Guidance

Crown Commercial Service customer update: December 2014

Published 17 December 2014

This guidance was withdrawn on 1 September 2020

This article has been withdrawn because it’s over 5 years old.

1. Overview

The monthly customer update from the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is designed to provide government and public sector buyers with the latest information about the range of CCS agreements available, new commercial agreements being developed, training opportunities, events and recent developments in procurement policy and commercial reform.

2. We’ve moved to GOV.UK

Our website has moved to GOV.UK, the single website for government information.

Our web address is now www.gov.uk/ccs but our email address, telephone numbers and social media profiles remain the same.

3. Procurement Policy Notes

3.1 New Procurement Policy Note 11/14: supplier references

References are important for suppliers, especially for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), seeking to grow their business. With immediate effect, the recommended policy is for all central government departments (including their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies) to fulfil reference requests, especially if the supplier has performed well.

Read the full notice for further information and guidance

Read all Procurement Policy Notes for the latest guidance on public sector procurement best practice.

4. The Commissioning Academy

The Commissioning Academy continues to provide a great leadership development opportunity for commissioners and others involved in transforming public services. Applications for the next intake should be submitted before the end of January 2015. The next academy will start in March 2015.

Learn more about the Commissioning Academy programme

Apply now

5. Events

5.1 Local Government Procurement Network Annual Members’ Showcase

We are partnering this event which takes place on 5 February 2015 at the QEII Conference Centre, London. We will be speaking on partnership with local government and procurement reform. Register and find out more

5.2 Procurex North Live

We are supporting this free to attend event on 26 February 2015 at Manchester Central. Sally Collier, Chief Executive, will be talking about how CCS is supporting the delivery of first class services and economic growth. Register and find out more

6. Stakeholder opportunities

6.1 Project Management and Full Design Team Services

Following the recent decision by UK Shared Business Services Ltd not to proceed with the procurement for Project Management and Full Design Team Services (RM1039), we are now starting to engage with customers regarding the re-procurement. Engagement with customers is essential to ensure that the new agreement reflects the diversity of specialist consultancy needs for public sector construction projects and capital programmes. We are intending to hold a customer stakeholder event in January 2015; if you are interested in taking part please register your interest by emailing ProjectManagement@ccs.gsi.gov.uk

7. OJEU contract notices

Recently published OJEU contract notices for new CCS agreements being developed include:

• Digital Services 2 which is expected to award in May 2015

• Vehicle Lease and Fleet Management which is expected to award in March 2015

Links to contract notices and further information about all procurements currently underway can be found on the procurement pipeline

8. New agreements

The following agreements have recently awarded and are now available for public sector organisations to buy through:

• Media Buying (RM1051)

• Vehicle Purchase (RM1070)

View full details of these new CCS agreements and all other live agreements in the find an agreement directory

9. Expired agreements

9.1 Commercial Catering Equipment (RM922)

This agreement expired on 31 October and options for a new arrangement are being reviewed. Customers with immediate requirements may wish to consider if the ESPO Commercial Catering Equipment agreement can meet their needs.

9.2 Recruitment Marketing (RM1713)

This agreement expired on 24 October and options for a new agreement are currently being reviewed. Customers with immediate recruitment advertising requirements may wish to consider the ESPO Advertising and Communications agreement. Please email k.richardson@espo.org or call 0116 294 4075 to find out more.

10. Agreements expiring shortly

10.1 Commodity IT Hardware and Software (RM721)

This agreement will expire on 31 January 2015. Technology Products (RM1054) should be used for all new requirements.

10.2 Face to Face Interpreting Services (RM738)

This agreement is due to expire on 16 January 2015. We are currently exploring options to ensure continuity of service for customers during the development of a new Language Services.

10.3 G-Cloud 4 (RM1557iv)

This agreement is due to expire on 31 January 2015. G-Cloud 5 (RM1557v) is live and G-Cloud 6 is due to award in February 2015.

10.4 IT Hardware and Solutions (RM1692)

This agreement will expire on 31 January 2015. Technology Products (RM1054) should be used for all new requirements.

10.5 IT Managed Services (RM717)

This agreement is due to expire on 5 February 2015. It is being replaced by Technology Services (RM1058) which is currently being developed.

10.6 Media Buying (RM1704)

This agreement will expire on 31 December. It has been replaced by the new Media Buying (RM1051) agreement.

10.7 Office Supplies (RM781)

This agreement is due to expire on 7 January 2015. It is being replaced by Office Supplies for the Wider Public Sector (RM3703), which is due to award in December 2014.

10.8 Refrigeration (RM673)

This agreement will expire on 21 December and we are currently reviewing options for a new arrangement. Customers with immediate requirements are advised to ensure that they have a call-off contract in place before the expiry date. For refrigeration requirements after 21 December customers may wish to consider if the ESPO Commercial Catering Equipment agreement can meet their needs.

10.9 Vehicle Purchase (RM859)

This agreement will expire on 31 December. It has been replaced by the new Vehicle Purchase (RM1070) agreement.

11. Agreement extensions

11.1 Central Government Travel Management Services (RM918)

Lot 1, Global Travel, has been extended until 13 February 2016 and lot 2, Domestic Travel, has been extended until 20 December 2015 to ensure continuity of service during the development of a replacement agreement.

11.2 Government Office Supplies Contract (RM917)

This agreement has been extended until 31 July 2015 to ensure continuity of service during the development of the replacement agreement, Crown Office Solutions.

11.3 Insurance Services (RM958)

This agreement has been extended until 25 February 2016. We are keen to involve as many customers as possible in the new procurement for Insurance Services (RM3731). If you would like to get involved please email insurance@ccs.gsi.gov.uk

11.4 Legal Services (RM919)

This agreement has been extended until 31 January 2016.

11.5 Non Medical/Non Clinical (CM/AAC/09/5124)

An extension to this agreement, which is due to expire on 31 December 2014, is being finalised to ensure continuity of service for customers during the development of Non Medical Non Clinical Resource (RM971)

11.6 Vehicle Hire (RM807)

This agreement has been extended to provide continuity of service during the development of a replacement agreement. Customers with a current contract in place may wish to consider an extension until autumn 2015. For further guidance please email fleet@ccs.gsi.gov.uk

11.7 Wider Public Sector Print (RM1687)

This agreement has been extended until 30 April 2016.

If you need further information about anything in this update please do not hesitate to contact our helpdesk on 0345 410 2222 or email info@ccs.gsi.gov.uk

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