Tender launched for £5bn networking framework

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has kicked off the tender for a networking framework worth £5bn.

Network Services 2 will see services including unified comms, connectivity and mobile provided to central government and public sector organisations.

The deadline for tenders is 31 January 2019, with the framework pegged to last for four years. The tender document does not list a start date, but the current Network Services framework is set to expire on 26 July 2019.

Ieuan Trigger, Crown Commercial Service's category director for networks, said: "Network Services 2 is a flagship agreement for Crown Commercial Service, due not only to its financial scale, but also its ambition.

"This agreement has been designed collaboratively with customers, suppliers and industry bodies; it aims to be a catalyst which will drive transformation within government and the wider public sector."

A total of 57 suppliers are on the first iteration of the Network Services framework. These range from large providers such as BT and Atos, to resellers including CDW and Softcat, and specialist firms.

The second version of the framework sees the number of lots increased from 10 to 13.

The new lots will be for services around radio, security and surveillance, and contact centre.

CCS said it is encouraging both large and SME suppliers to bid for a spot on the framework.

Source: channelweb

Industry: Unified Communication news