Our Guide to The G-Cloud 13 Framework

G-Cloud-13, launched in 2022 as an improvement on G-Cloud 12, offers public sector organisations a selection of approved suppliers.  Its listings include cloud hosting, cloud support, and cloud software providers encompassing the full range of cloud-based products and services. 

G-Cloud allows the public sector organisations to shortcut the full tender process which can easily take six months, even for fairly straightforward tenders. This allows the public sector to save costs while being able to make faster, more agile purchasing decisions to adapt to their changing needs. 

The G-Cloud concept was launched back in 2012 and has been growing and developing ever since. The digit “13” indicates that this is the 13th iteration of G-Cloud, and as such, it’s worlds away from the very basic platform that it initially was. 

The introduction of G-Cloud 13 sees a major new development: the introduction of a new service category or “Lot” which we will examine in greater detail in this article. 

How The G-Cloud 13 Framework Works for Suppliers

Making purchasing decisions easier than ever, the G-Cloud framework is divided into categories termed “G-Cloud Lots.” In order to get listed, providers undergo an application process, providing full information about their services, pricing, and service terms along with other documents to support their application. 

This process is very similar to tendering, but if they are approved for G-Cloud, they, and their public organisation clients, need not undertake repeated tender processes for every transaction or contract. Instead, their prospective public sector clients can jump straight to making a best-fit selection. 

G-Cloud 13 Lots Explained

To find service providers on G-Cloud, those responsible for purchasing can easily identify relevant suppliers by seeing which G-Cloud 13 Lots they’ve been approved for.

Lot 1: Cloud Hosting (IaaS and PaaS) refers to cloud platform and infrastructure providers. In simple terms, we can call this “Cloud Hosting.” IaaS stands for Infrastructure as a Service, and PaaS is an acronym for Platform as a Service.  

Lot 2: Cloud Software (SaaS) refers to Software as a Service. This provides secure, cost-effective, and continually-updating cloud-hosted software on a subscription basis. In 2022, approximately 70 percent of enterprise software was provided using the SaaS model. 

Lot 3: Cloud Support indicates that the provider not only sets up, but also helps with the maintenance of software and hosting services.  

Lot 4: End-to-End Services is the new category to be introduced to G-Cloud. It works slightly differently and has its own PPG (Public Procurement Gateway). Unlike Lots 1-3 which allows for catalogue-style selection, a bidding process is followed. Because the contracts awarded are more comprehensive, larger-scale and longer-term this somewhat lengthier process is justified. 

In simple terms, Lot 4 is for large-scale transitions. For example, it may include planning, setup, migration to new platforms, cyber security, and support. Each approved supplier must have the skill and capacity to handle all elements of the project. 

How Public Organisations Use G-Cloud in Purchasing

When public sector buyers find several providers who can meet their needs, they can undertake their own selection processes. Besides considering pricing, they compare the technical merits of services and look for the right functional fit to meet their needs.

They also consider criteria such as after-sales service as well as non-functional criteria that matter to them. This allows them to make the most suitable choice using the principles of M.E.A.T (most economically advantageous tender) without having to undertake the full tender process.

Although outright negotiation is off the cards, there are times when suppliers are willing to reduce their prices, and they may offer to do so of their own accord during the Lot 4 bidding process. The agreed-upon pricing is locked for the duration of the contract, regardless of the Lot it falls under,  making costs predictable and easy to budget for.  Since they can contract service providers for up to three years with the option of a one-year extension, the predictability of costs during the contract period presents a further advantage for G-Cloud users. 

Full IT Solutions and Support in One: The Advantex Advantage

Advantex is proud of its achievement in being approved as a G-Cloud 13 supplier. With so many companies to choose from and potentially contract, we look forward to demonstrating the proven benefits of choosing us.

Adventex welcomes the introduction of Lot 4 for the provision of end-to-end solutions by a single provider. A lack of continuity can occur when multiple G-Cloud 13 suppliers are appointed to fulfil different needs. This can result in overlaps, redundancies, and IT systems and support services that fail to complement each other or work together seamlessly.  Selecting a single supplier helps you to get the best results from your cloud-based IT systems – and we have evidence proving that we’re up to the challenge of creating and managing complex digital ecosystems. 

Apart from our string of accreditations, our track record in fulfilling initiatives such as the Department for Education’s Connecting The Classroom programme speaks for itself. From assisting with applications for funding to implementing the necessary technologies and providing ongoing support, we’re proud of the role we’ve played in changing the way schools live, work, and learn. 

How can we help you? From networking to cyber security, and physical infrastructure installations to streamlining communications for greater efficiency, Advantex offers you easy-to-manage options. Look out for us on G-Cloud: we’re committed to understanding your needs and supporting you as we work together to achieve technology solutions that work for you and the public you serve. 

Invite Advantex to bid for your projects, or contact us to discover how we can fulfil a role in your shorter-term initiatives. We look forward to becoming your G-Cloud 13 supplier of choice.