Crown Commercial Service explains how a new ‘first of its kind’ agreement, specifically for big data and analytics services and software, is launched to help the public sector continue on its digital transformation journey
In September, Crown Commercial Service (CCS) launched a new agreement specifically for big data and analytics services and software, which aims to support the public sector to improve data use to drive efficiency and improve services.
The new Big Data and Analytics [RM6195] agreement is the first CCS agreement to be solely dedicated to the procurement of data and analytics services and software and will offer all public sector customers a central route to market, across a range of specialist
suppliers. It has been developed in accordance with the National Data Strategy.
Big Data and Analytics went live on 21st September 2022 and will run for two years with the possibility of extending by a further two years. Call-off contract durations can be up to five years. 50 suppliers have been awarded a place on the framework, 46% of which
are SMEs.
Innovations
Big data and data-driven capabilities, such as artificial intelligence, is an evolving field which has come into sharp focus across the public sector following the pandemic. The new framework will support the requirements of the government and the wider public sector as they continue to use data to innovate.
The scope of the agreement will support a variety of customer needs – from niche reporting and analytics projects to complete data service transformations – to enable them to use data more efficiently.Innovations will include:
• A simple 2 lot structure has been put in place – following discussions with potential buyers – encompassing a wide range of data and analytics capabilities across a strong pool of suppliers within a single, consolidated framework.
• A capability ‘down-select’ mechanism has been introduced within Lot 1 that offers buyers the ability to create a shortlist of suppliers by 1 or more of the 6 capability areas, assisting with agile call-offs. Tier 1 suppliers are able to sub-contract, making it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to be included in supply chains.
Lotting structure
The lots will comprise:
Lot 1 – ‘Design, build and run’ professional services:
• Advanced analytics and cognitive.
• Data management & acquisition.
• Data risking.
• Platforms services.
• Reporting and dashboards.
• Search and discovery services.
Lot 2 – Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software:
• Big data management.
• Machine learning & artificial intelligence.
• Reporting & analytics.
• Data mining, risking & science.
• Search and data discovery.
Customer and Supplier Engagement
The Big Data & Analytics framework agreement has been designed and developed using an extensive discovery and consultative process with many CCS customers, suppliers, and partners.
We hosted several webinars prior to launching the framework. The new framework reflects and represents their expectations and provides the platform for the country to build back better with the right mix of quality and innovative suppliers, including
SME providers.
The new agreement aims to build on the progress made on making it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises to become suppliers. It includes 50 suppliers, 46% of which are SMEs.
Customer Webinars
To support the launch of this agreement, our team of category experts will be holding a series of interactive webinars during October and November. Continue to check our CCS webinar page for the latest dates.
“The new Big Data and Analytics [RM6195] agreement is the first CCS agreement to be solely dedicated to the procurement of data and analytics services and software and will offer all public sector customers a central route to market, across a range of specialist
suppliers. It has been developed in accordance with the National Data Strategy.”
Find out more
To find out more about Big Data & Analytics, visit the agreement webpage or contact the CCS Service Desk at info@crowncommercial.gov.uk or +44 (0)345 410 2222.
Don’t forget, you can find a full list of all the commercial agreements we offer, alongside details of how we can help you build policy considerations into your procurement, in our interactive digital brochure.
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