What is Technology Services?

With Technology Services 3 expected this summer, we've taken a look back on what the framework looks like - with some history into TS2.

Technology Services 2 went live in 2017, and had a lot of hype around it! It’s been home to 146 suppliers in total, with a big 62% of those being SMEs – and they’ve been doing the business!

So far, the Technology Services 2 (TS2) framework has had over £250m spent through it since it launched. That’s a lot of sales taking place between the public sector and suppliers. The framework was launched as a way for government to procure ICT services, that included service design and delivery, The four different categories (or Lots) of services within TS2 are:

• Technology Strategy & Service Design
• Transition & Transformation
• Operational Services (such as End User Support, Operational Management etc)
• Programmes & Large Projects

Now, there’s expected to be some amendments to this for Technology Services 3, but that’s not because it didn’t work. The next iteration of the framework has currently been going through its market engagement stage and supplier feedback helps mould the look of the framework. It’s all about making it even better. You can read more about the last supplier engagement event we took part in for Technology Services 3 here.

How does Technology Services work?

Technology Services works similar to many of the other frameworks from Crown Commercial Services. Suppliers have to apply to get on during a strict application window, having to meet the criteria and pass all the relevant checks. With 146 suppliers on TS2 over four Lots, it can be quite competitive – but once awarded on to the framework, suppliers can fairly and compliantly get involved with public sector opportunities.

Buyers will post opportunities to the relevant Lots, meaning that all suppliers within that category can bid. The buyer will then evaluate the best supplier, usually using MEAT, and award the contract to the one who can best meet requirements and costs.

On TS2, CCS also introduced a catalogue. This created a way for suppliers to list their service and provided a way for buyers to Direct Award to the most suitable supplier on the catalogue. This is a quick, and efficient way, of doing business and – so far – has been a big success for the framework.

When does Technology Services 3 open?

Although due to Covid-19, and the new PPNs released by government in April 2020, many upcoming frameworks have been delayed – G-Cloud and Traffic Management Technology to name a few – TS3 is still expected in Summer 2020. We are expecting it to open at the beginning of June. Although watch this space, as CCS may announce changes depending on how things go.