Bidding for Technology Services 4 (TS4)

Technology Services 4 Framework Overview

Technology Services 4 (TS4) is the upcoming iteration of the Crown Commercial Service's successful procurement framework. It aims to provide UK public sector buyers with a flexible way to purchase technology services.

TS4 will cover a wide range of information and communication technology services. These include technology strategy, service design, and support for the operational running and ongoing development of IT environments.

The framework is expected to have a value of up to £16 billion over its 8-year duration. This represents a significant increase from the previous Technology Services 3 framework.

Key features of TS4:

• Covers traditional ICT services
• Spans from strategy to operational deployment
• Aims to simplify procurement for public sector organisations

The Crown Commercial Service is currently in the planning stages for TS4.

"We have found working with the team at Thornton & Lowe to be excellent - their patience, attention to detail and professionalism throughout the entire process was greatly appreciated. We would highly recommend Thornton & Lowe to any company looking to secure more business." - Cantium Business Solutions

Technology Services 4 Key Dates and Milestones

The Technology Services 4 (TS4) framework is progressing, with key dates on the horizon. You'll want to mark your calendars for these important milestones:

7 November 2024: CCS provided an update on the TS4 procurement timeline. The Invitation to Tender (ITT) go-live date has been postponed due to delays in the Procurement Act 2023.

Q4 2024 - Q1 2025: Anticipated new ITT launch window. Exact dates are yet to be confirmed, so stay tuned for further announcements from CCS.

Early-Mid 2025: Expected evaluation period for submitted tenders. Prepare your bids thoroughly to meet the stringent assessment criteria.

Mid-Late 2025: Projected award notifications and standstill period. Successful bidders will be informed during this time.

Late 2025 - Early 2026: Estimated framework start date. Be ready to hit the ground running if your bid is successful.

Keep in mind that these dates are subject to change. CCS will provide official updates. Register an interest with us and we can manage this for your business. Hello@thorntonandlowe.com - TS4

Bid Writing Services for CCS Technology Services 4 (TS4)

Winning contracts under the CCS Technology Services frameworks, particularly TS4, can significantly boost your business. Thornton & Lowe provides expert bid writing services to ensure your proposals stand out. With thorough planning, we align your bid with framework requirements, developing compelling evidence and compliance documentation.

Current suppliers of the CCS Technology Services 3 include Capgemini, Fujitsu, Cantium Business Solutions and IBM, among hundreds of other successful SMEs. These companies have secured a substantial opportunity via a trusted and well-used government framework.

Our client for CCS Technology Services 3 was successful across all lots.

Leveraging our expertise, we manage your entire bid process, from crafting persuasive content to ensuring full compliance. Additionally, our bid training sessions equip your team for future tenders. With our support, your telematics company can navigate the complexities of government tenders and secure valuable contracts.

Key Benefits

• Expert Bid Writing Guidance. Tailored strategies and insights to align with CCS requirements.
• Comprehensive Bid and Tender Support: From evidence development to full bid management.
• Bid Training: Equip your team with essential bid writing skills.

By partnering with Thornton & Lowe, you maximise your chances of winning tenders under the CCS Technology Services frameworks, ensuring your products and services reach public sector clients effectively.

You may also benefit from previous technology, digital and cloud bid writing advice, such as:

• The Benefits of G-Cloud 14
• CCS Procurement Bid Writing For Frameworks
• Digital and IT Tenders.

TS4 Eligibility and Criteria for Participation

Suppliers interested in bidding for Technology Services 4 must meet specific eligibility requirements and demonstrate their technical capabilities. The procurement process follows UK regulations and involves a structured evaluation of bidders' qualifications.

What's Changing from TS3

1. Lotting Structure: TS4 will have a different lotting structure compared to TS3, with the introduction of "main" lots and "lower value and complexity" lots (e.g., lots 3A, 4A, and 5A).
2. Evaluation Criteria: The evaluation criteria for TS4 will be different from TS3, taking into account the new lotting structure and the need for suppliers to be ready for call-off competitions.
3. Standards Compliance: TS4 will require suppliers to demonstrate compliance with various standards, but there will be no expectation to evidence compliance on day one of the framework. Instead, compliance will be requested at the point of the first call-off that requires the standards, giving suppliers time to prepare.

Selection Criteria and Technical Ability Certificates

To be eligible for Technology Services 4, you must meet both financial and technical criteria. Financial assessments evaluate your company's stability and capacity to deliver services.

