Crown Commercial Service explains how the Technology Services 3 update enables ‘full lifecycle’ technology services for the public sector
In June 2021, Crown Commercial Service (CCS) awarded the latest version of its Technology Services framework – with additional services and improved call-off terms.
The Technology Services framework is the only agreement that enables customers to procure information and communication technology services across the entire lifecycle; from strategy through to transition and operational deployment. The agreement can be used by all UK public sector organisations including but not limited to central government and the wider public sector.
Technology Services 3 (TS3) will run for four years and call-off contract durations can be from two to seven years. The agreement replaces Technology Services 2 (TS2), which is due to expire in September 2021.
Innovations
The technology service landscape has evolved with new service offerings being available since the launch of TS2. The new agreement builds on the success of the TS2 framework, adding refinements to the Lots and making it easier and more efficient for customers to procure IT services.
The core services from TS2 will continue to be delivered, but improvements and innovations will include:
Lot 4, covering major service transformations, has been simplified. Market feedback was that the previous security-focused sub-Lots were confusing and restrictive, and they have been removed. Customers will now be able to specify these classifications across all Technology Services 3 Lots instead.
A new Service Integration and Management (SIAM) Lot has been introduced to support customers looking to disaggregate the delivery of their technology services. By using SIAM, customers can manage multiple suppliers of services and integrate them to provide a single, business-facing IT organisation.
New call-off terms have been designed to better reflect the diversity of technology services offered through the agreement, whilst making them simpler to use for both customers and suppliers. There are now three versions of the call-off terms designed to reflect different requirements and market needs across the TS3 lots and services. They also reflect additional government policies introduced since TS2, including the Outsourcing Playbook.
Lotting structure
TS3 Lots will comprise:
- Lot 1 – Technology Strategy and Service Design.
- Lot 2 – Transition and Transformation.
- Lot 3a – End User Services.
- Lot 3b – Operational Management.
- Lot 3c – Technical Management.
- Lot 3d – Application and Data Management.
- Lot 4 – Major Service Transformation Programmes.
- Lot 5 – Service integration and Management.
Customer and supplier engagement
TS3 has been designed and developed using an extensive discovery and consultative process with many CCS customers, suppliers, and partners.
We hosted several successful engagement days and webinars prior to launching the framework. The new framework reflects and represents their expectations and provides the platform for the country to build back better with the right mix of quality and innovative suppliers, including SME providers.
The new agreement aims to build on the progress made on making it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises to become suppliers. It includes 253 suppliers, 64% of which are SMEs. This is compared to 52% of SME suppliers for TS2.
Customer webinars
To support the launch of TS3, our team of category experts will be holding a series of interactive webinars during September.
To secure your place, complete this form, or continue to check our CCS webinar page for the latest dates.
Find out more
To find out more about Technology Services 3 visit the agreement webpage or contact the CCS Service Desk at info@crowncommercial.gov.uk or 0345 410 2222.
Don’t forget, you can find a full list of all the commercial agreements we offer, alongside details of how we can help you build policy considerations into your procurement, in our interactive digital brochure.
Crown Commercial Services (CCS)
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