Move designed to make it easier for SMEs to win a share of government business
The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has launched a new, simplified Public Sector Contract designed to make it easier for suppliers to apply for government business.
It said the contract removes duplication from the application process and streamlines procurement for companies that supply to government through Crown Commercial Service (CCS) procurement frameworks.
It also predicted the move will make it easier for smaller businesses, which may struggle with complicated terms and conditions, to win a share of public sector business.
Emma Jones, crown representative for small business, said: “The new CCS contract is shorter and easier to understand and takes a more standardised approach. This should save SMEs time and money when deciding to bid for CCS deals and I welcome the approach.”
The contract has been developed using OneTeamGov principles in partnership with Government Digital Service and Government Legal Department.
It includes a collection of core terms and schedules, and forms for framework awards and call-offs.
Transformation elements
Warren Smith, director of the Digital Marketplace in the Cabinet Office, recently told UKAuthority that the development has drawn on elements of the Government Transformation Strategy. This includes an emphasis on user centred design, data driven and open approaches in public procurement.
“It’s building on the approaches we have, what we’ve been able to do that has enabled a successful approach for buying cloud and digital services that has enabled a significant diversification of the supply chain over the past six years,” he said.
CCS pointed to the support of Harry Harrold of Norwich based software development company Neontribe, who said: “This new, simpler contract will help us and other small and medium sized businesses win more of those projects.”
Image adapted from work by Neurosurgeon23, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
