The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is planning to launch a new version of its procurement framework for telecoms and network services for the public sector.
It has opened the application process for places on Network Services 2, which will replace the initial version of the contract when it expires in July.
The new version will cover various telecommunications services – including internet, WiFi, mobile and cloud access – and the provision of support infrastructure for the Health and Social Care Network.
The number of lots has been increased from 10 to 13, with the new ones being for radio services, security and surveillance services and contact centre services. In addition, the lot for integrated communications has been changed to unified communications.
The organisation’s category director for networks said: “Network Services 2 is a flagship agreement for Crown Commercial Service, due not only to its financial scale, but also its ambition. This agreement has been designed collaboratively with customers, suppliers and industry bodies; it aims to be a catalyst which will drive transformation within government and the wider public sector.”
It is notable that CCS has made no reference to a dynamic purchasing system, which would be open for new suppliers after the launch of the framework, in the relevant documents. It was reportedly examining the option earlier in the year, prompting Innopsis, the trade association for suppliers of digital infrastructure, to call for it to stick with a conventional framework.
CCS said it hopes to attract a broader range of small and medium sized suppliers and that it will be taking applications until 31 January.
Image: BCS
