Is my technology right for Spark?

We've trawled through the Spark bid pack to break down the types of tech this DPS is for and how that relates to other CCS technology agreements.

Spark is the route to market for suppliers of what CCS are calling ‘new but proven’ technology. The focus of this exciting DPS is not creating or developing the technology from scratch but exploiting technology that has been specifically created to solve public sector problems.

CCS have identified some key technology areas within Spark:

• Internet of Things
• AI and Automation
• Engineering and Material Improvements
• Transport
• Simulated and Enhanced Environments
• Data
• Wearables
• Security

However, this doesn’t mean if you are a supplier of tech relating the above that you will automatically be eligible for Spark. The emphasis here is that Spark allows public sector customers to access the solution once it’s been developed and that the solution cannot be a mature product.

How does Spark relate to CCS’ other technology agreements?

Framework	What it's for	Why Spark is different
Technology Products	For suppliers looking to sell commodity technology to the public sector	Spark is for suppliers of a different product set and creates a direct relationship with the IP owner
DOS	Is for commissioning digital teams or individuals to complement public sector internal teams in delivering agile digital services	Spark is aimed at 'buy' rather than build buying choices
G-Cloud	Is for suppliers of cloud based solutions covering either cloud software, cloud hosting or cloud support	The Spark DPS evolved from a hardware requirement and isn't specifically focused on cloud
Govtech and Catalysts	Problem specific solutions to a public sector problem	Spark will allow other buyers to take advantage of solutions once they have been deployed

As you can see, Spark seems to nicely occupy the space between DOS/catalysts and commodity frameworks like G-Cloud/Technology Products. On a recent Spark supplier briefing, CCS actually raised this to those on the call by saying that of course technology on Spark would eventually become ‘too mature’ and would need to migrate to one of the other agreements. But, for now at least, Spark seems to be on the right track to filling a gap within Crown Commercial Services previous offerings.

Hopefully this blog has given you a better understanding of what Spark is for and if you might be able to apply!