If you are a SME looking to grow, then Crown Commercial Services Frameworks often represent a lucrative opportunity. Read on to learn more about this important part of the UK public sector procurement picture.
The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is an executive agency, sponsored by the Cabinet Office. It provides commercial services to the public sector with the aim of saving money for the taxpayer when procuring goods and services. The CCS is the largest public procurement body in the United Kingdom, and it helps buyers in central government, public and third sectors to acquire a broad range of goods and services.
From construction materials, to cleaning services, ambulance supplies to printing services, the scope covered by CCS frameworks is huge, so there are plenty of opportunities across multiple sectors.
So, what can be purchased via Crown Commercial Service frameworks?
The four main categories for Crown Commercial Service framework agreements break down as follows:
Buildings
- Construction
- Energy
- Workplace
Corporate Solutions
- Document Management & Logistics
- Financial Services
- Fleet
- Marcomms & Research
- Office and Travel
People
- Contract Centres
- People Services
- Professional Services
- Workforce Health & Education
- PSR & Permanent Recruitment
Technology
- Digital Future
- Network Services
- Software & Cyber
- Technology Products & Services
How to respond to Crown Commercial Services frameworks
First of all you will need to register on the CCS esourcing tool
and provide the following information:
- The full legal name of your organisation
- Your DUNS number
- Profile describing your organisation and the size of your business
What are Crown Commercial Service frameworks?
The CCS catalogue enables buyers to purchase straightforward, everyday goods and services such as office supplies. When the procurement is more complex the CCS publishes commercial agreements. For example, if a fleet of vehicles were required, they would be procured via a framework.
Frameworks are multi-supplier agreements engaging suppliers that have been evaluated and determined to be capable of delivering the requirements of the contract. Typically divided into lots by product, location and service type, businesses wanting to purchase from a framework can directly award a supplier or conduct further mini competitions between suppliers. Such Crown Commercial Service frameworks can vary in length from weeks to months depending on their complexity. The running of further competitions allows for a fair and open procurement process for potential suppliers.
Don’t miss out
A framework differs from a Dynamic Purchasing System in that once it has been awarded, no additional suppliers can join. If you want to get onto the framework, you will have to wait until the next opportunity arises, this could be months or years, it varies. So, the key to success is to keep your ‘ear to the ground’ to make sure you don’t miss out on framework opportunities as they renew.
Can’t find anything in your sector?
If you can’t find tender opportunities in your area of business, you may be able to sub- contract your services to suppliers who are already on frameworks. You can identify suitable suppliers on the CCS website.
To look for more Crown Commercial Services opportunities, visit their website here. Tender Experts have experience of writing successfully for frameworks, read case studies here and here about previous contracts won.
