Digital Specialists & Programmes RM6263 FAQs

DOS6 has brought about some changes. Largely with the brand new framework: Digital Specialists & Programmes (RM6263). Here we answer some common questions...

So here it is, a big change to the way the Digital Marketplace will operate from 2022 onwards. We’ve spoken about Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) planned changes to Digital Outcomes & Specialists with their sixth iteration. A huge part of these changes is the creation of a new framework agreement: Digital Specialists and Programmes, or RM6263. But it’s not all brand new. Here’s what suppliers commonly ask us about the new route to market.

What is Digital Specialists & Programmes (RM6263)?

As we move into a new era of the Digital Marketplace – there may some changes to G-Cloud 13 when it arrives too! – Crown Commercial Service have decided to separate Lot 2 from the Digital Outcomes & Specialists framework (DOS) agreement. Currently, DOS includes three Lots (Outcomes, Specialists and Research) but as we move into the sixth iteration in the next few months this will change.

Lot 2 is set to break away from DOS to form a whole new framework separate from the Digital Marketplace called Digital Specialists & Programmes, RM6263 as its reference. Differently to how DOS has worked in the past, this framework will be capped to around 50 suppliers and run for two years. With 5 planned service provisions, CCS have outlined an estimated value of around £4bn in contracts in that lifetime!

What is in scope?

Pretty much the same as Lot 2 of DOS. It will still only be for digital, IT and data specialists that can provide:

• Large digital transformation.
• Large capability programmes – staff that can assist with testing, designing, building, releasing, iteration support, general support and retirement of previous systems.

The difference here to Digital Outcomes is that there doesn’t have to be clear outcomes defined by the opportunity. The staff and people provided in this framework can assist with determining this and working towards it.

The five planned service provisions are: DevOps, Digital Definition Services, Build and Transition Services, End-to-End Development Services, and Data Management Services.

When does Digital Specialists & Programmes (RM6263) open?

Applications for the framework are expected on 22nd October 2021. With CCS having pencilled in April 2022 for the framework to go Live for use by suppliers and buyers.

What should suppliers do next?

Stay up-to-date. Keep an eye on CCS’ pipeline and make sure you’re aware of when this will open for applications. It’s going to be highly competitive, with at least 237 suppliers (currently listed on DOS5 for Lot 2) vying for around 50 spaces.
Suppliers will want to think long and hard about whether they can apply – and make sure that they hit the mark. Are you making sales through Digital Outcomes & Specialists already? Do you have a strong public sector strategy that Digital Specialists & Programmes can complement?

We’ll know more when the Contract Notice is released in October – which is when it will go Live. We’ll keep you posted!