Guidance

Crown Commercial Service customer update: February 2019

Published 11 February 2019

1. Highways England launches new technology operations centre

The operation and maintenance of operational technology (technology which is installed at the roadside e.g. CCTV, message signs) is an important part of Highways England’s management of the Strategic Road Network, comprising nearly 100,000 devices with an estimated replacement cost of approximately £4.8 billion.

In order to realise the benefits of future strategic programmes of work, such as the Smart Motorway and Expressway programmes, Highways England needs to ensure that the operational technology it deploys is available and performs to a high standard.

Highways England ran a competition via lot 14 (Intelligent Transport Systems) of the Traffic Management Technology 2 (TMT2) framework in 2017.

Read our latest case study to learn more about the results and find out how to get involved in our Traffic Management Technology 2 framework.

2. The new fleet portal is now live

We are pleased to announce that the new fleet portal is now live.

The portal has been designed with the customer at its core, offering increased functionality and a completely revised look and feel. It now has better access to online quotations with an enhanced search functionality, as well as the ability to filter results based on any requirements and compare vehicles side by side.

As with the previous portal, users will still be able to access live quotes from all of the lease providers on lot 1, ensuring competitive pricing and the ability to direct award along with access to a full breakdown of costs, so you can compare manufacturers; compare buy vs. lease prices and whole life costs for vehicles.

Having this increased functionality will support decision making for both operational and salary sacrificed vehicles.

Get started on the fleet portal today by visiting our latest blog

3. Learn more about Technology Expense Management in our latest blog

The latest Technology Expense Management (TEM) agreement is now live for customers. Through the agreement’s 7 services, customers can reduce communications infrastructure costs and achieve savings through improved management of telecom and related technology estates.

The agreement helps to drive control, enhance estate visibility, uncover savings and deliver real business value. The previous agreement which ended on 31 March 2018 helped customers save on average 20% of overall telecom spend in year 1.

Read our latest blog for more information and to register for one of our introductory webinars.

4. Events

4.1 Visit our stand at Government Property 2019

We are looking forward to showcasing at Government Property 2019 which will take place on 14 February at QEII Centre, Westminster.

This year’s event will attract more than 300 high level delegates from across the public sector estate, and will aim to identify the key trends and challenges that will affect the property industry over the next 10+ years.

Find out more information and book your free place.

4.2 We will be exhibiting at EvoNorth 2019

We will be exhibiting at EvoNorth 2019 on 27- 28 February at Emirates Old Trafford Lancashire Cricket Club.

EvoNorth will bring together leaders from across the region who are responsible for shaping, building and delivering a Northern Powerhouse for people which will create employment, improved public services and economic growth.

Find out more information about this years event and book your place today.

4.3 Join our guest speakers in the keynote arena at DPRTE 2019

Join us at this year’s Defence & Procurement, Research & Technology, Exportability (DPRTE) event which will take place on 28 March in Farnborough International Exhibition Centre.

Paul Tuohy, Senior Category Lead for Buildings and Stefan Phillips, Category Manager for Construction, Materials and Ancillary will be guest speaking on the day in the keynote arena. You can also visit our stand (number 34) where our team will be on hand to answer all of your questions.

Book your place today and find out more information about this years event.

4.4 CEO, Simon Tse to be guest speaker at Procurex National 2019

Book your place at Procurex 2019 which will take place on 30 April at NEC Birmingham.

The event will bring together over 1,500 key decision makers and over 100 leading suppliers from across the country who will contribute to the ongoing delivery and strategic development of public sector procurement.

Visit us at the CCS showcase and join our CEO, Simon Tse as guest speaker on the day.

Register today and learn more information about this years event.

5. Webinars

5.1 Technology webinars

We all know that the technology landscape is fast-paced and constantly evolving. Whether you are an experienced tech buyer or new to this area, our upcoming webinars are a great way to hear from our commercial specialists and ensure that you are getting the best solution for your organisation.

