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IT, Digital & Tech Tenders

With the increasing development of technologies and innovative solutions the IT industry continues to evolve and be critical to businesses across all sectors. This presents huge opportunities for those that provide IT services and have a specialist knowledge to offer. With digital transformation, from website development to cyber security, at the top of business agenda's it's important to be aware of IT tenders available. Most importantly, to plan and prepare to maximise your chances of securing the work.

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IT

How to win Digital & IT Tenders

The procurement of IT services is varied in requirements, and as such there are numerous elements of what win contracts in this sector.

For Network Connectivity, for example, buyers look for expertise and be that either public or enterprise level. For public sector especially, having a solid customer base to demonstrate capabilities is key.

Buyers who require services such as Cloud, SaaS, PaaS are also reliant on ensuring capabilities and experience, however for these services, price is also a factor.

A common barrier is ensuring the technical ability and expertise is portrayed within the response and that all technical elements are answered in a succinct manner to the requirement. It's important to consider the audience, and their level of technical language. From our experience in winning tenders within the IT sector, quality, along with demonstration of technical expertise and the ability to provide a technical overview in an easy to read manner are key themes for success.


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What Do Digital & IT Tenders Cover?

Typical services that are included within Digital & IT tenders are;

Network Services

The UK public sector relies on robust, secure, and innovative telecommunications services to support its daily operations and deliver essential services to citizens. To meet these needs, the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has developed a series of Network Services frameworks, providing a comprehensive route to market for suppliers offering a wide range of telecommunications services. These multi-lot agreements cover data connectivity, voice services, contact centre services, unified communications, managed equipment services, and mobile voice and data services, all designed to support the evolving needs of the public sector with a focus on innovation, flexibility, and value for money. CCS Network Services frameworks are open to a diverse range of public sector organisations, including central government departments, local authorities, NHS bodies, emergency services, educational institutions, and charities. These buyers seek reliable, cost-effective, and future-proof solutions to support their digital transformation initiatives and improve service delivery. To be eligible for CCS Network Services frameworks, suppliers must demonstrate technical competence, financial stability, compliance with relevant standards and security requirements, a commitment to social value and environmental sustainability, and the ability to offer value for money with transparent pricing structures. Bidding for CCS Network Services frameworks can be complex and competitive, requiring a thorough understanding of the framework's requirements and the public sector's telecommunications needs. To maximise success, suppliers should carefully review documentation, highlight unique selling points and innovative solutions, provide clear and compelling responses, demonstrate a track record of delivering similar services, offer competitive pricing, and seek professional bid writing support to ensure a high-quality proposal. By understanding the key requirements and opportunities of CCS Network Services frameworks and submitting a strong, compliant bid, UK telecommunications suppliers can secure valuable contracts and establish long-term partnerships with public sector organisations.

Data Centre Hosting

In addition to telecommunications services, the UK public sector also requires secure, reliable, and efficient data centre hosting solutions to support its digital infrastructure and data management needs. To address this demand, the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has established various frameworks that include data centre hosting services, providing opportunities for suppliers to offer their expertise and solutions to a wide range of public sector organisations. Data centre hosting suppliers on these frameworks can provide a variety of services, such as colocation, managed hosting, cloud hosting, and hybrid solutions, catering to the diverse requirements of public sector buyers. These services are designed to ensure the security, availability, and performance of critical data and applications, enabling public sector organisations to focus on their core functions and service delivery. Suppliers interested in bidding for data centre hosting opportunities within CCS frameworks must demonstrate their technical capabilities, security measures, compliance with relevant standards and regulations, and ability to deliver cost-effective, scalable, and innovative solutions. They should also showcase their experience in working with public sector clients, their understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of this sector, and their commitment to providing exceptional service and support. When preparing bids for data centre hosting services, suppliers should focus on highlighting their key differentiators, such as advanced security features, energy efficiency, disaster recovery capabilities, and value-added services. They should also provide clear and transparent pricing models, demonstrating how their solutions can help public sector organisations optimise costs while meeting their data centre hosting needs. Winning data centre hosting contracts through CCS frameworks can provide suppliers with significant opportunities to establish long-term relationships with public sector clients, expand their market presence, and contribute to the digital transformation of the UK public sector. By delivering high-quality, reliable, and innovative data centre hosting services, suppliers can play a crucial role in supporting the public sector's mission to serve citizens effectively and efficiently.

