We’ve pulled together answers to the most common questions suppliers are asking about G-Cloud 15, plus new insights about what’s changing, so you can be ahead of the curve when applications open in October 2025.
Currently in its 14th iteration, the G-Cloud 15 framework is due to open for applications 23rd October 2025 – here’s everything you need to know.
How much has been spent through G-Cloud so far?
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Since 2012, G-Cloud has facilitated over £20 billion of public sector cloud spend.
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In 2023/24 alone, G-Cloud processed £3.1 billion, plus £0.5 million via Cloud Compute.
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Estimated size of the UK public sector cloud market in 2024: £6 billion.
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SMEs remain important: ~38% of total spend historically, rising to 43–44% in recent years.
These figures show the scale of opportunity — but the real question now is: how do you capture your share?
When does G-Cloud 15 open, and what’s the timeline?
The ITT for G-Cloud 15 will be published on 23rd October 2025, with applications running through late 2025 and the framework award due by 17th September 2026. The framework is then expected to go live in Autumn 2026.
G-Cloud 15 is lined up to be a 4-year framework, with re-openings mid-term.
What’s changing in G-Cloud 15?
There are some important structural and procedural changes this year:
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Lot consolidations: Cloud Compute will be merged into the main G-Cloud structure.
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Lot 4 removed: Direct call-off and with-competition routes will apply across all Lots.
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Evaluation updates: Bids will be assessed on Social Value, Quality, and Price, with greater emphasis on compliance.
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Financial standing checks (EFS*): Now applied per Lot, rather than one blanket requirement.
- Compliance obligations may increase: Expect requirements like carbon reduction plans, modern slavery statements, and other ESG-related documentation.
- Call-off rules: Likely maximum term of 36 months (to be confirmed).
- Digital enhancements: CCS plans upgrades to the Marketplace interface and process flow for both buyers and suppliers.
*Economic and Financial Standing is how CCS reviews your organisational financial health to make sure you’re able to deliver contracts. This may involve checking annual accounts, turnover, or credit risk scores. SMEs or start-ups can provide alternative evidence, like cash flow forecasts or insurance cover.
What will the framework structure be for G-Cloud 15?
While still subject to final CCS confirmation, the Lots are expected to be:
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Lot 1: Cloud Hosting (IaaS/PaaS, including compute services)
- 1a Hyperscalers and (possibly Larger) Resellers Only
- 1b FSC Suppliers Only (Secure cloud)
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Lot 2: Cloud Software (SaaS applications)
- 2a Infrastructure/Service Management Software – OEM/ISV Only
- 2b Other SaaS – OEM/ISV Only
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Lot 3: Cloud Support (services such as migration, implementation, and managed support)
Who can apply?
G-Cloud is open to suppliers of off-the-shelf cloud hosting, software, and support services. This includes:
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SMEs and new entrants looking for a straightforward route into public sector sales
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Established providers aiming to expand their reach across government, NHS, education, and local authorities
G-Cloud remains one of the most SME-friendly frameworks, with over a third of spend going to smaller suppliers in recent years.
What’s the application process?
Here’s how it’s likely to work, based on past rounds and what’s expected this time:
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Pre-qualification / pass-fail questions: Basic checks on your business, compliance, and eligibility.
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Front-end listing questions: Summary, features, benefits — this is what buyers see first.
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Service definition upload: A deeper breakdown of your service offering.
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Mandatory documents: Pricing schedules, terms & conditions, compliance documents, financials, etc.
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Submission: Once completed and reviewed internally, submit by the deadline. Late submissions are usually disqualified.
However, we’re predicting a much more competitive application for G-Cloud 15, with it being less open and straight forward. A process that will deviate from the previous applications of the last few iterations is expected this time around as Crown Commercial Service look to revamp the framework. Although we can’t say for certain what that application looks like, there may be more limited spaces on some of the Lots – and a fair bit more required to get successfully listed, similar to other more competitive frameworks. It’s part of UK Gov’s effort to make the framework a bit more competitive and reflect the new Procurement Act 2023 changes that come into play in 2025.
What’s the benefit of being listed on the G-Cloud framework?
G-Cloud is a compliant route to market for above-threshold procurements and is the biggest framework on the market! Almost everyone in the public sector has heard of G-Cloud, and you will be asked by prospective buyers whether you’re on it – if you turn around and say ‘no’, it’s not going to reflect well on you as a public sector supplier.
The framework is known for being SME-friendly, due to the catalogue format and very low barriers to entry. 90% of the current 5,200+ G-Cloud suppliers are SMEs and 38% of sales across all iterations of G-Cloud have been made by SMEs.
How do Buyers use G-Cloud?
Public sector organisations use G-Cloud to directly award contracts or run mini-competitions. The process is designed to be faster and more flexible than traditional tenders, with contracts often awarded in weeks rather than months.
Buyers must still follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principles, balancing quality, price, and social value in their decisions.
You can read the official G-Cloud buyers’ guide for more detail.
Why does preparation matter?
Every round of G-Cloud is highly competitive. Applications are rejected if suppliers:
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Submit marketing-style copy that doesn’t meet CCS compliance rules
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Miss mandatory sections of the listing template
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Leave their application until the final weeks and run out of time
With higher entry standards expected in G-Cloud 15, early planning is more important than ever.
What happens after submission?
Once the submission window closes:
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CCS will review applications for compliance and completeness.
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If accepted, your listing will be published ahead of the framework’s go-live.
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Notifications are sent to all suppliers.
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You may be asked for clarifications or supporting evidence before final acceptance.
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After go-live, buyers will access your listing when procuring services.
Where can I get G-Cloud 15 support?
At Advice Cloud, we’ve supported 494 suppliers across 870 listings on G-Cloud, with a 100% success rate. On G-Cloud 14 alone, we helped 95 clients secure 150 listings – every single one successful.
If you’d like expert guidance to get your listing right, we’re here to help. Book a free G-Cloud 15 planning call now.
