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ICT framework review – statement by the Government Procurement Service
All planned Government Procurement Service (GPS) ICT procurements have been paused pending the outcome of an internal review to ensure they are aligned with strategy and achieving the best results for buyers and suppliers.
The review is currently underway and expected to be completed by the end of November.
The review is looking at the effectiveness of current and in-flight ICT frameworks and aims to ensure that new procurements deliver the best value and innovation for both buyers and suppliers. The recently awarded G-Cloud ii framework is a good example of innovation, offering an alternative service delivery method which provides a new way for the public sector to procure IT services.
Customers can continue to use all existing GPS ICT arrangements during the review. Current frameworks, further competitions, eAuctions and MOUs are not affected. The in-flight and planned ICT procurements that have been paused during the review are Hosting Services, Service Integration & Management (SIAM) and End User Devices (EUD).
The Government Service says it will be working closely with Bill Crothers, Government Chief Procurement Officer, to consider the procurements already underway as there may be operational issues that need addressing to meet critical customer requirements before the review is complete.
Bill Crothers has asked David Shields (Managing Director of the Government Procurement Service), to lead the review to assess all GPS ICT frameworks. As a result, there will be a pause on all planned GPS ICT frameworks whilst the review is ongoing. Existing ICT procurement frameworks will continue to be used as normal, with buying not affected.
Cabinet Office Parliamentary Secretary Chloe Smith said: ‘Our ICT framework agreements already remove excessive procurement procedures, but we want to make sure they are achieving the best savings and are easier and faster for both buyers and suppliers, including SMEs. That’s sensible for the taxpayer and for businesses. That is why we have paused all currently planned Government Procurement Service (GPS) ICT frameworks to review their effectiveness.’
Bill Crothers said: ‘We want to ensure GPS framework agreements are driving the greatest competition, and achieving a wider range of suppliers, including SMEs, in the ICT market. I have therefore asked David Shields to assess how we are using these frameworks so that we can achieve the most effective results for everyone.
‘This pause will allow us to look at whether we are getting this right and how we can minimise duplication across Government.’
Current ICT frameworks which can be used during the review for further competitions, eAuctions and call-off’s are:
- Assistive Technologies –Telecare, Telehealth & Telecoaching
- Commoditised IT Hardware and Software
- Desktop 21
- Digital Continuity
- Flex
- G-Cloud
- GSi Convergence Framework (GCF)
- ICT Consultancy & Delivery Services
- IT Hardware & Solutions
- IT Managed Services
- Information Management & Learning Services
- Local Government Software Application Solutions
- Managed Telecommunications Convergence Framework (MTCF)
- Payroll, HR & Finance Services
- Payroll Services
- PSN Connectivity
- PSN Services
- Software Application Solutions
- Sprint ii
- Supported Factories & Businesses
- Traffic Management Technology
Frameworks and procurement activity in other GPS categories are not affected by this review.
Any queries regarding the ICT review should be directed to Tel: 0345 410 2222.
