Crown Commercial Service are looking to set-up a Secure Network Framework agreement for Pan-Government agencies to enable legacy and future networks services procurement(s) aimed at customers requiring their networks capable of delivering above official-sensitive data and communications.
The Security requirements would be defined by a group of key tenant customers in collaboration with the Cabinet Office to ensure that “security by design” principles are embedded into future architectures, whilst supporting the immediate need for legacy infrastructure support and maintenance.
In alignment with CDDO (Central Digital & Data Office) and wider Government Digital Transformation programmes, our aim is to structure the Secure Network framework to enable movement from “traditional infrastructure” support (specifying device and interface requirements) to a more secure, agile and flexible way of consuming Network Services, where Client(s) can procure based on their application needs: voice, video, data, bandwidth, latency, encryption level and SLA requirements.
An Early Market Engagement (EME) event will be held on June 17th, 2021 as a virtual event. The purpose of the EME would be to share key commercial objectives and extend an invitation to market leading network innovators and solution providers to input views, advice and direction related to technology and commercial considerations for secure networks.
Inputs from the industry are invaluable in ensuring that the planned Framework is relevant to our Customer base. Therefore, the EME will be followed by a request for information to networks service providers and innovators wanting to contribute.
The information provided in response to this request may be used to inform the options for conducting a possible subsequent competition. The provided information will not be used in the assessment of any proposal from industry. It should be noted that all responses released in relation to this contribution request is released on a subject to contract basis, is subject to change and does not signal the start of a formal procurement process.
Fred Sugden
Fred Sugden
Fred is responsible for techUK's activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working to provide members with access to key stakeholders across the Defence and National Security community. Before taking on the role of Associate Director for Defence and National Security, Fred joined techUK in 2018, working as the Programme Head for Defence at techUK, leading the organisation's engagement with the Ministry of Defence. Before joining techUK, he worked at ADS, the national trade association representing Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space companies in the UK.
Fred is responsible for techUK’s market engagement and policy development activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working closely with various organisations within the Ministry of Defence, and across the wider National Security and Intelligence community. Fred works closely with many techUK member companies that have an interest in these sectors, and is responsible for the activities of techUK's senior Defence & Security Board. Working closely with techUK's Programme Head for Cyber Security, Fred oversees a broad range of activities for techUK members.
Outside of work, Fred's interests include football (a Watford FC fan) and skiing.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07985 234 170
Jeremy Wimble
Jeremy Wimble
Jeremy manages techUK's defence programme, helping the UK's defence technology sector align itself with the Ministry of Defence - including Defence Digital, DE&S, innovation units and Frontline Commands - through a broad range of activities including private briefings and early market engagement events. It also supports the MOD as it procures new digital technologies.
Prior to joining techUK, from 2016-2024 Jeremy was International Security Programme Manager at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) coordinating research and impact activities for funders including the FCDO and US Department of Defense, as well as business development and strategy.
Jeremy has a MA in International Relations from the University of Birmingham and a BA (Hons) in Politics & Social Policy from Swansea University.
- Email:
- [email protected]
Francesca Richiusa
Francesca Richiusa
Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.
Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.
Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-richiusa/
