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
Associate Director, Defence and National Security, techUK
Fred Sugden
Associate Director, Defence and National Security, techUK
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.
Prior to joining techUK, Raya worked in Business Development for an expert network firm within the institutional investment space. Before this Raya spent a year in industry working for a tech start-up in London as part of their Growth team which included the formation and development of a 'Let's Talk Tech' podcast and involvement in London Tech Week.
Raya has a degree in Politics and International Relations (Bsc Hons) from the University of Bath where she focused primarily on national security and counter-terrorism policies, centreing research on female-led terrorism and specific approaches to justice there.
Outside of work, Raya's interests include baking, spin classes and true-crime Netflix shows!
Jeremy is a programme manager at techUK and is responsible for the delivery of the defence programme’s activities through the Defence and Security SME Forum, Defence Commercial Business Forum, Defence Research and Technology Forum, and Information Superiority Forum.
Prior to joining techUK, from 2016-2024 Jeremy was International Security Programme Manager at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). In this role he coordinated the team’s research and impact activities for funders including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and US Department of Defense. He also worked on 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.
Tracy supports several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Cyber Security, Defence, Health and Social Care, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!