G-Cloud 10 FAQs

Up next in our series of framework FAQs - G-Cloud 10! Here's the basics.

What is the G-Cloud 10 Framework?

G-Cloud 10 is a framework that allows UK public sector bodies to choose and purchase cloud services covering hosting, software and cloud support services.

When is the next G-Cloud coming out?

Applications for G-Cloud 10 closed in May this year, the next iteration of the framework is expected to be around April/May 2019. However, this is yet to be confirmed.

What do the Lots look like?

G-Cloud has 3 Lots:

• Lot 1: Cloud Hosting
• Lot 2: Cloud Software
• Lot 3: Cloud Support

Are the Lots capped?

No, the Lots on G-Cloud are not capped. There are currently 24704 services listed on G-Cloud within all 3 Lots.

How long is the call-off period?

The call-off period for G-Cloud is 2 years with the possibility of 2 further 12-month extensions. If the organisation is a central government department they will need to get prior approval for an extension.

How much has been through the framework?

According to the latest spend figures £3.5bn has been put through the framework since its inception! 46% of this spend was with SME providers.  Check out the big spenders on our G-Cloud sales dashboard.

What’s the application like?

The application process for G-Cloud is relatively light touch in comparison to other CCS technology frameworks (part of the reason why we love it!).

The process is as follows:

• Suppliers are asked as series of pass / fail questions regarding background and compliance.
• Online questions are asked about the individual solution or service offering. These make up the body of the listing and are what is called your ‘front-end listing’.
• Supplementary documents also need to be provided. Suppliers are required to upload a copy of their pricing and terms and conditions. Two further optional documents can be uploaded, a Service Definition and SFIA rate card.

It is worth noting that one of the unique aspects of the G-Cloud framework is that all services and solutions are publicly available, as is supplier pricing and terms (great for competitor research…wink wink). But, having terms and pricing freely available can sometimes put suppliers off.

How easy is it to sell once you are on G-Cloud?

G-Cloud is not a source of inbound leads and suppliers rarely receive cold enquires from the platform, G-Cloud is used more as a buying mechanism. However, there are lots suppliers can do to be making sales and getting the word out there about their product or service, there are some great tips in this blog!