G-Cloud 15: Everything Suppliers Need to Know
G-Cloud 15 represents the biggest transformation in the framework's history, launching September 2026 under the Procurement Act 2023. This comprehensive guide covers everything suppliers need to know about the new framework structure, application requirements, and opportunities.
Critical Update: The ITT opened October 2025 and closed January 2026. If you missed this window, the next opportunity will be the 18-month reopening in approximately March 2028 under PA23's open framework provisions.
What Is G-Cloud 15?
G-Cloud 15 is the UK government's premier framework for cloud software, hosting, and support services. Worth billions annually, it provides the primary route to market for technology suppliers targeting central government, local authorities, and wider public sector buyers.
Framework Value: Over £3 billion annual spend across previous iterations Framework Duration: 4 years (September 2026 - September 2030) Governing Legislation: Procurement Act 2023 (first G-Cloud under new regulations)
Key Changes from G-Cloud 14
1. Governed by Procurement Act 2023
G-Cloud 15 is the first iteration governed by PA23 rather than PCR 2015, bringing significant changes:
Most Advantageous Tender (MAT): Quality and innovation can outweigh price in mini-competitions Open Framework Structure: Reopens for new suppliers at 18 and 36-month intervals Enhanced Transparency: Contract Performance Notices track framework usage and outcomes Preliminary Market Engagement: Formal consultation opportunities before call-offs
2. Cyber Essentials Mandatory for ALL Lots
Major Change: Cyber Essentials certification confirmed mandatory for all G-Cloud 15 lots from December 2025 announcement.
Previous Position: G-Cloud 14 only required Cyber Essentials for Lot 1 (Cloud Hosting) New Requirement: All suppliers across all lots must hold valid certification Compliance Date: Certification must be valid at application and maintained throughout framework period
3. Restructured Lot Architecture
G-Cloud 15 introduces a simplified lot structure:
Lot 1a: Cloud Hosting (IaaS) - Infrastructure as a Service
Lot 1b: Cloud Hosting (PaaS) - Platform as a Service
Lot 2a: Cloud Software (SaaS) - Software as a Service for end users
Lot 2b: Cloud Software (Specialist) - Niche and specialist cloud applications
Lot 3: Cloud Support - Implementation, migration, and ongoing support services
Application Requirements and Eligibility
Financial Standing
Turnover Requirements: Minimum annual turnover varies by lot and service value Insurance: Minimum £1 million public liability, £1 million professional indemnity Financial Stability: Demonstration of financial viability throughout framework period
Technical Capability
Service Descriptions: Detailed capability statements for each service offered Case Studies: Evidence of successful delivery in relevant sectors Security Standards: Compliance with government security requirements Data Protection: GDPR compliance and UK data residency where required
Mandatory Certifications
Cyber Essentials: Required for all lots (significant change from G-Cloud 14) ISO 27001: Recommended for security-critical services SOC 2: Increasingly expected for SaaS providers Sector-Specific: Additional certifications may be required for specialist services
Framework Timeline and Process
Application Timeline (Closed)
- October 2025: ITT published with supplier guidance materials
- November-December 2025: Supplier clarification period and engagement sessions
- January 2026: Application deadline (closed)
- February-August 2026: Evaluation and due diligence period
- September 2026: Framework goes live with successful suppliers
Next Opportunity: 18-Month Reopening
Expected Date: March 2028 (18 months after September 2026 launch) Process: Simplified application for new entrants Evaluation: Streamlined assessment focusing on capability and compliance
Using G-Cloud as a Buyer
Direct Award Process
Threshold: Up to £100,000 can be directly awarded to any suitable supplier Selection Criteria: Based on capability, price, and delivery requirements Timeframes: Awards can be made within days of requirement identification
Further Competition Process
Over £100,000: Must run mini-competition between suitable suppliers Evaluation: Based on specific requirement criteria and supplier responses Social Value: Increasingly included in evaluation criteria where relevant
Competitive Landscape and Strategy
Market Analysis
Large Incumbents: Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Google dominate infrastructure Specialist SaaS: Opportunities for niche and industry-specific solutions Support Services: Strong demand for cloud migration and transformation support SME Opportunities: Government commitment to 30% SME spend creates dedicated opportunities
