One of the big opportunities arriving on the scene this year is the Technology Services 4 (TS4) framework. Technology Services frameworks are always on our radar. They’re highly valuable and a great way for suppliers of services to reach target markets – and TS4 is no exception! You’ll want to ensure you’ve got everything ready when it opens in a few months. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the Technology Services framework?
Technology Services is one of the larger frameworks developed and run by Crown Commercial Service (CCS). It is for the supply of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services, including technology strategy and service design as well as services to provide support with the operational running and ongoing development of an IT environment. This includes large-scale projects.
Why should I be on Technology Services 4?
As we said before, Technology Services is a highly valuable framework. On Technology Services 3, Tussell has identified over £5bn of contract value going through Technology Services 3 so far, and that’s huge!
It is largely used by Central Government departments, with HMRC, MoD, and Home Office being big users of this route to market. That’s not to say there aren’t a fair number of contracts coming from the health sector and local authorities, too!
You’ll also be interested to hear that Technology Services 3 wasn’t capped at how many suppliers could be taken on – although this doesn’t mean applications were easy! It ended up with over 250 suppliers. With half of those being SMEs, it caters to those who may usually get fewer opportunities!
As each iteration of the framework tends to operate for 4 years, if you’re not ready to jump on this one next year then you’ll be losing out!
What are the Lots for TS4?
CCS have been holding supplier engagement sessions through 2024, and releasing the main information about the framework. We know that the Lot structure for TS4 will look like this…
- Lot 1 – Strategy and Service Design
- Lot 2 – Transition and SIAM
- Lot 3 – End User Services (Main Lot)
- Lot 3a – End User Services (Lower Value & Complexity)
- Lot 4 – Infrastructure Management Services (Main Lot)
- Lot 4a – Infrastructure Management Services (Lower Value & Complexity)
- Lot 5 – Application and Data Management Services (Main Lot)
- Lot 5a – Application and Data Management Services (Lower Value & Complexity)
- Lot 6 – Major Service Transformation Programmes
When does Technology Services 4 open for applications?
We’re fully expecting applications to open up at early March 2025, with the date of 7th March 2025 given by CCS. This delay from the original October 2024 date is down to the Procurement Act being delayed until 24th February, and with the TS4 framework following those rules and regulations, it can’t open before then.
What can I do now?
Suppliers interested in the framework can make sure they’re getting prepared now. There are many routes to market opening up this year. It may seem like the framework is a way off yet, but making sure you understand what to expect (get in touch if you’re unsure!) and ensuring you hit the mark way before applications open (avoid that last-minute scramble!) is essential.
We also recommend having a look at what your target buyers, and competitors, are doing on the framework. You can do this easily by checking out our Spend Data tool.
As always, if you feel like you’d like to know more – or want to chat about how we can help you get ready for TS4 – get in touch now.
