Crown Commercial Service lifts the lid on simplified and more sustainable technology solutions, using the Technology Products and Associated Services 2 (TePAS 2) agreement as an example
Crown Commercial Service (CCS) launched a new end-to-end agreement for technology products and services in October 2023, simplifying the process of procuring digital services and introducing a dedicated lot for procuring and managing IT more sustainably.
Technology Products and Associated Services 2 (RM6098) builds on the success of the previous iteration of the agreement. It is designed to continue delivering value and provide public sector customers with a flexible, quick and compliant way to buy all their technology product and service requirements, including end-user devices, technology infrastructure, network and security devices, peripherals, and their software needs.
There is a much stronger focus on sustainability, including a dedicated Lot for recycling, data wiping and secure disposal. Suppliers specialising in extending product life cycles are also included, giving the public sector access to refurbished and remanufactured products and services.
Significant improvements have also been made to customers’ buying options, providing alternate ways to buy and specific guidance on leasing, utility, and “as a service” models. This gives buyers opportunities to fund and simplify the procurement process; for example, they will have the option to pay only for what they use or spread the payments, saving on initial outlay costs.
Technology Products and Associated Services 2 (TePAS 2) went live on 31st October 2023 and will run for an initial term of 30 months with the option to extend by a further 18 months.
TePAS 2 innovations and benefits
The agreement consolidates three CCS frameworks (Technology Products and Associated Services, Education Technology, and Technology Online Purchasing Content). This means that, for the first time, public sector organisations can procure their technology devices and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software from CCS in one place.
Further innovations include:
- Expanded scope to encompass the full market offering to further improve upon our “one stop shop” framework strategy.
- Sector-specific lots for health and education.
- The new structure allows customers to easily combine more of their technology requirements into one agreement.
All suppliers are also on Lot 8 (catalogue), enabling them to upload products more quickly for purchase and helping customers access low-value items easily.
The lots comprise of (all of which include services):
- Lot 1 – Hardware and Software.
- Lot 2 – Hardware.
- Lot 3 – Software.
- Lot 4 – Information Assured Technology.
- Lot 5 – Health and Social Care Technology.
- Lot 6 – Education Technology.
- Lot 7 – Sustainability and Circular I.T.
- Lot 8 – Technology Catalogue.
TePAS 2: Greater SME involvement
TePAS 2 builds on the progress made in enabling more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to supply to the public sector. 63% of the suppliers awarded to the agreement are SMEs, an increase from 50% on the original TePAS agreement and 56% on the Technology Online Purchasing Content framework, underlining CCS’ commitment to supporting the UK Government’s ambition to work with more smaller businesses.
TePAS 2: Customer and supplier engagement
TePAS 2 was developed through individual supplier and customer meetings, webinars and in-person events beginning in October 2021.
These meetings addressed the key benefits of the original TePAS agreement and also how it could be improved in TePAS 2 to deliver a framework that better meets market requirements for its full duration.
TePAS 2: Upcoming opportunities
CCS continues to hold webinars for customers interested in buying through TePAS 2. The session will walk customers through what the agreement offers, including products available through the agreement, how to buy through TePAS 2 and the guidance and support available to customers.
Interested customers can sign up now for the next upcoming webinar, which will be held on 14th May 2024.
CCS is also running multiple aggregated competitions to help customers get even more out of TePAS 2 by combining the requirements of different buyers to achieve even better value for money.
These include regular Microsoft aggregations, and IT hardware aggregations open to any public sector body. Visit the aggregation events webpage to find out more.
TePAS 2: Find out more
To learn more about Technology Products and Associated Services 2 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 complete 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.
Crown Commercial Service (CCS)
info@crowncommercial.gov.uk
www.crowncommercial.gov.uk
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