TL;DR
The UK Crown Commercial Service has published a pipeline notice for TePAS 3, a commercial framework for end-user hardware, software and related services with an indicative value up to £24 billion including VAT. The framework, due to run from July 2027 to January 2030 with a possible extension to July 2031, is intended to centralize purchasing and secure better value from major suppliers.
What happened
The Cabinet Office unit Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has put out a pipeline notice for a large commercial procurement called Technology Products and Associated Services (TePAS) 3. The framework covers end-user computing equipment — laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones and peripherals including monitors, printers, scanners and other human interface devices — plus commercial and open source software licenses. Associated services listed include hardware support, implementation, maintenance and recycling. The notice sets an indicative spending ceiling of £20 billion excluding VAT (£24 billion including VAT). TePAS 3 is scheduled to run from July 2027 until January 2030, with an option to extend to 6 July 2031. The move follows an earlier June notice that put the maximum at £12 billion including VAT and replaces TePAS 2, which was awarded in November 2023 for £8 billion and later expanded to £12 billion; TePAS 2 expires in October 2027.
Why it matters
- Centralized framework could increase the government's bargaining power with large suppliers on hardware and software pricing.
- The scale of the commitment — up to £24 billion including VAT — signals substantial public sector demand over the contract period.
- A single framework covering hardware, software and services may simplify procurement across departments but concentrates vendor exposure.
- Changes to the framework value follow ministerial pressure to secure better value from major vendors through whole-government agreements.
Key facts
- Framework name: Technology Products and Associated Services (TePAS) 3.
- Indicative spending: £20 billion excluding VAT, equivalent to £24 billion including VAT.
- Scope: end-user hardware (laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones), peripherals, monitors, printers, scanners and human interface devices.
- Software scope: commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and open source software licenses.
- Associated services: hardware support, implementation, maintenance and recycling.
- Planned term: July 2027 to January 2030, with a possible extension to 6 July 2031.
- TePAS 3 replaces TePAS 2, which was awarded in November 2023 for £8 billion and later expanded to £12 billion; TePAS 2 expires October 2027.
- CCS published an earlier pipeline notice in June that set a maximum at £12 billion including VAT; the reason for the increase has been queried.
What to watch next
- Which suppliers will be named on the framework and whether major vendors secure the majority of spend — not confirmed in the source.
- CCS's explanation for increasing the framework ceiling from £12 billion to £24 billion — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether the framework achieves the minister's stated aim of better value from large vendors once contracts are awarded — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Framework agreement: A procurement arrangement where suppliers agree terms, conditions and pricing in advance so public bodies can order products or services without separate full tendering each time.
- Crown Commercial Service (CCS): A unit of the UK Cabinet Office that manages commercial arrangements and procurement frameworks for central government and some public sector buyers.
- VAT (Value Added Tax): A consumption tax applied to goods and services in the UK; listed prices may be shown including or excluding VAT.
- Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software: Pre-built software products available for purchase by multiple organizations, as opposed to bespoke or custom-developed applications.
- End-user computing: Devices, peripherals and software used directly by individuals for work, such as laptops, desktops, tablets and related accessories.
Reader FAQ
What is TePAS 3?
TePAS 3 is a planned commercial procurement framework for end-user hardware, software and related services run by the Crown Commercial Service.
How large is the framework?
The notice sets an indicative maximum of £20 billion excluding VAT, which is £24 billion including VAT.
When does the framework run?
It is scheduled from July 2027 until January 2030, with a possible extension to 6 July 2031.
Why was the value doubled from the earlier notice?
The Register queried CCS about the increase; CCS's explanation for the higher nominal value is not confirmed in the source.
PUBLIC SECTOR 6 UK.gov doubles hardware spending framework to £24B in 6 months Massive procurement deal for laptops and software comes after minister vows to squeeze better value from big…
Sources
- UK.gov doubles hardware spending framework to £24B in 6 months
- UK.gov doubles tech spending framework to £24B in 6 …
- UK.gov doubles hardware spending framework to £24B in …
- Government previews £24bn tech mega-framework
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