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

Associate Director, Defence and National Security, techUK

Raya Tsolova

Programme Manager, techUK

Jeremy Wimble

Programme Manager, techUK

Tracy Modha

Team Assistant - Markets, techUK