As a leading bid management consultancy, Thornton & Lowe offers expert guidance and writing services for UK public sector suppliers looking to secure contracts through various frameworks.
G-Cloud Frameworks
The G-Cloud framework series has been a game-changer for cloud-based computing services procurement in the UK public sector. The framework focuses on improving the end-to-end buying journey, increasing competition, and incorporating the latest policies on social value and prompt payments.
G-Cloud 14 is in place with 15 being planned! Suppliers should stay informed about the specific changes and requirements for each iteration to ensure a successful bid.
Another exciting development in the cloud procurement space is the introduction of the Alpha G-Cloud framework. This £3 billion framework, developed by YPO in collaboration with NEPO, aims to address compliance challenges while maintaining access to dynamic technology offerings. Alpha G-Cloud will likely follow a similar structure to the current G-Cloud framework, offering a wide range of cloud services through an online marketplace.
To maximise your chances of success when bidding for G-Cloud frameworks, it's crucial to understand the benefits and duration of each iteration, as well as the social value requirements. Thornton & Lowe's team of bid specialists can provide tailored support to enhance the quality of your G-Cloud bid and increase your likelihood of success.
Other Key IT Frameworks
In addition to the G-Cloud series, there are several other essential IT frameworks for UK public sector suppliers to consider:
- Digital Projects and Programmes (RM6365): This framework covers a wide range of digital transformation projects, from strategy and design to implementation and support.
- Technology Services 4 (RM6190): TS4 is designed to provide a route to market for a wide range of technology services, including digital transformation, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
- Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7 (DOS 7): DOS 7 focuses on providing digital outcomes, specialist roles, and user research studios to the public sector.
- Network Services 3: This framework covers a broad spectrum of network and telecommunications services, from data connectivity to voice services and contact centres.
To successfully bid for these frameworks, suppliers must demonstrate their technical competence, value for money, and ability to deliver innovative solutions. Thornton & Lowe's bid writing experts can help you craft compelling and compliant bids that showcase your company's strengths and align with the specific requirements of each framework.
By staying informed about the latest IT frameworks and partnering with a trusted bid management consultancy like Thornton & Lowe, UK public sector suppliers can increase their chances of winning valuable contracts and growing their businesses in this competitive landscape.
What should a digital framework bid contain?
A strong digital framework bid needs several key elements:
- Clear description of services offered
- Pricing details and structure
- Information on technical capabilities
- Security and data protection measures
- Scalability and flexibility options
- Support and maintenance plans
- Case studies or past performance examples
- Compliance with relevant standards
Including these components helps evaluators assess the bid thoroughly.
How does cloud tech affect framework submissions?
Cloud technology significantly impacts framework submissions:
- Emphasises scalable and flexible solutions
- Requires detailing of data security measures
- Focuses on integration capabilities
- Highlights cost-efficiency and pay-as-you-go models
- Necessitates explanation of uptime and reliability
- Involves describing disaster recovery processes
- Demands clarification on data sovereignty
Bids must address these cloud-specific aspects to be competitive.
What are top tips for framework application compliance?
To ensure compliance in framework applications:
- Read all guidelines carefully
- Follow formatting and submission rules exactly
- Address each criterion fully
- Provide all requested documentation
- Meet deadlines without fail
- Ensure all team members are security cleared if needed
- Verify financial stability requirements are met
- Double-check for completeness before submission
Strict adherence to rules boosts chances of acceptance.
What are the key steps in technology services bid writing?
The critical steps for writing technology services bids include:
- Analysing the tender requirements
- Gathering relevant company information
- Drafting responses to each criterion
- Including supporting evidence and examples
- Pricing the services competitively
- Proofreading and editing content
- Getting internal approvals
- Formatting the bid document
- Submitting within the deadline
Each step is vital for a well-crafted, timely bid.
How can bid review services be made more effective?
Strategies to enhance bid review services:
- Use a diverse team of experts for different aspects
- Create a standardised review checklist
- Implement a scoring system for objectivity
- Allow sufficient time for thorough reviews
- Provide constructive feedback to bid writers
- Use technology tools for efficiency
- Compare against winning bids when possible
- Continuously update review processes based on outcomes
These approaches help improve the quality and success of bids.
How to stay competitive in technology bid submissions?
To maintain a competitive edge in technology bids:
- Stay updated with latest tech trends
- Highlight unique selling points clearly
- Offer innovative solutions to common problems
- Demonstrate a track record of successful projects
- Provide competitive pricing without compromising quality
- Show flexibility and customisation options
- Emphasise strong after-sales support
- Include testimonials from satisfied clients
These measures help bids stand out in a crowded market.
Having a good level of knowledge of the opportunities available can be difficult to keep track of, with both large and small tenders from across the UK. Some of the key frameworks within the IT sector include;
- CCS’ Network Services, Technology Services, Technology Products, G-Cloud, Digital Outcomes and Specialists, Education Technology, HSCN and Traffic Management Technology frameworks
- YPO ICT framework
- Scottish Government Cloud Framework
- Scottish Government ICT Framework
- JANET framework
- JISC framework
- Cyber Security Services
With the use of our Tender Pipeline software, below, you can search for LIVE IT tenders. To receive notifications of tenders tailored to you sign up today.