8 must-join technology procurement frameworks

In FY24/25, over £7.4bn of public sector IT and Digital contracts were awarded via a framework agreement, according to Tussell's market intelligence platform.

If you weren’t on the right frameworks, that’s over £7.44bn in opportunities your business would’ve missed.

This article uses Tussell's leading framework intelligence to dive into 8 must-join frameworks that dominated technology procurement in FY24/25.

Skip ahead to read about:

• What are procurement frameworks?
• Why should I join a tech framework?
• How buyers can find the right tech frameworks
• 8 must-join technology procurement frameworks
  • Technology Services
  • G-Cloud
  • Back Office Software
  • Technology Products and Associated Services
  • Vertical Application Solutions
  • Software Products & Associated Services
  • Cyber Security Services
  • Digital Documents Solutions
• Which of these 8 frameworks is right for me?
• Conclusion

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🤔  What are procurement frameworks?

A framework is an agreement established between one or more public sector buyers and one or more suppliers.

Frameworks consist of a list of pre-approved suppliers who have been evaluated and selected to provide a predefined set of products and/or services. This allows them to bid on specific contracts without having to go through the usual full procurement process.

Some frameworks are split into different lots. Each lot has a separate list of suppliers and can be used to procure different things.

Following the 2023 Procurement Act, frameworks generally fall into three broad categories: open frameworks, closed frameworks, and dynamic markets. However, even within these classifications, the nature and structure of frameworks can vary significantly.

As of April 2025, there are over 5,300 live public sector framework agreements in the UK, according to Tussell's market intelligence platform. These cover a wide range of sectors, buyers, and procurement needs.

Everything you need to know about frameworks: download Tussell's free 2025 Public Sector Frameworks Report

👥  Why should I join a technology procurement framework?

According to data from Tussell’s market intelligence platform, £36.2bn worth of public sector contracts were awarded via framework agreements in FY 24/25 alone.

If your business wasn’t listed on the right frameworks, that’s £36.2bn in opportunities you will never have even had sight of.

Framework usage continues to rise each year as public bodies increasingly rely on them to deliver faster, more efficient procurement.

In today’s landscape, being on the right frameworks is no longer a nice-to-have - it's a critical requirement for any supplier serious about expanding their footprint in the public sector.

To learn more about how Tussell can help you find the right frameworks to grow your business, book a chat with the Tussell team.

🔎 How buyers can find the right frameworks

With thousands of live frameworks currently in use across the public sector, identifying which one is right for your procurement can be time-consuming.

That’s where Tussell's Frameworks Finder® comes in. Frameworks Finder® is a verified directory of live frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems across the UK public sector. 

Think of it like your framework shopping catalogue - saving you hours of time searching on your own.

To learn more about how Frameworks Finder® can save you time and help you make smarter procurement decisions, book a chat with the Tussell team.

📊 8 must-join technology procurement frameworks

Using data from Tussell's public sector market intelligence platform, we've compiled a list of the 8 top technology frameworks of FY 24/25.

Whilst not all these frameworks will be right for you, this list will give you a solid grounding on some of the most-used tech frameworks in the public sector today.

And, although most of these frameworks are closed to new applicants, we've included a section on when the next iteration of each framework is expected go to market.

* The data in this blog was last updated in April 2025.

👉 1 - RM6100 Technology Services 3

Technology Services 3 is a Crown Commercial Services (CCS) framework that started in June 2021 and is set to end in March 2026.

Split into 8 lots, the framework lists 252 suppliers and covers a range of technology services from strategy and design to implementation and ongoing support.

The framework is perfect for large businesses looking to win high-value contracts from a range of Central Government buyers.

Key information from the Tussell platform:    *Data as of April 2025.

What you need to know about Technology Services 4

A tender notice for Technology Services 4 was released on March 27th 2025, with a deadline for bids set for May 22nd 2025.

The new open framework is set to include 9 lots and will be live from December 12. 2025 to June 11th 2028.

For a full list of contracts expected to be re-procured through Technology Services 4, book a chat with the Tussell team.

👉 2 - G-Cloud 14

G-Cloud 14 is a Crown Commercial Services (CCS) framework that started in October 2024 and is set to end in April 2026.

Split into 3 lots, the framework lists over 4,000 suppliers and can be used to call off a variety of cloud-based services.

Download Tussell's 2025 Value-Added Resellers Report

The framework is a good match for smaller suppliers selling cloud-based services to a host of Local Government, Central Government and NHS buyers.

Key information from the Tussell platform:    *Data as of April 2025.

What you need to know about G-Cloud 15

A pipeline notice for G-Cloud 15 was released in April 2025.

The notice provides an estimated start date for the framework of March 18th 2026.

For a full list of contracts expected to be re-procured through G-Cloud 15, book a chat with the Tussell team.

👉 3 - RM6194 Back Office Software

Back Office Software is a Crown Commercial Services (CCS) framework that started in April 2021 and is set to run until April 2025.

The framework has been used by 161 buyers - including 88 Local Governments - to purchase software subscriptions and license support for back office systems directly from software vendors.

With 97% of call-offs being awarded to large suppliers, the framework is well suited to big businesses.

Key information from the Tussell platform:    *Data as of April 2025.

What you need to know about Back Office Software 2

Back Office Software 2 is already live and features 97 curated suppliers.

To learn how the framework is being utilised by the public sector, book a chat with the Tussell team.

👉 4 - Technology Products and Associated Services 2 (TePAS 2)

RM6098 TePAS 2 is a Crown Commercial Services (CCS) framework that went live in October 2023 and is set to run until October 2027.

