G-Cloud III launches today

Third iteration of public sector cloud framework sees potential spend double to £200m

The third iteration of the government's G-Cloud framework has gone live today, and will see the total value of potential spend double to £200m.

Last week saw the release of invitations to tender (ITT) to potential providers, and today the e-buyers portal was declared open. Framework agreements are expected to commence around the end of March.

In just under a year since the original G-Cloud went live, the government claims to have streamlined the procurement process and offered greater choice to buyers.

Sales of more than £4m were recorded up to 31 December, with 60 per cent of these going to SMBs, according to the government.

The third version of the framework will see what the government claims is a new and improved ITT application process, including a new online ITT submission form based on supplier feedback.

A G-Cloud spokesperson said: "Since the start of G-Cloud, our intention has always been to run procurements every three to six months, so as to encourage a regular influx of new suppliers and refreshed services.

"We believe this is the best way to drive competition, provide greater choice and flexibility for buyers, and help the public sector to deliver better value and more responsive services for citizens and businesses across the UK."

G-Cloud is looking to strengthen the representation of identity services, software support, business process automation and service integration and service management firms on the framework, following feedback from current buyers.

Existing G-Cloud members can choose to stay on the second version until no later than 27 October 2013 or they can roll over their services onto the third iteration.