Cloud Services

Cloud services have become increasingly crucial for UK public sector organisations, enabling them to modernise their IT infrastructure, improve agility, and deliver services more efficiently. Recognising this growing demand, the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has developed a range of frameworks that specifically cater to the procurement of cloud services, such as the G-Cloud framework series. These frameworks provide a streamlined and compliant route for public sector organisations to access a wide variety of cloud services, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and specialist cloud services. By using these frameworks, public sector buyers can easily compare and procure the most suitable cloud solutions for their needs, while ensuring value for money and compliance with relevant regulations. For suppliers, offering cloud services through CCS frameworks presents a significant opportunity to engage with a large and diverse customer base across the UK public sector. To be successful in this competitive marketplace, suppliers must demonstrate their expertise in delivering secure, scalable, and innovative cloud solutions that align with the specific requirements of public sector organisations. When bidding for cloud service opportunities, suppliers should focus on showcasing their technical capabilities, security measures, data protection practices, and adherence to relevant standards and certifications. They should also highlight their experience in delivering successful cloud projects within the public sector, demonstrating their understanding of the unique challenges and constraints faced by these organisations. In addition to technical expertise, suppliers should emphasise their ability to provide exceptional customer support, training, and ongoing maintenance to ensure the smooth adoption and operation of their cloud services. They should also offer transparent and flexible pricing models that align with the public sector's budgetary constraints and value for money requirements. As the UK public sector continues to embrace cloud technologies, suppliers who can deliver innovative, reliable, and cost-effective cloud services through CCS frameworks will be well-positioned to build long-lasting partnerships with public sector organisations. By supporting the public sector's digital transformation journey, these suppliers can contribute to the delivery of better services to citizens while driving growth and success for their own businesses.

Network Connectivity

Network connectivity is a fundamental aspect of the UK public sector's IT infrastructure, enabling organisations to communicate, collaborate, and deliver services effectively. The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) recognises the critical importance of reliable and secure network connectivity and has established various frameworks to help public sector organisations procure these services from a wide range of suppliers. These frameworks cover a broad spectrum of network connectivity services, including wide area networks (WAN), local area networks (LAN), mobile connectivity, and internet access. By using these frameworks, public sector buyers can easily access a diverse pool of suppliers, compare offerings, and select the most suitable network connectivity solutions for their specific needs, while ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and achieving value for money. For suppliers, offering network connectivity services through CCS frameworks presents a significant opportunity to engage with a large and diverse customer base across the UK public sector. To be successful in this competitive marketplace, suppliers must demonstrate their expertise in delivering reliable, secure, and high-performance network connectivity solutions that meet the specific requirements of public sector organisations. When bidding for network connectivity opportunities, suppliers should focus on showcasing their technical capabilities, service level agreements (SLAs), security measures, and adherence to relevant standards and certifications. They should also highlight their experience in delivering successful network connectivity projects within the public sector, demonstrating their understanding of the unique challenges and constraints faced by these organisations. In addition to technical expertise, suppliers should emphasise their ability to provide exceptional customer support, network monitoring, and troubleshooting services to ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of their network connectivity solutions. They should also offer transparent and flexible pricing models that align with the public sector's budgetary constraints and value for money requirements. As the UK public sector continues to rely on robust and secure network connectivity to support its digital transformation initiatives, suppliers who can deliver innovative, reliable, and cost-effective network connectivity services through CCS frameworks will be well-positioned to build long-lasting partnerships with public sector organisations. By supporting the public sector's connectivity needs, these suppliers can contribute to the delivery of better services to citizens while driving growth and success for their own businesses.

