G-Cloud 15 is the latest iteration of the UK Government’s highly influential cloud procurement framework. Administered by the Crown Commercial Service, the G-Cloud framework has become a cornerstone for the public sector, enabling organisations across central government, local authorities, healthcare, education, and emergency services to procure cloud-based services efficiently and transparently. The fifteenth version represents a significant evolution, not only because it is the first to be delivered under the new Procurement Act 2023, but also because it expands on scope, structure, and evaluation criteria in ways designed to make the marketplace more competitive and accessible.
What Is G-Cloud 15?
G-Cloud 15 is a government-approved framework agreement that allows UK public sector bodies to purchase a wide range of cloud-based solutions. The framework simplifies procurement by pre-approving suppliers, publishing service catalogues on the Digital Marketplace, and reducing the need for lengthy tender processes for each contract.
At its heart, G-Cloud 15 is designed to support efficiency and innovation. Rather than reinventing the wheel for every procurement, public organisations can access a pool of pre-validated suppliers offering Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and cloud support services. The new framework is expected to run for four years and is valued at several billion pounds, making it one of the largest opportunities for technology businesses in the UK.
Why G-Cloud Matters
The G-Cloud framework has been transformational for the public sector. It opened procurement to smaller, more agile digital providers and reduced reliance on a small number of large technology giants. For buyers, it provided faster procurement, more competition, and improved transparency. For suppliers, it removed significant barriers to entry into the public sector market.
G-Cloud 15 builds on this legacy, seeking to maintain those benefits while adding new compliance, sustainability, and quality controls to reflect changing expectations. The UK Government is increasingly focused on accountability, environmental responsibility, and security, and the new framework reflects these priorities.
Key Changes in G-Cloud 15
Several important changes distinguish G-Cloud 15 from its predecessors. These include:
Expanded Lot Structure
The framework is divided into different Lots to help buyers source the right type of solution. Under G-Cloud 15, the Lots have been refined:
-
Lot 1a: Cloud hosting (IaaS and PaaS suppliers and resellers)
-
Lot 1b: Defence and security cloud hosting
-
Lot 2a: SaaS focusing on infrastructure and service management tools
-
Lot 2b: SaaS covering all other cloud software
-
Lot 3: Cloud support services, including consultancy, migration, and managed service providers
This structure is more detailed than in previous frameworks, ensuring that buyers can more easily locate specialist suppliers.
New Evaluation Criteria
Unlike earlier versions, which largely assessed suppliers on the accuracy and completeness of their information, G-Cloud 15 will use more rigorous evaluation criteria. These include:
-
Social value contributions, such as community benefit and skills investment
-
Quality and performance evidence
-
Price considerations to ensure value for money
This change raises the bar for suppliers, rewarding those who not only offer effective solutions but also demonstrate broader positive impacts.
Sustainability and Responsibility Requirements
Suppliers may be required to provide documents such as Carbon Reduction Plans, Modern Slavery Statements, and evidence of ethical business practices. This reflects a broader government push toward sustainability and responsible procurement.
Financial Standing Assessments
Economic and financial thresholds are being introduced for each Lot. This ensures that suppliers can demonstrate resilience and financial stability, reducing the risk of failed contracts.
Integration of Cloud Compute
Services previously covered by the Cloud Compute framework will now fall within G-Cloud 15. This consolidates procurement under one framework, reducing duplication and creating a single marketplace for cloud services.
Opportunities for Suppliers
For technology businesses, G-Cloud 15 presents a powerful opportunity. The framework’s estimated value is in the billions, and the range of services covered is vast. Suppliers who succeed in securing a place will gain visibility and credibility, with their services showcased on the Digital Marketplace used by thousands of public buyers.
Small and medium-sized enterprises stand to benefit most. G-Cloud has historically levelled the playing field, giving SMEs access to contracts that might previously have been dominated by large corporations. With the government continuing to stress the importance of innovation and diversity in suppliers, G-Cloud 15 is an attractive route into the public sector for growing businesses.
Benefits for Public Sector Buyers
Public buyers face the dual challenge of tight budgets and growing demand for digital services. G-Cloud 15 helps address these challenges by:
-
Offering a wide range of pre-approved suppliers and services
-
Reducing procurement timescales compared to open tenders
-
Encouraging competition, which often drives down cost
-
Providing transparency and accountability in supplier selection
-
Aligning services with broader government goals on sustainability, security, and social value
This makes it easier for public bodies to adopt new technologies and digital solutions while ensuring compliance with legislation and best practice.
The Role of the Procurement Act 2023
One of the most significant aspects of G-Cloud 15 is that it is the first to be launched under the new Procurement Act 2023. This legislation introduced changes to how public procurement must operate, with a focus on transparency, value for money, and accountability. G-Cloud 15 reflects these changes by incorporating evaluation criteria that go beyond basic compliance and placing greater emphasis on demonstrable outcomes.
Preparing for G-Cloud 15
For suppliers aiming to join the framework, preparation is crucial. Success will depend not only on providing a high-quality technical service but also on demonstrating financial stability, sustainability credentials, and compliance with ethical standards. Key preparation steps include:
-
Reviewing existing service definitions and ensuring clarity in how solutions meet public sector needs
-
Preparing supporting documentation such as Carbon Reduction Plans and Modern Slavery Statements
-
Assessing financial standing and ensuring that accounts reflect stability
-
Considering how to evidence social value contributions such as apprenticeships, regional investment, or community engagement
Future Outlook
G-Cloud 15 is more than just another procurement framework. It represents a step change in how the government approaches digital procurement, embedding values such as sustainability, social impact, and financial resilience alongside technology capability.
Looking ahead, one can expect G-Cloud to continue evolving, responding to the growing demand for secure, cost-effective, and innovative cloud services. With artificial intelligence, cyber security, and data-driven decision-making becoming more central to government priorities, future iterations of the framework will likely expand further in scope.
Conclusion
G-Cloud 15 is a landmark in UK public procurement. By aligning with the Procurement Act 2023 and embedding higher standards of quality, sustainability, and accountability, it ensures that public sector organisations can access cutting-edge cloud services while taxpayers receive value for money. For suppliers, it opens the door to billions of pounds in opportunities and the chance to showcase solutions on a national stage.
As the framework is finalised and launched, both buyers and suppliers will need to adapt. Those who prepare early—by aligning their offerings with the new requirements and understanding the updated evaluation criteria—will be best positioned to thrive.
