{"id":84039,"date":"2017-09-06T13:57:23","date_gmt":"2017-09-06T13:57:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=6d82d9a65d976eff2cd6ea37f0c5cf69"},"modified":"2017-09-06T13:57:23","modified_gmt":"2017-09-06T13:57:23","slug":"news-story-smes-gear-up-to-supply-to-government-through-new-3bn-tech-deal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=84039","title":{"rendered":"News story: SMEs gear up to supply to government through new \u00a33bn tech deal"},"content":{"rendered":"
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One hundred SMEs have signed up for the chance to secure a share of an estimated \u00a33bn of IT investment over the next four years – giving them the chance to grow their businesses by helping the government to deliver more efficient, effective public services.<\/p>\n

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has today awarded its new Technology Services 2 framework, with small and medium-sized enterprises representing more than 60% of the total number of suppliers signed up.<\/p>\n

CCS is estimating that the framework will help public bodies to save more than \u00a3180 million over four years – money that can be spent on delivering frontline services.<\/p>\n

Niall Quinn, Director, Technology Strategic Category for CCS says:<\/p>\n

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This framework delivers significant commercial benefits and gives more SMEs than ever the chance to deliver specialist technology support to the UK public sector.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Up to \u00a33bn is expected to be spent through the agreement, which links public sector bodies with suppliers that can provide specialist IT services – from the management of a small desktop computer estate to the replacement of critical government systems.<\/p>\n

160 suppliers have been awarded places on the framework, with 100 of them SMEs. There are twice as many suppliers on the new agreement compared to its previous iteration – Technology Services – giving more businesses than ever a chance to supply to government and increasing competition to drive down prices.<\/p>\n

The agreement initially runs for two years, with the option to extend by two further years.<\/p>\n

The agency innovation<\/h2>\n

For the first time, the new agreement includes an \u2018agency\u2019 element.<\/p>\n

This gives public sector organisations buying services the option to employ a supplier as an \u2018agent\u2019 for their needs – buying in further goods or services through other CCS frameworks including Technology Products 2.<\/p>\n

This gives customers a \u2018one stop shop\u2019 option to fully satisfy their requirements.<\/p>\n

CCS will also be supporting small businesses who are new to working with government with regular introductory webinars and self-help videos on CCS systems and processes.<\/p>\n

Lotting structure<\/h2>\n