Network Infrastructure and Support

Network infrastructure and support are essential components of the UK public sector's IT ecosystem, ensuring that organisations can maintain secure, reliable, and efficient networks to support their operations and service delivery. The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) understands the critical role of network infrastructure and support and has developed various frameworks to help public sector organisations procure these services from a wide range of qualified suppliers. These frameworks cover a comprehensive range of network infrastructure and support services, including network design, implementation, maintenance, security, and troubleshooting. By leveraging these frameworks, public sector buyers can access a diverse pool of suppliers, compare offerings, and select the most suitable network infrastructure and support solutions for their specific needs, while ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and achieving value for money. For suppliers, offering network infrastructure and support services through CCS frameworks presents a significant opportunity to engage with a large and diverse customer base across the UK public sector. To be successful in this competitive marketplace, suppliers must demonstrate their expertise in delivering robust, secure, and high-performance network infrastructure solutions, as well as their ability to provide comprehensive support services to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of these solutions. When bidding for network infrastructure and support opportunities, suppliers should focus on showcasing their technical capabilities, industry certifications, security measures, and adherence to best practices and standards. They should also highlight their experience in delivering successful network infrastructure projects within the public sector, demonstrating their understanding of the unique challenges and constraints faced by these organisations. In addition to technical expertise, suppliers should emphasise their ability to provide proactive monitoring, maintenance, and support services to minimise network downtime and ensure optimal performance. They should also offer flexible and scalable solutions that can adapt to the evolving needs of public sector organisations, as well as transparent and competitive pricing models that align with the public sector's budgetary constraints and value for money requirements. As the UK public sector continues to rely on robust and secure network infrastructure to support its digital transformation initiatives, suppliers who can deliver comprehensive network infrastructure and support services through CCS frameworks will be well-positioned to build long-lasting partnerships with public sector organisations. By supporting the public sector's network infrastructure needs, these suppliers can contribute to the delivery of better services to citizens while driving growth and success for their own businesses.

Network Equipment

Network equipment is a vital component of the UK public sector's IT infrastructure, enabling organisations to build and maintain networks that support communication, collaboration, and service delivery. The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has established frameworks to help public sector organisations procure network equipment from a wide range of suppliers, covering products such as routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and wireless access points. These frameworks provide public sector buyers with access to a diverse pool of suppliers, allowing them to compare offerings, select suitable equipment, and ensure compliance with procurement regulations while achieving value for money. For suppliers, offering network equipment through CCS frameworks presents an opportunity to engage with a large customer base across the UK public sector. When it comes to WiFi upgrade and refresh projects, including those related to the UK's gigabit framework, there are several key public sector frameworks that suppliers should be aware of. In addition to the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), other notable frameworks include the Scottish Government's Digital and Technology Services Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS), the NHS Shared Business Services (SBS) IT Hardware and Services framework, and the Education Technology framework from Crescent Purchasing Consortium (CPC). To be successful, suppliers must demonstrate their ability to provide high-quality, reliable, and secure network equipment that meets the specific requirements of public sector organisations. When bidding, suppliers should showcase the technical specifications, performance capabilities, and security features of their products, as well as their partnerships with leading manufacturers, warranty and support services, and experience in delivering successful network equipment projects within the public sector.

ICT Managed Service

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has established frameworks to help UK public sector organisations procure ICT managed services, covering areas such as IT support, network management, security, and cloud services. These frameworks provide access to a diverse pool of suppliers, enabling buyers to compare offerings, select suitable services, ensure compliance, and achieve value for money. Suppliers must demonstrate their ability to provide high-quality, reliable, and secure ICT managed services that meet the specific requirements of public sector organisations. When bidding, suppliers should showcase their technical expertise, service level agreements, security measures, and experience in delivering successful projects within the public sector. Suppliers should emphasise their ability to provide proactive monitoring, maintenance, and support services, while offering flexible and scalable solutions. They should also provide transparent and competitive pricing models that align with budgetary constraints and value for money requirements.