Mandatory Requirements:

1. Suppliers will be required to have Cyber Essentials certification prior to framework award, even for the lower value and complexity lots.
2. Suppliers that fall within the scope will be required to submit modern slavery statements as part of the tender process.
3. For the main lots (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6), suppliers will be required to provide evidence of carbon reduction plans at the tender submission stage.

Supplier Must-Haves:

1. Certificates of Technical and Professional Ability (COTAs): Suppliers will be required to provide COTAs to confirm their technical ability to deliver the capabilities from the specification. The number of COTAs required will vary depending on the lot, with suppliers needing to demonstrate capability in at least 4 out of 6 service lines for main lots and 3 out of 6 service lines for lower value and complexity lots.
2. Certifications and Standards: Suppliers will need to obtain and maintain relevant certifications and standards, such as ISO 27001 (cyber security), ISO 44001 (collaborative business relationships), and ITIL (IT service management), among others. The specific requirements will be outlined in the tender documentation.

Invitation to Tender Process

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) initiates the Technology Services 4 procurement by issuing an Invitation to Tender (ITT). You'll need to register on the CCS eSourcing platform to access the tender documents. The ITT outlines the framework's scope, lot structure, and submission requirements.

Key dates for the tender submission are clearly stated. You must adhere to these deadlines to ensure your bid is considered. The ITT package includes detailed instructions on how to complete and submit your tender response.

CCS typically allows a 6-8 week period for suppliers to prepare their bids. During this time, you can submit clarification questions through the eSourcing portal.

Your bid will be scored against predetermined evaluation criteria. These typically include technical merit, service delivery approach, and value for money. CCS may request additional evidence or clarifications during the evaluation process.

Strategic Planning and Service Design

Technology Services 4 emphasises strategic planning and service design as crucial components for public sector IT procurement. These elements lay the foundation for successful technology implementations and ensure alignment with organisational goals.

Importance of Technology Strategy

A technology strategy is now essential for public sector organisations. It helps you identify key priorities and allocate resources effectively. Your strategy should outline long-term goals, consider emerging technologies, and address potential challenges.

When bidding for Technology Services 4, demonstrate your ability to develop comprehensive strategies. Highlight your experience in assessing current IT infrastructures and recommending improvements. Show how you can help organisations adapt to changing technological landscapes.

Include case studies that showcase successful strategy implementations. Emphasise your approach to risk management and cost optimisation. These elements are particularly important for public sector buyers with limited budgets.

Transition and Service Integration and Management (SIAM)

Transition and SIAM are critical for seamless technology adoption and ongoing service delivery. Your bid should detail your approach to these areas, focusing on minimising disruption during transitions.

Outline your SIAM framework, explaining how you'll integrate multiple service providers. Highlight your experience in managing complex IT ecosystems. Describe your methods for ensuring service continuity and maintaining high performance standards.

Provide examples of successful transitions you've managed. Emphasise your ability to handle legacy systems and integrate new technologies. Showcase your reporting and governance processes, which are crucial for public sector accountability.

Explain how you'll train staff and manage organisational change. Emphasise your commitment to knowledge transfer, ensuring clients can maintain systems long-term.

Engaging with the Market

Market engagement is crucial for successful bidding on Technology Services 4. It allows you to gain insights, understand requirements, and position your offerings effectively.

Supplier Engagement Sessions

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has conducted supplier surgeries for Technology Services 4 (TS4). These sessions, hosted by techUK, presented final proposals for the TS4 agreement to the market. Key topics covered include:

• Lotting structure
• Scope and specification
• Rate cards
• Evaluation criteria

Attending these sessions gives you valuable information on CCS's expectations and requirements. You can use this knowledge to tailor your bid and ensure compliance with the framework's specifications.

Planning for Future Procurements

As you prepare to bid for Technology Services 4, it's crucial to start planning well in advance. The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) typically announces framework details several months before the tender opens.

Keep an eye on the CCS website and official communications for updates on the procurement timeline. Set up alerts to stay informed about any pre-market engagement activities or supplier briefings.

Review your company's capabilities against the expected service categories. These may include:

• IT strategy and service design
• Operational IT support
• Software development and implementation

Assess your past performance on similar frameworks or contracts. Identify areas for improvement and gather relevant case studies to showcase your expertise.

Begin assembling your bid team early. Assign roles and responsibilities, ensuring you have subject matter experts for each service category you plan to bid for.

Start drafting responses to potential tender questions based on previous Technology Services frameworks. This proactive approach will save time when the actual tender is released.

Consider forming strategic partnerships if there are gaps in your service offerings. Collaborations can strengthen your bid and expand your capabilities.

Allocate resources for the bid process, including staff time and potential external support. A well-prepared bid requires significant effort and attention to detail.