G-Cloud is THE place to be for companies who are selling their cloud-based solutions to the UK government. Since its first iteration in 2012, £15 billion of sales have been made through the framework. 39% of this spend has been through SME providers. Now in its 13th iteration, G-Cloud 14 is due to open for applications in 2024 – here’s everything you need to know.
Who is G-Cloud for?
Anyone who wishes to supply cloud hosting, support or software to the public sector can apply to be on the framework. There are the usual checks during the application stage, such as meeting liability insurance and adhering to the Code of Conduct and Practices. It’s more about being able to provide the right information for your listing to make it compliant.
What’s the framework structure?
G-Cloud 13 had a new 4th Lot in addition to the usual 3. It looks as though G-Cloud 14 will continue with this structure:
- Lot 1 – Cloud Hosting (IaaS and PaaS): Cloud platform or infrastructure services that help the public sector: deploy, manage and run software, storage, network usage and more.
- Lot 2 – Cloud Software (SaaS): This Lot is for software that is typically accessed over a public or private network e.g. the internet and hosted in the cloud.
- Lot 3 – Cloud Support: This is for the supply of support services regarding cloud hosting or cloud software. It is also suitable for maintaining buyers’ cloud infrastructures, migration services and ongoing support.
- Lot 4 – End-to-end cloud services: This is for larger-scale transition projects, that feature planning, setup, migration, security services, ongoing support and more. Unlike Lots 1-3, Lot 4 does not feature direct award capability. It all sits separately from the other Lots – and includes a bit more in its application.
You can read more about why Lot 4 was introduced here.
None of the above is finalised, so we will review and update this page as and when we have more information.
When does G-Cloud 14 open for applications?
Crown Commercial Service confirmed a G-Cloud 13 extension in June 2023. This means the framework will operate for another year until 8th November 2024.
CCS just announced a provisional date of 19th February for the G-Cloud 14 ITT release. However, we have a sneaky suspicion this may slip as platform updates are scheduled for the first two weeks of February. Framework award will take place in summer 2024.
Catch up on our ‘Building an Action Plan for 2024’ webinar here!
What’s the application process like?
The process usually goes as follows:
- Suppliers are asked as series of pass/fail questions regarding background and compliance.
- Online questions are asked about the individual solution or service offering. These make up the body of the listing and are what is called the ‘front-end listing’. This includes a brief description of a supplier’s services, as well as a list of key features and benefits.
- Suppliers have to upload a mandatory Service Definition. Which includes a much more in-depth breakdown of a supplier’s offering.
- Supplementary documents also need to be provided. Suppliers are required to upload a copy of their pricing and terms and conditions
BE AWARE!
Although often straightforward, we’re expecting to see some big changes for G-Cloud 14 applications – especially around Lot 2 (Software). This includes more accreditation needed by suppliers. There are discussions being had about possibly including Cyber Essentials+ amongst making sure suppliers meet other regulations.
This means we’re advising suppliers to get started on this early. If you’re unsure what you may need, or want some support with getting ready for G-Cloud 14 – get in touch!
What’s the benefit of being listed on the G-Cloud framework?
G-Cloud is a compliant route to market for above-threshold procurements and is the biggest framework on the market! Almost everyone in the public sector has heard of G-Cloud, and you will be asked by prospective buyers whether you’re on it – if you turn around and say ‘no’, it’s not going to reflect well on you as a public sector supplier.
The framework is known for being SME-friendly, due to the catalogue format and very low barriers to entry. 90% of the current 5,200+ G-Cloud suppliers are SMEs and 39% of sales across all iterations of G-Cloud have been made by SMEs.
For more in-depth info on how the G-Cloud framework works, you can visit our Ultimate Guide to G-Cloud.
What can I do with this time before G-Cloud 14 opens for applications?
Don’t just sit and wait! First of all, get involved in the crafting of this agreement. CCS typically conduct supplier engagement sessions, which will be promoted closer to the time here.
There’s also plenty else going on in the procurement realm that suppliers can get busy with. 2024 itself is lined up to be a very busy year, with many of the biggest framework openings falling within the same year and plenty of DPSs, too. We recommend preparing for G-Cloud 14 as well as other opportunities now whilst the pipeline is slightly quieter.