NOC Services

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has established frameworks to help UK public sector organisations procure Network Operations Centre (NOC) services, which provide centralised monitoring, management, and support for an organisation's network infrastructure. These frameworks offer access to a range of suppliers, allowing buyers to compare offerings, select appropriate services, ensure compliance, and achieve value for money. Suppliers must demonstrate their capability to deliver reliable, secure, and efficient NOC services that meet the specific needs of public sector organisations. When bidding, suppliers should highlight their technical expertise, service level agreements, security measures, and track record of successful NOC service delivery within the public sector. Suppliers should emphasise their ability to provide proactive network monitoring, incident management, problem resolution, and performance optimisation services. They should also offer flexible and scalable solutions that can adapt to the evolving requirements of public sector organisations, along with transparent and competitive pricing models that align with budgetary constraints and value for money objectives.

Telecomms Services

In addition to the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), there are other telecommunications services frameworks available to UK public sector organisations, such as those provided by the Scottish Government, the NHS, and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). These frameworks offer a range of telecommunications services, including fixed-line telephony, mobile voice and data services, unified communications, and network infrastructure. When bidding for telecommunications services opportunities across various UK frameworks, suppliers should focus on demonstrating their ability to deliver reliable, secure, and cost-effective solutions that meet the specific needs of public sector organisations. This includes showcasing their expertise in areas such as: Network coverage and reliability: Suppliers should highlight the extent and quality of their network coverage, as well as their ability to ensure high levels of service availability and minimise downtime across different regions of the UK. Voice and data services: Suppliers should demonstrate their capability to provide a range of voice and data services, including fixed-line telephony, mobile voice and data plans, and unified communications solutions that can integrate with existing public sector IT infrastructure. Network infrastructure: Suppliers should showcase their expertise in designing, implementing, and maintaining robust and scalable network infrastructure that can support the evolving needs of public sector organisations. Security and compliance: Suppliers must demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the security of telecommunications services, including compliance with relevant industry standards, data protection regulations, and specific security requirements set forth by different public sector frameworks. Service level agreements (SLAs): Suppliers should provide clear and comprehensive SLAs that define the level of service quality, availability, and support that public sector organisations can expect, taking into account the unique requirements of each framework. Pricing and value for money: Suppliers should offer transparent and competitive pricing models that align with the budgetary constraints of different public sector organisations and demonstrate value for money over the life of the contract.

IT

Technology Bids, Digital Frameworks & Cloud Framework Reviews, Writing & Compliance

With our experience in winning prestigious IT contracts in both public and enterprise sectors, we have the expertise to understand the buyer’s exact requirements and form win themes to ensure success.

We have an average win rate of 80% in this sector for our clients, so with our experience and understanding we can help you find and win IT tenders for your business.

Bid Review and Support Services

A comprehensive bid review process is essential for success in public sector technology tenders and frameworks. This process typically involves multiple draft reviews by our expert teams. These reviews mirror actual framework criteria and evaluation methods used by buyers.

Bid support services often include:

  • At least 2 draft reviews
  • Dedicated red team evaluations
  • Building internal bidding capabilities
  • Assistance with all government tender processes

Organisations can benefit from support across various tender stages:

• Pre-qualification questionnaires (PPQs)
• Invitations to Tender (ITTs)
• Requests for Information (RFIs)
Requests for Proposals (RFPs)

Expert bid services also address Social Value elements in written and presented responses. The goal is to produce compliant, high-scoring bids while strengthening internal processes for future tenders.

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Cloud, Digital and Technology Frameworks
Technology Frameworks - Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Find Digital & IT tenders?

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:

  1. Digital Projects and Programmes (RM6365): This framework covers a wide range of digital transformation projects, from strategy and design to implementation and support.
  2. 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.
  3. Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7 (DOS 7): DOS 7 focuses on providing digital outcomes, specialist roles, and user research studios to the public sector.
  4. 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:

  1. Read all guidelines carefully
  2. Follow formatting and submission rules exactly
  3. Address each criterion fully
  4. Provide all requested documentation
  5. Meet deadlines without fail
  6. Ensure all team members are security cleared if needed
  7. Verify financial stability requirements are met
  8. 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:

  1. Analysing the tender requirements
  2. Gathering relevant company information
  3. Drafting responses to each criterion
  4. Including supporting evidence and examples
  5. Pricing the services competitively
  6. Proofreading and editing content
  7. Getting internal approvals
  8. Formatting the bid document
  9. 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.

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