What is the G-Cloud framework?
G-Cloud is a Government Commercial Agency (formerly Crown Commercial Service) framework agreement, now at its fifteenth iteration (G-Cloud 15, reference RM1557.15, awarded in August 2026), that lets UK public sector organisations buy cloud software, hosting, and support services without running a full open procurement competition. Instead of issuing a contract notice for every cloud purchase, buyers filter a pre-competed catalogue of listed services and either award without competition or, for more complex or higher-value needs, run a competitive selection among shortlisted suppliers. The process is a direct call-off and it is fully compliant with public procurement legislation.
G-Cloud 14 was structured into three lots, described below (G-Cloud 15 splits hosting and software into sub-lots 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b, alongside Lot 3 cloud support). Lot 1 covers Cloud Hosting: infrastructure services including compute, storage, networking, and platform resources. Lot 2 covers Cloud Software: SaaS applications spanning case management, HR tools, analytics platforms, finance systems, and citizen-facing portals. Lot 3 covers Cloud Support: services that help buyers adopt, migrate to, or operate cloud environments, including managed services, security operations, and cloud architecture consultancy.
G-Cloud 15 is an open framework that reopens to new suppliers at set points, and each reopening is an application window for suppliers. Between refreshes, the catalogue remains live and buyers can call off at any time. Listing on G-Cloud is the gateway to a very large pool of recurring public sector cloud spend without the overhead of responding to individual tenders for every opportunity.
Who buys through G-Cloud?
Every part of the UK public sector is eligible to use G-Cloud, and a large proportion do. Central government departments and arm's length bodies use it extensively: the Home Office, HMRC, DVLA, Companies House, and dozens of other departments have called off cloud services through the framework. NHS trusts, integrated care boards, and commissioning support units draw on G-Cloud for clinical and operational systems. Local councils, combined authorities, police forces, fire services, universities, colleges, and housing associations all hold buyer status and can call off directly.
Types of G-Cloud contracts
G-Cloud spans the full spectrum of cloud service models. Under Lot 1, buyers procure infrastructure as a service: virtual machines, object storage, managed Kubernetes, content delivery, and private network connectivity. Lot 2 covers SaaS applications across document management, finance systems, workforce management, CRM, analytics, cyber security tooling, and collaboration platforms. Lot 3 services include cloud migration, managed cloud operations, DevOps tooling, security assessments, and technical training.
Relevant CPV codes include 72212000 (programming services of application software), 48000000 (software package and information systems), 72000000 (IT services: consulting, software development, internet and support), and 72250000 (system and support services). These appear on Find a Tender for the framework itself and on related direct procurement exercises outside G-Cloud.
How to get on G-Cloud
Suppliers apply through the Digital Marketplace during an open application window. Applications are self-service: create a supplier account, complete due diligence declarations, describe your services in structured service definition documents, and set your pricing. GCA reviews submissions for compliance rather than quality. Service definitions are the most important element: buyers search the catalogue primarily through these, so clarity about use cases and buyer benefits directly affects how many call-offs you attract.
G-Cloud is one of the most SME-friendly frameworks in UK public procurement. GCA data consistently shows that the majority of listed suppliers are small or medium enterprises. There is no minimum contract value and no mandatory accreditation beyond the standard supplier declaration, so a well-scoped cloud SaaS product or specialist cloud support practice can compete alongside large system integrators on equal terms.
G-Cloud vs direct procurement
Not all cloud and digital services are bought through G-Cloud. When a requirement is bespoke, involves significant delivery risk, or has a value and complexity warranting a full competition, buyers issue a standalone procurement notice on Find a Tender. This is common for large digital transformation programmes, multi-year managed service contracts that bundle development and hosting, and platform builds where the outcome is not a commodity service. Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7 (DOS7, RM1043.9), which replaced Digital Outcomes 6 and Digital Specialists and Programmes (DSP), covers project-based and specialist resource procurement outside G-Cloud.
The practical implication is that monitoring G-Cloud alone misses a significant proportion of cloud and digital spend. Direct tenders for cloud hosting, software development, managed IT, and digital support are published continuously on Find a Tender and across council, NHS, and education portals.
How TenderSignal covers G-Cloud opportunities
TenderSignal monitors when G-Cloud framework iterations open for new supplier applications: these notices appear on Find a Tender and TenderSignal surfaces them in your feed before the application window closes. Beyond G-Cloud itself, TenderSignal captures all direct cloud and digital tenders from Find a Tender, NHS portals, council systems, and education portals. Set your cloud/IT CPV codes, and receive a matched digest covering both framework application notices and open market digital tenders, weekly free or daily on Pro. See also: IT and software tenders and Digital Outcomes and Specialists tenders.
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G-Cloud tender FAQ
How long does it take to get on G-Cloud?
The application process itself typically takes two to four weeks to complete once an application window is open. GCA reviews submissions on a rolling basis and most suppliers receive a listing decision within four to six weeks of submission. The key time constraint is the application window, which is open only for a defined period when a new framework iteration launches. TenderSignal alerts you when a new G-Cloud iteration opens for supplier applications.
Is G-Cloud free for suppliers to join?
Yes. There is no application fee and no annual charge to be listed on G-Cloud. GCA takes a management charge on sales made through the framework (0.75 per cent on G-Cloud 14), which is built into how the framework is administered rather than being an additional invoice to suppliers.
Can SMEs get on G-Cloud?
Yes, and they do in large numbers. G-Cloud was designed to be accessible for small businesses. There is no minimum turnover requirement, no minimum contract value, and no requirement for multiple reference clients. The award without competition route means buyers can select a small specialist supplier without a competitive evaluation for straightforward needs, which advantages SMEs that have a clearly differentiated service in a specific niche.