What’s happening with Digital Outcomes and Specialists 6?
Digital Outcomes and Specialists 6 won't exist in quite the same way as previous iterations. Here's why.
There’s going to be some big changes when it comes to the Digital Outcomes and Specialists 6 framework. With the 5th iteration in full-swing (alongside G-Cloud 12), Crown Commercial Service (CCS) have planned some edits to the way the Digital Marketplace works.
One of these changes is to update the DOS framework, in an attempt to make it better for buyers and suppliers. But what are we expecting? After some supplier and buyer engagement events held by CCS, here’s what we know…
Will there be a Digital Outcomes and Specialists 6?
Well, the big news is that CCS have announced that Lot 2 within Digital Outcomes & Specialists will be removed for the next iteration. Lot 2 is for the procurement of digital specialists within the framework. This means that there will be a new separate framework for this provision called Digital Specialists & Programmes (RM6263). Leaving Digital Outcomes (final name to be decided!) as a standalone framework too.
So, rather than getting a 6th iteration of DOS, we’re getting two individual routes to market.
What will Digital Specialists & Programmes look like?
As we said, this new framework will be for the procurement of specialists, programmes and teams. It won’t be held on the Digital Marketplace, so it will be it’s own £4bn valued beast! CCS have outlined the scope of this provision to be in 5 key areas:
- DevOps
- Digital Definition Services
- Build and Transition Services
- End-to-end Development Services
- Data Management Services
It will feature two main Lots too: Digital Specialists (shorter call-offs around 2 years), and Digital Programmes (longer larger scale contracts of 4 years and over).
This Digital Specialists and Programmes framework will be capped to 50 suppliers. With applications evaluated by MEAT criteria to ensure the best organisations get listed – so suppliers need to seriously consider their quality and pricing. As with the DOS6 – or Digital Outcomes – framework, it is scheduled to go Live in January or February 2022. This means we’ll see applications open in the Autumn of 2021!
What will Digital Outcomes look like?
Digital Outcomes & Specialists 6 may not be a thing moving forward, but we will be seeing a similar framework maintaining its place on the Digital Marketplace. Digital Outcomes is due to still be held there alongside G-Cloud, unlike Digital Specialists & Programmes.
The main change is the obvious reduction in scope, with Lot 2 now being removed to build on a focus on the original Lot 1: Digital Outcomes. The big change here though, is that it is expected that suppliers will have to provide pricing on application. It’s also been stated that both frameworks will run for a minimum of 2 years!
That’s some big changes but it’s all down to CCS attempting to make the process better. For suppliers AND buyers. The public sector need an easier way to procure solutions to their outcomes, and after feedback from both parties have settled on this. We’re excited to see how it progresses!
When will it open?
As we stated above, both frameworks are due to go Live in January or February 2022. This means we expect to see applications open for both in Autumn 2021. Most likely around September or October. Digital Outcomes and Specialists 5 is still successfully ticking along, so there’s work still to be done there (if you’re listed). If you’re considering getting on to one of either Digital Outcomes or Digital Specialists & Programmes – now is the time to think about where your value proposition sits.
We’ll post more info here as we get it. If you want to know more about the Digital Marketplace’s changes (for G-Cloud 13 or Digital Outcomes and Specialists 6), then get in touch.
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