff or interims

A few nuggets of information that you might want to know about the G-Cloud framework:

• There is a management charge currently set at 0.75% of all charges (excluding VAT) invoiced to suppliers on the framework. So each contract you will be awarded, you must pay a management fee to CCS. Factor this into your pricing.
• This is a Direct Award framework only – meaning no further competitions to refine requirements are possible (this is where Lot 4 comes in).
• You cant change you pricing midway through the framework (unless it’s a discount)
• You can only change minor details about your product pages. You can’t add any new products wants the deadline for applications has passed and you’ll have to wait for the next round of applications for G-Cloud 15 to open.
• You’re allowed no price increases, only reductions (which can be permanent or time limited)