Positioning Strategy
Differentiation: Focus on unique capabilities, sector expertise, or innovative solutions Pricing: Competitive but sustainable pricing aligned with value proposition Case Studies: Strong evidence of government and public sector delivery Partnerships: Strategic partnerships with complementary suppliers
Sector-Specific Opportunities
Central Government
Digital Transformation: Legacy system modernisation and cloud migration Cyber Security: Advanced threat detection and response capabilities AI and Analytics: Data-driven decision making and automation Citizen Services: Digital service delivery and user experience
Local Government
Shared Services: Multi-authority solutions and cost sharing Digital Inclusion: Services supporting digital access and skills Environmental Monitoring: Climate and sustainability tracking solutions Community Engagement: Digital consultation and participation platforms
Health and Social Care
Patient Data Systems: Secure healthcare data management and analytics Telemedicine: Remote consultation and monitoring platforms Care Management: Social care planning and coordination systems Population Health: Public health monitoring and intervention tools
Preparing for G-Cloud Success
For New Applicants
- Build Track Record: Gain public sector experience through other routes
- Obtain Certifications: Achieve Cyber Essentials and relevant ISO standards
- Develop Case Studies: Evidence successful delivery in target sectors
- Partnership Strategy: Consider teaming with established framework suppliers
For Existing Suppliers
- Capability Enhancement: Develop new services aligned with market demand
- Performance Optimisation: Excel on current framework to build positive references
- Innovation Investment: Demonstrate cutting-edge solutions and approaches
- Market Intelligence: Understand buyer priorities and emerging requirements
For Framework Reopening
- Monitor Announcements: Track Crown Commercial Service communications for reopening notices
- Maintain Readiness: Keep certifications current and capability evidence updated
- Competitive Analysis: Understand current framework performance and gaps
- Relationship Building: Engage with potential buyers and current suppliers
G-Cloud vs Other Routes to Market
Digital Outcomes and Specialists (DOS)
G-Cloud: Off-the-shelf cloud services and solutions DOS: Bespoke digital delivery capabilities and specialist resources Overlap: Some cloud support services available on both frameworks
Direct Procurement
G-Cloud Advantage: Pre-competed suppliers with established capability Direct Advantage: Tailored requirements and evaluation criteria Threshold Considerations: G-Cloud often faster for standard requirements
Crown Commercial Service Agreements
Technology Services: Broader technology requirements beyond cloud G-Cloud Focus: Specific to cloud computing and related services Usage Patterns: Different frameworks suit different requirement types
Future of G-Cloud Under PA23
Open Framework Benefits
Regular Entry Points: 18 and 36-month reopening opportunities Market Evolution: Framework adapts to changing technology landscape Competition Enhancement: New suppliers can challenge incumbents regularly
Enhanced Transparency
Performance Visibility: Contract Performance Notices show framework usage Market Intelligence: Better visibility of spending patterns and supplier performance Buyer Feedback: Systematic feedback mechanisms improve framework effectiveness
Innovation Focus
Most Advantageous Tender: Quality and innovation can win over price Early Market Engagement: PME allows innovative solution development Collaborative Development: Closer buyer-supplier relationships through PA23 provisions
Getting Ready for G-Cloud Success
G-Cloud 15 represents a significant opportunity for technology suppliers, but success requires understanding the new PA23 landscape, meeting enhanced security requirements, and demonstrating genuine public sector value.
Whether you're preparing for the next reopening or planning your framework strategy, success depends on:
- Cyber Essentials certification across all service areas
- Compelling case studies from public sector delivery
- Competitive pricing balanced with sustainable service delivery
- Clear differentiation in an increasingly crowded market
Ready to compete successfully on G-Cloud 15? Register for early access to RFP Quest for framework intelligence, bid optimization, and competitive analysis tools designed for the PA23 procurement landscape.
Related Reading: Explore our guides to Procurement Act 2023 changes affecting frameworks and government tender software for comprehensive procurement success.