Government clarifies G-Cloud purpose after supplier confusion

IT suppliers struggle to see the difference between G-Cloud and the Digital Outcomes and Specialists frameworks

The government has clarified the differences between the G-Cloud and Digital Outcomes and Specialists (DOS) frameworks, claiming suppliers are getting confused between the duo.

G-Cloud was launched in 2012 and sales through the framework have well surpassed £1bn in total. It allows government buyers to procure off-the-shelf cloud services. The DOS framework is much newer and replaced the Digital Services framework, which was widely criticised. The new and improved framework enables suppliers to provide the public sector with individuals or a team of specialists.

The government said on the Digital Marketplace blog: "Some suppliers have told us that they're not sure whether they should be selling their services through the G-Cloud framework or the Digital Outcomes and Specialists framework", prompting it to clarify.

"G-Cloud helps the public sector buy cloud technology and support," it said. "G-Cloud services must be 'off-the-shelf' cloud services, like hosting, IT health checks and customer relationship management software. They can also help organisations move to the cloud, for example data transfer services.

"G-Cloud services can't be made to order. Suppliers describe the services they can provide, and buyers search the G-Cloud catalogue to find the best service for their needs."

It added that G-Cloud should not be used by recruiters or consultants looking to place staff; or for non-specific cloud services; or on-premise hardware and software.
Suppliers on the DOS framework should be concerned with "supplying digital outcomes, for example a team to provide an accessibility audit; digital specialists, for example an individual developer to work on a specific project; user research studios; and user research participants," the blog went on.

"Buyers describe their specific requirements, and suppliers offer their services if they think they can meet them. After shortlisting and evaluating supplier applications, buyers then choose the supplier that best meets their needs."

DOS should not be used by suppliers who want to put specialists into permanent or interim roles, or for suppliers who want to provide specialists who are not employed by them.

Suppliers need not choose one or the other, the government added, and can work through both so long as they fit each one's criteria.