The Government Commercial Agency has launched RM6377 Network Services 4, a major national framework for networking, telecommunications and communications technology.
The framework has an estimated value of £8 billion excluding VAT / £9.6 billion including VAT and is expected to run initially for two years from March 2027, with options for two further 12-month extensions.
The framework spans mainstream connectivity through to IoT, critical domains, paging, audiovisual systems and emergency-services communications. If you're considering one or more RM6377 lots, contact Thornton & Lowe for support with your tender.
Network Services 4: Lot structure
RM6377 contains 11 routes when the 9a, 9b and 9c sub-lots are counted:
- Internet Connectivity Services (WAN)
- Local Connectivity Services (LAN)
- Voice / Unified Communications
- Contact Centre Services
- IoT & Connected Places, including Security & CCTV
- Critical Domain Services
- Paging and Alerting
- Audio Visual Services
9a. Critical Communications Devices
9b. Critical Communications Services
9c. Critical Communications Software.
The scope ranges from WAN, LAN and cloud connectivity to smart buildings, digital twins, nationally critical domains and technology supporting ESN, Airwave and TETRA.
For wider guidance on competing for these types of contracts, see our page on IT, digital and technology tenders.
Unlimited framework places
GCA has set no maximum number of suppliers, making RM6377 more open than many frameworks of comparable value. Call-offs may be awarded either with or without competition, and suppliers will pay a 1% management charge on deliverables invoiced under call-off contracts.
For suppliers, the breadth of RM6377 makes lot selection particularly important. A communications provider should build its response around the requirements of the specific service rather than presenting the same corporate narrative across several technically distinct lots.
Quality carries 85% of the score
The published evaluation is 85% quality and 15% price across the lots. That creates substantial scope for differentiation through the written submission. Depending on the lot, suppliers should be prepared to evidence:
- technical capability;
- service management;
- resilience and availability;
- cyber and information security;
- transition and implementation;
- customer support;
- scalability;
- interoperability;
- innovation;
- contract management; and
- experience of complex public-sector environments.
Examples should demonstrate outcomes and performance rather than simply describing technology features.
Quick facts
- Buyer: Government Commercial Agency
- Framework: RM6377 Network Services 4
- Estimated value: £8bn excluding VAT / £9.6bn including VAT
- Maximum term: Four years
- Lots/routes: 11
- Maximum suppliers: Unlimited
- Supplier fee: 1%
- Evaluation: 85% quality / 15% price
- Enquiry deadline: 11 September 2026 at 3:00pm
- Tender deadline: 2 October 2026 at 3:00pm
- Estimated award: 4 March 2027
- View the official Find a Tender notice
Strengthen your RM6377 bid
Network Services 4 is wide enough to tempt suppliers into pursuing several lots, but every additional lot needs credible evidence and resource. Start with your strongest service areas. Match case studies and technical evidence to each specification, then use the 85% quality weighting to explain why your delivery model is lower risk and better suited to public-sector customers.
Thornton & Lowe works with technology and telecoms suppliers on complex public-sector frameworks and can support planning, drafting and review. Contact our bid team to discuss RM6377.
