About the Alpha G-Cloud Framework
YPO is working with NEPO to create the Alpha G-Cloud Framework. It will rival the Crown Commercial Services G-cloud Framework and is estimated to be a £3 billion framework. It is expected that some of the government and other organisations that procure through the CCS G-Cloud Framework may look at using the Alpha G-Cloud Framework once it has been released.
There is significant expenditure as it will be a relatively broad framework with a focus on cloud services and software applications. There will be a wide range of services offered on an online marketplace – which will make it quick and easy for public sector entities to review and select the best option available. Examples of services include Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) to Software as a Service (SaaS)
The objective of this framework is to make it easier for public sector entities to purchase cloud and software services. Examples of public sector entities which will purchase through Alpha G-Cloud include NHS trusts, educational institutions and local authorities.
Features of Alpha G-Cloud and the importance these have on bid writing and winning
The Alpha G-Cloud will have the following newly-introduced features:
- A compliance focus – There will be a strong focus on regulatory compliance. This de-risks procurement for public sector buyers. It also increases the important of compliance for bidders and may result in you having to create additional supporting documentation to ensure compliance. Our bid writing experts can assist with this.
- Renewal of suppliers – There will be a refreshing of the suppliers periodically. This means although you will have a chance to re-apply if not appointed, the period is generally a matter of years.
- Focus on small and large businesses – There is a strong focus on a diverse supplier pool. This makes it better for SMEs looking to be appointed to the panel, in that as long as you comply with the mandatory requirements, you will have a decent shot.
- Easy to us interface: It makes purchasing easier and simpler for the buyers. There will also be different categories such as cloud hosting, software and support services.
Are you looking for assistance with your Alpha G-Cloud framework application?
Contact our bid writers to talk about how we can assist.
Writing a winning bid for the Alpha G-Cloud Framework
The first key point to writing a successful application is to adere to and comply with the eligibility requirements. For example, you will need to:
- Be a registered UK or EU/EEA business
- Accept and confirm you will adhere to the framework terms and conditions
- Comply with GDPR regulations
- Have the correct security accreditations in place such as the Cyber Essential and ISO 27001
- Having modern slavery and other key documentation in place.
We expect Alpha G-Cloud will be released early 2025 and our team of bid writers are ready to assist with your framework. In the meantime, we recommend businesses:
- Collate all the usual supporting documentation requested by YPO and/or CCS
- Gather testimonials and references from clients and store centrally
- Create a central bid library or repository.
Some strategies to help you win which apply to all of these types of bids and should be incorporated into your writing when it is released include:
-Provide detailed evidence-based case studies to demonstrate your expertise. Remember, when the question asks for ‘demonstrate’ they are asking for actual evidence and not just a general description of your technical skills.
– Understand buyer needs and read between the lines. Get a sense of, and provide insight into resolving, the unique challenges that the buyers are facing.
– Write in simple and non-technical English. Not all the people reading the bid will understand your specific area of expertise. You need to write in simple easy to understand and well-structured English and paragraphs (with bullet points).
– Focus on specifying your exact capabilities and focus on what sets you apart.
How our team of bid writing consultants will help
Our team of bid writers is highly experienced in writing bids and tenders both to YPO as well as in the technology sector. Contact our team today to discuss how we can assist with your framework application. We can help you:
- Write the application
- Project manage the application
- Develop supporting documentation