Register for one of our webinars today

5.2 Travel webinars

Interested in finding out more about how we can help you with your travel needs?

Our travel agreement teams and suppliers are hosting a series of webinars to help explain what, and how, you can access travel and venue solutions through our agreement.

Register for one of our webinars today

5.3 Buildings webinars

From utilities & fuels, to construction & property and workplace solutions, we have a wide range of frameworks and agreements to help you save time and money.

To find out how we can help register for one of our webinars today

6. Latest aggregation opportunities

6.1 Water, Wastewater and Ancillary Services

Following the success of CCS led aggregated further competitions for water, we will be running another further competition for lot 1 – Water and Wastewater supply at the end of April.

This further competition is open to all public sector, non-residential premises and will allow participating customers to switch their retail supplier. We will combine the requirements of participating customers to increase buying power to secure the best retail margin for water and wastewater services. Customers will also benefit from high standard servicing from a dedicated customer service team.

To get involved, visit our aggregation page, download and complete the switching template and Memorandum of Understanding and return both documents to info@crowncommercial.gov.uk by 28 February.

Once signed up, CCS will keep customers informed during the process and will confirm results from the competition in early May.

If you would like more information, please get in touch – simply tick the aggregation box and quote Waste Water.

6.2 IT hardware

Is your business looking to purchase IT hardware such as laptops, desktops, or mobile handsets over a call off period longer than 12 months? Why not join our latest aggregation which could help save your organisation time and money.

Through aggregated demand, we have helped 233 customers save a total of £60 million so far this year. Join one of our introductory webinars today:

Thursday 21 February 11:00 – register

Tuesday 26 February 15:00 – register

Or visit our aggregation page for more information.

6.3 Payroll services

Does your organisation need payroll services, or will your current contract be expiring over the next 4 years? We are considering running a series of aggregated procurements for payroll services.

If enough interest is expressed by customers, the first aggregated procurement – national further competition 106 (NFC106) – is anticipated to out to tender in April 2019 to award in July 2019.

Please join one of our introductory webinars today:

Tuesday 26 February 11:00 – register

Wednesday 27 February 10:00 – register

Or visit our aggregation page for more information.

7. New frameworks and updates

• Data and Application Solutions will go live for customers on 22 February.

• Supply of Energy and Ancillary Services (RM6011) is coming soon.

• Construction Works and Associated Services RM6088. CCS is managing a procurement and is looking for evaluators to assist with this process. The framework is for Construction Works and Associated Services and will establish a multi supplier agreement across 11 lots covering construction, building and civil engineering works and services.Visit the link for more information.

• The Building Materials (RM3747) framework is due to expire on 19 February and Personal Protective Equipment (RM3763) is due to expire on 16 July. They are being replaced with Construction Products, Consumables and Materials (RM3837) which is expected go live in May 2019.

8. Framework extensions

• General Legal Advice Services (RM3786) has been extended until 27 February 2021.

9. Quick links

9.1 Public Procurement Review Service

You can view the latest Public Procurement Review Service results to see how the scheme is helping to improve procurement practices across the public sector and support our ambition to make doing business with government as easy as possible for small businesses.

9.2 Procurement policy

If you are looking for public procurement policy guidance please take a look at our public procurement policy page

Looking for a particular procurement policy note? View the collection of all procurement policy notes.

9.3 Procurement tools

• eSourcing log on Not yet registered? Find out how to register in our eSourcing guide.

• Purchasing Platform Not yet registered? Register and learn more about the current catalogues

10. Sign up for email alerts

You can sign up for immediate, daily or weekly email alerts which will tell you what we have added or updated on the GOV.UK website. It is a great way to stay up to date with the latest news and information from CCS.

Sign up for email alerts by providing your email address and selecting the frequency you wish to receive updates.

If you need further information about anything in this update please do not hesitate to contact us by email info@crowncommercial.gov.uk or call our customer service team on 0345 410 2222

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