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 identified 294 individual call-off contracts associated with the framework. This adds up to a whopping £3bn in total – 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?
Although originally expected in October 2024, with the delay of the Procurement Act 2023 we will see TS4 delayed until then. We’re now expecting applications to open after 24th February 2025 when the Act arrives.
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.
