Crown Commercial Service
Buying services through the G-Cloud framework
You can use Contract Award Service, accessed through the Public Procurement Gateway (PPG) to buy cloud services through the G-Cloud framework.
A framework is an agreement between government and suppliers. Buying services through frameworks is faster and cheaper than entering into individual procurement contracts.
All public sector organisations, including agencies and arms length bodies, can use the Contract Award Service. Eligible customers are listed in the contract notice for the agreement. Buyers will also need to be listed on the customer unique reference number (URN) list.
For further information on how to buy services through G-Cloud, refer to the buyers guide on the CCS webpage
What you can buy
There are around 31,000 cloud services on the G-Cloud framework, divided into the following categories (lots):
- cloud hosting platform or infrastructure services for processing and storing data, running software or networking. For example, content delivery networks or load balancing services
- cloud software applications that are accessed over the internet and hosted in the cloud. For example, accounting tools or customer service management software
- cloud support services to help you set up and maintain your cloud software or hosting services. For example, migration services or ongoing support
Who the suppliers are
All G-Cloud suppliers have:
- confirmed information about their company and the way they work
- added information about the services that they offer
The financial position of suppliers isnt checked when they apply to the framework. Read about how suppliers have been evaluated.
View the list of G-Cloud suppliers.
Before you start
Before you start your search for cloud services on the Digital Marketplace you should:
- write a list of requirements
- check if you need approval to spend money on a service
- start an audit trail
Write a list of your requirements
Work with someone who will use the service, buying specialists and technical experts to prepare a list of must-haves and wants. These requirements will help you decide which search category, keywords and filters to use.
When writing your requirements you should consider the:
- funds you have available to buy the service
- technical and procurement requirements of the project
- criteria on which your choice will be based
Read the government service manual guidance on choosing technology.
Help writing requirements
You can search for cloud hosting, software and support on the Digital Marketplace to learn more about the types of service that are available.
You can also talk to suppliers before you start to help you refine your requirements.
Understanding security standards
Use the governments Cloud Security Principles to help you understand how secure suppliers services are.
You should also:
- involve people with risk management and technical security expertise in the buying process?
- make sure a service meets your security requirements before you sign a contract?
Keep an audit trail
An audit trail is a record of what you do when you buy cloud services on the Digital Marketplace.
If you award a contract through the G-Cloud framework, you must be able to show that your assessment of services was fair and transparent.
Follow the step-by-step guide to buying to download a copy of:
- the category, keywords and filters you used
- the services you found
- the date you exported your results
You can add this information to your audit trail.
You should keep your own record of your communications with suppliers, including any early market engagement, clarification questions, emails and face to face conversations you have.
How to buy: a step-by-step guide
When you have written your requirements, use the Digital Marketplace to search for cloud services, save details of your search and download a copy of your search results.
After you have assessed the services you found, use the Digital Marketplace to declare the outcome of your search.
- Save a search
- Export your results
- Start assessing services
- Award a contract
- Submit a customer benefit record
1. Save a search
Use the Digital Marketplace to search for cloud services that meet your needs.
Choose a category, then search for services using keywords and filters. Save your search so you can export your results later.
Sign in to your Digital Marketplace account to see a list of your saved searches.
What to do if you have too many results
You must assess all of the services in your search results. If you have too many services to assess, add filters to refine your results. The filters you add should be based on your requirements.
Save your search again to record any changes you make. When you update a search it will only keep the most recent category, keywords and filters you used.
2. Export your results
Export your search results to keep a record of the services youve found.
You cannot edit your search again after exporting your results, so you should only complete this step when youre ready to start assessing services.
Download suppliers service descriptions and contact details to help you track and record your decision-making. Add this to your audit trail.
You can download exported results as a spreadsheet or comma-separated values (CSV). Both file types include:
- service names, descriptions and prices
- links to detailed service description pages on the Digital Marketplace
- supplier names and contact details
3. Start assessing services
Follow the guidance for assessing services. Choose the service that best meets your budget and requirements.
Do not hold a competition to decide the winner. You can contact suppliers to ask clarification questions, but you must not negotiate with them.
4. Award a contract
The buyer and supplier must both sign a copy of the contract before the service can be used.
Read how to award a contract when you buy services.
Download the contract
Check the framework name and number (for example, G-Cloud 10) on the service description page before you download your templates and legal documents.
Contract length
The maximum length of a G-Cloud contract is normally 24 months. After this yo