The new G-Cloud 12 framework is now live

Crown Commercial Services have recently announced their list for the G-Cloud 12 framework

The UK Government have begun to announce which suppliers have been established under their new procurement framework, G-Cloud 12.

Using Cloud will change the way that organisations to deploy their IT resources more quickly, providing flexible power that can even support AI initiatives and enable public sector users to level-up their operations. With COVID-19, there is a fresh wave of support for the necessity of secure IT services.

Tackling the mindset of inefficiency is especially important as we approach a second wave, as travelling to the office is no longer a viable option for many people. The question of data security remains at the forefront of business minds as the pandemic extends digitisation of services.

What is the G-Cloud 12 framework?

The framework is an innovative procurement initiative for public sector bodies that use cloud computing, including central government, local government and important sectors such as health and education and emergency services. Over £5 billion has been spent via the first 10 versions of G-Cloud, which provides a simple route to market for SMEs to engage with public sector departments.

This is provided through an online catalogue called the Digital Marketplace. Services now include service definition documents, which provide detailed service information for those looking to purchase services. Currently, 5,224 suppliers have been awarded a place on the agreement. Over 38,000 services will be available for customers to access, subject to a process of additional assurance. This is a growth of over 25% from G-Cloud 11. Over 91% of the overall suppliers on G-Cloud 12 are small and medium sized enterprises, with over 80% are micro and small organisations, demonstrating that G-Cloud continues to offer opportunities to suppliers of all sizes.

How long will G-Cloud 12 run for?

This agreement will run for 12 months from 15 September 2020. We may extend the agreement up to a maximum of 12 months after this date. Any call-off will have an initial maximum duration of 24 months. You are allowed two extension options of up to 12 months each and must specify this in the initial contract terms. The total call-off length should not be for more than 48 months (4 years). This includes the initial call-off duration plus the two extension options. Certain restrictions apply to central government contract extensions.

The time is now for public sector organisations to elevate themselves and innovate at a greater speed than ever before. With the UK reeling from an expected but still devastating economic downturn, SMEs are even more essential to job retention and the way that the UK rebuilds itself from this point onward.