G-Cloud suppliers call for application window to be opened wider

Twice-yearly chance to get on the framework is too restrictive, suppliers say

G-Cloud suppliers are lobbying the government to extend the time period during which they can apply to get on the framework, claiming the current twice-annual option is not enough.

Suppliers claim that there are only two windows per year to apply to get on the framework, which makes it restrictive for suppliers - especially SMEs with fewer resources.

As a result, some smaller suppliers - which G-Cloud was set up to encourage into government procurement - have said they have no choice but to team up with bigger suppliers already on the framework as part of sub-contracting deals.

Kelvin Kirby, chief executive of Microsoft partner Technology Associates, said opening the window for suppliers to get on the framework would have wide-reaching benefits.

"SMEs only have an opportunity to get on G-Cloud a couple of times a year and the timeframe for that is very small; just a few weeks," he said. "If you miss that opportunity, there is a wait and that is restrictive. I don't know why they do that. I am not sure why they don't open it up throughout the year and then go through the applications at the end of each month. It is a big restriction for many companies."

He said that the "onerous" online application process means some SMEs struggle to get on G-Cloud the first time around, increasing the likelihood of their seeking to work with bigger firms which are already on the framework.

"We know a lot of that goes on," he said. "The process then is that it is incumbent on the SME to find these [bigger] companies and then to partner with them. The problem is that those listed on G-Cloud want to take their margin as well, and so effectively it means the SME increases their rate and costs [too]. The net cost to the end customer is higher. The restrictive framework in place for applying is increasing the costs."

He added that increasing the number of windows during which suppliers can apply for G-Cloud, or allowing it to be done a rolling basis, would help matters.

Chris Proctor, managing director of G-Cloud supplier OneServe, and former councillor, agreed. He said although partnering with other suppliers is an important part of G-Cloud, the application process could be easier.

"Should there be a rolling period [to apply]? Yes," he said. "I think the danger with some of these things is that government bodies legislate and put in bureaucracy that doesn't necessarily need to be there. It is the classic 'sledgehammer to crack a nut' thing. The amount of time it takes to go through your G-Cloud response can be very time consuming."

The government was not immediately available to comment.