Overview of the Technology Services 4 Framework
Crown Commercial Services will release the Technology Services 4 Framework in the very near future. It is an iteration of the current procurement framework that is in place with Crown Commercial Services.
TS4 generally covers products and services associated with information and communication technology (ICT). Our bid and tender writers have strong experience writing bids in this sector. Services TS4 will cover include:
- Technology Strategy
- Service Design
- Operation of IT environments.
The current Technology Services 3 Framework is substantial and one of our key clients were appointed with our assistance. The TS4 will more than likely have a 8-year duration (substantial amount of time for any framework), and a value of up to 16 billion. These two points are critical as they mean that getting onto the framework is critical and a potentially lucrative opportunity.
When will the Technology Services 4 Contract be released by Crown Commercial Services?
CCS recently updated all parties that due to the delays in the Procurement Act the TS4 release date was postponed.
Our team anticipates that some between December 2024 and March 2025 the ITT will be released. When it lands, there will possibly be six weeks to prepare a response although this could be less or more.
We expect that evaluations will take place in mid-2025 with notifications and awards towards the end of the year.
If you would like our team to notify you when TS4 is released, simply email us at info@tsaksconsulting.com and we will put you on our notification register. CCS will also release notifications when it is released.
Some of our clients like to begin (and we generally recommend it depending on the bid) preparing for bids and tenders prior to release. Contact our team if you would like guidance on how to best prepare for the upcoming TS4 ITT.
How our team will provide bid and tender writing help for the CCS Technology Services ( TS4 )
Our team are experts in writing tenders and bids. We have strong experience writing bids to CCS (Crown Commercial Services) specifically and our team of writers is able to help you:
- Write your bid
- Plan for your bid
- Comply with the framework requirements
- Develop compliance documentation
- Train your staff on how to write future bids.
The CCS TS3 framework is highly popular with substantial volume of work being procured through it. It is a great opportunity for organisations (large and small) to secure work across multiple lots.
Our team of writers worked with previous clients on CCS Technology Services 3 which resulted in a successful result for our client. We are excited to help new clients write this submission when it is released.
Our experience in writing technology tenders is further exemplified by our experience in similar frameworks. These include:
Will you be eligible to apply for TS4?
There are specific eligibility requirements in order to bid for TS4. For those businesses that are currently on the TS3 framework, some key changes include:
- There will be min lots and lower value and complexity lots. This is great for SMEs who wish to bid for specific, low complexity lots.
- There will be a change to the evaluation criteria so that suppliers can conduct ‘call-off’ inspections.
- There will be requirements for technical documentation and other supporting docs. This will certainly include Cyber Essentials. This will be a challenge or additional workload for SMEs bidding for TS4 but one we can efficiently assist with.
- You will need to submit a Modern slavery statement. However, if you are not bidding for a main lot you will not have to submit a carbon reduction plan. This makes it easier for SMEs who do not already have one in place.
Writing a winning bid for the TS4 ITT Framework
Upon release of the RFP or ITT, our team will be able to develop a strategy to put together a compelling bid. Key points which will need to be considered, focused on and incorporated into the bid include:
- A focus on strategic planning and service design. These are critical success factors for seamless and successful technology implementations. Comprehensive strategic planning drives an end product that aligns with key organisational goals.
- Technology strategy: This is a critical point for many public sector organisations. They need to have a technology strategy in place which dictates their investment and expenditure in technology and defines their overall needs.
When writing a bid to TS4, you need to show that you have the appropriate strategies in place and that you can leverage on your skillset, experience and expertise to make productive and insightful recommendations to clients.
Your experience in implementing the various strategies you have developed can be evidenced through case studies and other case examples.
You will also need to cover Transition and Service Integration Management (SIAM) in your bid. Transition and SIAM are important to ensure the adoption of technology within your service delivery. The most important point is that the transition process is seamless. You need to provide a framework that demonstrates your understanding of the challenges involved in a seamless transition as well as how to efficiently integrate with multiple service providers.
You should detail other contracts and transitions you have managed successfully and how you handle and integrate legacy systems which are well entrenched in terms of process with an organisation, as well as new technologies.
Public sector entities and departments are particularly concerned with how you will adhere to governance and reporting requirements. Evidence of adherence to previous requirements should be included in your bid.
Preparing for the bid
Our expert bid writers are located in London and across the UK. We can assist you to prepare for and of course write the bid. We recommend you:
- Attend engagement sessions. Here CCS cover different aspects of the TS4 bid such as the lotting structure, scope and specification and rate cards.
- Monitor the CCS website for updates (or ask our team to notify you)
- Check you are adhering to the reporting and governance requirements of any frameworks you are currently on. This is important as you may need testimonials, evidence and referees.
- Updated your businesses IT strategy and software implementation capabilities if needed.
- Gather previous experience, case studies and testimonials and keep them in a central repository.
- If you are missing any aspect of the scope (in terms of experience) for the lots you are looking at bidding for, start forming strategic relationships or partnerships which will help you work with another firm with the right capabilities and plug those gaps.
Our team of bid writers is based in London and across the UK. We can help businesses across the United Kingdom such as in Manchester and Leeds, write the TS4 bid applications and get appointed. The TS4 Framework by CCS is a highly competitive framework with organisations large and small bidding for the lucrative opportunity.
Allocating the right resources within your organisation, submitting a compelling bid which is consistently backed up by evidence and ensuring compliance with the mandatory criteria is critical to success.