G-Cloud has been a game-changer for public sector buyers. It’s a procurement framework that makes it easier to buy and sell cloud-based services.
G-Cloud 13 was a pivotal framework that simplified the procurement process for public sector organisations in the UK, providing a centralised marketplace for accessing and procuring digital and cloud-based services from pre-vetted suppliers
G-Cloud 14 is the current iteration, but G-Cloud 15 is on the way. In fact, it’s expected to be released later this year in July 2025.
Up to this point, the progress from one iteration to the next has been gradual. That’s not the case with G-Cloud 15, which is expected to introduce significant changes to ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, which will go live on the 24th of February 2025.
Let’s look at what G-Cloud 15 will bring.
G-Cloud 101
G-Cloud is a UK government initiative designed to streamline the procurement process for public sector organisations that need cloud-based services. The G-Cloud framework, managed by Crown Commercial Service (CCS), is a digital marketplace, where buyers can find an array of cloud services, including cloud hosting, cloud software, and cloud support.
This framework helps contracting authorities find innovative solutions and technology. The centralised platform makes it easy to navigate the procurement landscape, so they can take full advantage of the latest advancements in cloud technology.
How G-Cloud 15 Impacts Public Sector Procurement
G-Cloud 14 was split into four categories or Lots. G-Cloud 15 goes back to three Lots.
Lot 1: Covers Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS), for example, implementing, managing, and running software. It also includes infrastructure services that facilitate software deployment and management, providing data processing and storage resources.
It’s believed that the financial assessments will be stricter and that Lot 1B could be on the cards. However, what will be included is still unknown.
Lot 2: Covers Software as a Service (SaaS). It’s been split into two sub-lots.
- Lot 2A: Software managing cloud infrastructure and services.
- Lot 2B: Other SaaS products.
Lot 3 & 4: Covers cloud support services, for example, migration planning, hosting services, and security implementations. In line with regulations in the Procurement Act 2023, it can award contracts with or without competition. Due to an upswing in spending, it includes managed service providers.
Competition is High and Getting Higher
It’s one thing to have a crowded procurement market. It’s another to have it crowded with quality goods, services, and works. CCS and G-Cloud 15 aim to increase the number of quality suppliers available on its framework by introducing more stringent entry requirements.
For one thing, there’ll be more focus on compliance with new government procurement policies. Suppliers will really have to go all out with MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender) to distinguish themselves from their competitors.
Lot 1 will be extremely important because it’s the first hurdle to get on the framework. Suppliers will be closely scrutinised to ensure that only the most suitable (qualified) are allowed in. This could decrease the number of suppliers available on G-Cloud 15, but suppliers can still compete in the market on low-value dynamic purchasing systems (DPS) or other competitive frameworks.
A note on SMEs
One of the Procurement Act’s primary purposes is to remove barriers that keep SMEs from competing successfully in public procurement. But it sounds like barriers are going up instead of down. Actually, SMEs are very successful on the G-Cloud framework. They make up 90% of suppliers available and account for 40% of total sales!
It’s even more impressive than that because, in 2023, 43% of spend was through SMEs. In 2024, it was 44%.
The increased focus on value plays to their strengths, giving them a competitive edge over larger businesses.
All-in-all, it’s a pretty good time to be an SME on G-Cloud 15.
Be Easy to Find in the Digital Marketplace
So, your business has made it to the framework. Now what? You’ve got to start winning bids, but to do that, you must have bidding opportunities. If you want opportunities to come your way, you must ensure that your listing is like a siren call that no buyer can resist.
Optimise your listing, like you would optimise your website for Google. Your writing must be clear, you must highlight your features, you must provide tempting service definitions, and, you must optimise keywords.
This means that you must be as specific as possible when listing your services. You need to think carefully about how you describe your technical specs. Use industry-specific language (not jargon) so that when buyers search for a particular service, especially a niche service, you come up first as the closest match.
You must also choose your categories carefully. Think about how you would search for your services, the filters and categories you’d use and tailor your listing to suit.
None of this is set in stone, so you can experiment with keywords to see which ones deliver the best results. In fact, it’s a good idea to refresh your listing now and then to ensure it keeps up with market trends and procurement regulations.
One thing, though: Don’t go to town when listing your services. This is one of those instances where less is sometimes more – which is why you need to make those listings count.
Security Requirements
Technically, you don’t need any security certifications to be listed on G-Cloud 15. However, security is a big issue for the public sector, so buyers are likely to favour suppliers who have formal certifications.
The preferred certifications are Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. They’re not comprehensive by any means, but they demonstrate your commitment to data security. You can earn even more kudos if you get one or two ISO certifications.
ISO is an international organisation for industry and service standards. ISO 27001 is for information security and is well worth your while.
Benefits of the G-Cloud Framework
The G-Cloud framework provides numerous benefits for public sector organisations, making it an attractive option for procuring cloud-based services:
- Simplified procurement process: The G-Cloud framework offers a streamlined and efficient way for contracting authorities to access cloud-based services, reducing the complexity and time associated with traditional procurement methods.
- Access to innovative solutions: Through the G-Cloud framework, public sector organisations can tap into innovative solutions and technology from various suppliers, ensuring they stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
- Cost savings: By providing access to cloud-based services at competitive prices, the framework helps public sector buyers save money compared to traditional IT solutions.
- Increased flexibility: The framework allows public sector entities to scale their services up or down as needed, providing the flexibility to adapt to changing business requirements.
Why Buyers Should Choose G-Cloud Services
One of the biggest benefits for contracting authorities is that G-Cloud is for off-the-shelf solutions only. If you want to find a simple solution without any bells and whistles, then G-Cloud is perfect.
It’s easy to find relevant suppliers quickly, but it’s also streamlined the public procurement process. It’s an efficient system that saves time and money. Two things that are generally in short supply in government sectors.
The way in which G-Cloud 15 operates also complies with all the transparency requirements set out in the Procurement Act. So that’s one less thing to worry about.
Shop Around
G-Cloud is great and all, but it’s not the be-all. Some other platforms and portals link contracting authorities with suppliers that fit the bill perfectly. Delta eSourcing, for instance. Delta eSourcing is an official G-Cloud 14 supplier and boasts approximately 100,000 active suppliers. It provides a full e-Tendering service, including analytics and supplier management.
You can find out more for yourself when you book a free demo or simply contact us for more information.