Split into 8 lots, the framework has been used to call off 837 technology contracts from a list of 157 suppliers.

TePAS 2 is a catch-all framework used by a range of government, NHS, blue light and education buyers.

Key information from the Tussell platform:    *Data as of April 2025.

What you need to know about TePAS 3

As of April 2025, CCS has made no indication as to whether a new iteration of Technology Products and Associated Services will be released when the current framework expires.

👉 5 - RM6259 Vertical Application Solutions

Vertical Application Solutions is a Crown Commercial Services (CCS) framework that went live in March 2023 and is set to end in March 2027.

With 5 lots and 81 registered suppliers, the framework is used to procure software-focused solutions develped to meet specific industry, business application or services needs.

The framework is particularly suitable for Local Government sales - over 101 Local Government buyers have awarded contracts via Vertical Application Solutions.

Key information from the Tussell platform:    *Data as of April 2025.

What you need to know about Vertical Application Solutions 2

As of April 2025, CCS has made no indication as to whether a new iteration of Vertical Application Solutions will be released when the current framework expires.

👉 6 - Y23065 Software Products and Associated Services

Software Products and Associated Services is a Kent County Council framework that started in March 2024 and is set to end in February 2028.

Split into 3 lots, the framework has been used by 56 buyers to call off a variety of technological products and services.

The framework is a good match for suppliers targeting Local Government, and is used regularly by Hampshire County Council, Warwickshire County Council, and West Sussex County Council.

Key information from the Tussell platform:    *Data as of April 2025.

What you need to know about Software Products and Associated Services 2

As of April 2025, Kent County Council has made no indication as to whether a new iteration of Software Products and Associated Services will be released when the current framework expires.

Rather confusingly, Software Products and Associated Services 2 is the name of a large historic Kent County Council framework that came to an end in March 2024.

👉 7 - Cyber Security Services 3

Cyber Security Services 3 is a Crown Commercial Services (CCS) dynamic purchasing system that started in February 2020 and is set to end in February 2027.

Suppliers that meet the entry criteria may apply to join the DPS at any time, making the framework a great fit for scaling businesses.

Key information from the Tussell platform:    *Data as of April 2025.

What you need to know about Cyber Security Services 4

As of April 2025, CCS has made no indication as to whether a new iteration of Cyber Security Services will be released when the current one expires.

However, analysis from Tussell's market intelligence platform shows that each iteration of the framework has been more successful than the last.

👉 8 - Digital Documents Solutions (DDS)

Digital Documents Solutions is an NHS LLP framework that started in November 2021 and is set to end in September 2026.

The framework lists 45 suppliers and can be used to call off digital document solutions as well as any associated hardware or software.

Predominantly used by NHS buyers, the framework is suitable for suppliers targeting a range of NHS Trusts and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).

Key information from the Tussell platform:    *Data as of April 2025.

What you need to know about Digital Documents Solutions 2

As of April 2025, NHS LLP has made no indication as to whether a new iteration of Digital Documents Solutions will be released when the current one expires.

⁉️  Which of these 8 tech frameworks is right for me?

Different frameworks are designed to support the procurement of different goods and services.

It’s unlikely that all eight featured here will be the perfect fit for your business - or your specific procurement needs.

However, with over 5,000 live frameworks in the market, one or more of these eight could still form a valuable part of a wider framework strategy, alongside others also tailored to your goals.

To help you decide, we’ve ranked these frameworks against common selection criteria you might want to consider when choosing where to focus your efforts.

Which technology framework is most suitable for SMEs?

G-Cloud stands out as the most SME-friendly framework on this list, with 54% of call-offs awarded to small and medium-sized businesses – higher than any other framework featured.

It also has the lowest average call-off value, making it particularly well-suited for suppliers aiming to win small to mid-sized contracts.

Cyber Security Services 3 is another strong contender for smaller businesses.

With 41% of its call-offs awarded to SMEs, and the flexibility of being a dynamic purchasing system (DPS), it offers a valuable route for growing businesses. As a DPS, eligible suppliers can apply to join at any time, rather than waiting for a re-tender.

Of course, neither framework will be the perfect fit for every SME. To build a tailored list of the frameworks your small business should be targeting, explore Tussell’s market intelligence platform.

Which technology framework is most suitable for selling to the NHS?

TePAS 2 is a leading option for suppliers targeting the NHS.

According to data from Tussell’s market intelligence platform, 36 NHS accounts have used TePAS 2 to award 149 contracts, with an average contract value of £616k.

Download Tussell's 2024 Healthtech Market Snapshot

Digital Documents Solutions is another strong choice. As a framework predominantly used by NHS buyers, it offers a well-established route into the healthcare sector.

To build a comprehensive strategy for selling to the NHS, and to identify all the frameworks your business should be targeting, explore Tussell’s market intelligence platform.

🌅 Conclusion

Frameworks have become the backbone of public sector procurement - and in the fast-growing technology sector, they are more important than ever.

As public bodies continue to favour frameworks to speed up and simplify their purchasing, the cost of not being on the right ones keeps getting higher.

In FY24/25 alone, over £7.44bn of IT and Digital opportunities flowed through frameworks. If your business wasn't listed, those opportunities simply passed you by.

By understanding which frameworks are most active - and which best align with your business offering and target market - you can position yourself for success.

Whether you're a large supplier targeting high-value government contracts or an SME looking for a route into the public sector, getting onto the right frameworks is no longer optional: it’s essential.

Armed with Tussell’s market intelligence, you can make smarter, data-driven decisions about which frameworks to join – and how to grow your public sector footprint.

Ready to get started? Book a chat with the Tussell team today to discover which frameworks are right for you.