G-Cloud 15 Launch: Key Changes and Actionable Steps for Suppliers

Planning Your G-Cloud 15 Submission: Key Actions and Strategic Focus

The G-Cloud 15 framework tender is now live as of 23 October 2025, marking a major update to the UK’s cloud procurement landscape. This latest iteration brings significant changes and new requirements that experienced suppliers need to understand and act on quickly. G-Cloud 15 is not just a routine refresh of the Digital Marketplace listings - it introduces a restructured framework, enhanced compliance checks, and a more competitive buying model. For established cloud and technology providers already familiar with public sector frameworks, it’s time to pivot strategies and ensure your offerings are aligned with the new rules.

Key dates:

The window for G-Cloud 15 is tight. Suppliers have until 12 December 2025 at 3:00pm to submit clarification enquiries, and the final deadline for submissions is 30 January 2026 at 3:00pm. With these dates approaching, and Christmas and New Year right in the middle, early preparation is critical. Below we outline what’s new in G-Cloud 15 and practical steps to get ready.

A new framework structure and approach

One of the most notable changes in G-Cloud 15 is the framework’s structure. It will operate as an open framework under new procurement regulations, running up to four years with periodic refresh opportunities for new suppliers. If you secure a place now, you could remain on it through 2026–2030 without re-tendering each year. This long-term setup raises the stakes – missing out might sideline your business from this major marketplace for an extended period.

Another major change is the revised lot configuration. G-Cloud 15 is divided into three main lots with sub lots (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3):

• Lot 1a – Cloud Hosting (IaaS/PaaS): Core infrastructure and platform services.

• Lot 1b – Cloud Hosting (Above OFFICIAL): Similar to Lot 1a but for services handling data at Secret or higher levels. This lot has stricter entry requirements, including Cyber Essentials Plus certification and higher financial thresholds.

• Lot 2a – Infrastructure Software as a Service (iSaaS): Cloud software tools oriented toward infrastructure or development use (e.g. developer platforms, middleware, or database services).

• Lot 2b – Software as a Service (SaaS): Cloud software applications for end users (from productivity suites to industry-specific apps). Offerings in this lot may face quality-related evaluation, so be ready to demonstrate the reliability and benefits of your SaaS solutions.

• Lot 3 – Cloud Support: Professional services to help plan, implement, and manage cloud systems (such as migration consulting, training, or ongoing support). All cloud support services now sit here, and buyers can either purchase directly or run a further competition for complex needs.

The removal of a dedicated “Lot 4” and the ability for buyers to run competitions in every lot means you must be prepared to win work via direct awards (where your listing alone needs to convince the buyer) as well as mini-competitions (where you submit proposals against other suppliers). Factor both routes into your G-Cloud 15 plans.

Interpreting the G-Cloud 15 notice and requirements

The official G-Cloud 15 contract notice is extensive, but experienced suppliers should zero in on a few key elements that signal how to prepare...

Framework scope and intent:

G-Cloud 15 replaces G-Cloud 14 (including its Lot 4) and absorbs the separate Cloud Compute agreements, consolidating all public sector cloud procurement into one framework. In short, cloud hosting, software, and support for government will all be bought through G-Cloud 15. The opportunity is correspondingly large, with public cloud adoption still growing across government.

Lot-specific conditions:

Each lot in G-Cloud 15 has tailored Conditions of Participation. Check the Economic and Financial Standing (EFS) thresholds for your lot(s) and ensure your financial metrics meet or exceed them. Likewise, prepare to submit a Technical Ability Certificate (TAC) for each lot, providing evidence (case studies, project examples) of your relevant experience. Have strong examples ready from past projects to prove you can deliver the services you’re offering.

Compliance with policies:

The G-Cloud 15 notice reflects several government commercial priorities:

• Prompt payment: Show that you pay your suppliers and subcontractors on time. Gather your payment performance data and address any gaps now.

• Cyber security: Cyber Essentials Plus is mandatory for Lot 1b. For other lots having at least Cyber Essentials (or higher) is strongly recommended and will be validated if declared. Update or obtain these certifications as needed.

