Network Services 3 FAQs

Coming up this summer is another big framework - Network Services 3. Here we've answered common questions suppliers have.

What is the Network Services 3 Framework?

Network Services 3 is the next iteration of the Network Services framework.  It provides public sector buyers with access to networks and telecommunications services. This includes cloud services, audio and video conferencing, radio and satellite networking.

 

When is Network Services 3 coming out?

CCS originally outlined July 2022 as an open date. However, we expect to see applications open more closely to October 2022.

The framework has been in pre-market engagement since November 2021, but we have a rough timeline now proposed by CCS:

What?	When?
Drafting of Docs	August 2022
Applications open	October 2022
Award	April 2023

 

How will the NS3 Lots be structured?

CCS have proposed a new Lot structure for the Network Services 3 framework:

Inter site connectivity
Lot 1a: WAN – Data Access Services
Lot 1b: Radio incl. MoD Tactical
Lot 1c: Critical Domain Services

Intra site connectivity
Lot 2a: LAN – Local Connectivity Services

Emerging technologies
Lot 3a: IoT & Smart Cities – CCTV & Surveillance (ancillary).
Lot 3b: Communication Platform as a Service

Unified Communications
Lot 4a: Cloud & on-premise Telephony – analogue telephony, unified comms, inbound telephony services, collaborative services.
Lot 4b: Paging & Alerting
Lot 4c: Contact Centre

As you can see, it has changed since NS2 but incorporates most of the same technology and solutions.

Are the NS3 Lots capped?

Yes, the Lots on NS3 will be capped but this is again being debated and discussed at the supplier engagement events. Until the OJEU is released, we won’t know the number of suppliers per Lot.

 

How long is the call-off period?

The length of the contract is still yet to be confirmed for Network Services 3. However, the maximum call-off length for Network Services is 5 years with the option to extend by 2 additional years.

 

How much has been through the framework?

The current OJEU value for Network Services 3 is estimated at up to £5bn!

 

What’s the application like?

The application for Network Services 3 will be intensive, so make sure you have some dedicated resources on hand! We don’t expect the application process to change very much. NS2 applications followed the open route, meaning it used a single-stage process with certain financial, technical and competency criteria. However, we do expect to see social value criteria coming into play for the application stage this time.

In our experience, NS3 is a long, competitive submission. But in our experience (all of our clients were successfully listed), it can be done.

 

What can I be doing while I wait?

Well, trust us when we say that the Network Services application process is a big one. Suppliers need to have high-quality case studies, answers to application questions, and the right plans and accreditation in place. So don’t go into the application process blind, make sure you’ve got plenty ready before the autumn. We also recommend freeing up some time and resources during the upcoming summer months, ready to use this time for NS3 applications.

Although Network Services 3 is still currently in its planning phase, with no exact requirements 100% confirmed yet, suppliers should spend time looking over what was involved for NS2. This will give a good idea of what to expect when it comes to the framework. Also, remember to express your interest with CCS about the framework, to make sure you get updates on its progress.