• Sustainability: Larger suppliers (especially in hosting lots) must have a Carbon Reduction Plan in place. Even if not explicitly required for you, be ready to show steps you take to reduce environmental impact (use of green energy, efficient data centres, etc).

Align your services to the new lots

With the lot definitions changed, take an inventory of your services and map each to the appropriate G-Cloud 15 lot:

• Cloud hosting (Lot 1): Any offering of cloud infrastructure or platform services goes here. Determine if any should fall under Lot 1b for higher-security environments. Only choose Lot 1b if you meet the stringent requirements for handling sensitive data; otherwise stick to Lot 1a.

• Cloud software (Lot 2): Divide your software offerings between Lot 2a and 2b. If your solution is a behind-the-scenes cloud component or developer tool (e.g. a database platform or monitoring service), it fits in Lot 2a. If it’s a user-facing application (a business app, collaboration tool, etc.), use Lot 2b. Properly categorising each product will help the right buyers find your service and ensure you stay within scope.

• Cloud support (Lot 3): All cloud-related professional services belong in Lot 3. Make your service descriptions here very clear about what you deliver (strategy advice, migration execution, managed support, and so on) so buyers can easily identify the expertise they need. Remember that direct awards in this lot could be influenced by standard government day rate limits, so set your prices accordingly.

Double-check that none of your offerings fall outside the scope of these lots. G-Cloud doesn’t cover bespoke development or non-cloud services, for example. Keeping each listing squarely within what the lot is meant for will smooth the evaluation process and reduce the chance of clarifications or rejections.

Sharpen your pricing strategy

Pricing your services appropriately is crucial in G-Cloud 15’s highly transparent market:

• Be transparent and precise: Provide clear, itemised pricing for each service (units, rates, what’s included, any extra costs). Ambiguity or hidden charges can lead to rejection. Ensure your pricing documents match the figures in your online submission exactly.

• Stay competitive: Research going rates for similar services and gauge where you stand. Public sector buyers will compare options for value. If your prices are higher than average, be sure you can justify the premium (through features or performance). Also consider informal benchmark rates that departments expect; pricing yourself far above typical government standards can discourage direct awards.

• Build in flexibility: Since buyers can run further competitions under any lot, be prepared to offer sharper pricing or added value for larger engagements. Treat your listed price as a ceiling. Set it at a level that is attractive for everyday purchases yet leaves room for discounts in a competitive scenario. This way, you remain in contention for direct awards while retaining the ability to negotiate on big opportunities.

Demonstrate compliance and social value

Beyond price and features, show that your company is a reliable, responsible partner aligned with public sector values:

• Highlight social value: Outline how your business and services support social or community goals. This might include sustainability efforts (reducing carbon emissions, green initiatives), diversity and skills programmes (apprenticeships, inclusive hiring), or charity and community work. Even a brief mention of these commitments can set you apart, as buyers are keen to work with suppliers who share their social value objectives

• Provide evidence of success: Bolster your credibility by citing real outcomes you’ve achieved. If you have prior public sector projects, mention the results (for instance, “reduced costs by 20%” or “improved response times for end-users”). Concrete evidence of past performance reassures evaluators and can be invaluable if you need to answer quality questions in a competition.

• Reassure on resilience and quality: Public sector buyers favour suppliers who can demonstrate stability and quality assurance. Note any relevant certifications or standards you hold (ISO 27001 for security, ISO 9001 for quality management, ITIL for service management, etc.). Emphasise aspects like robust continuity plans, financially sound operations, or security-cleared staff – whatever speaks to your ability to deliver consistently over the life of a contract.

Refine documentation and positioning

In a mature framework like G-Cloud, the details in your listing and documents can make the difference in getting noticed:

• Polish your service listings: Rewrite any sections of your service descriptions that are unclear or too generic. Aim for concise text that explains what the service does, the key benefits, and how it meets public sector needs. Remove marketing buzzwords and focus on concrete value and outcomes.

• Use the new categories wisely: The updated taxonomy and search filters mean you should carefully choose how you classify and tag your services. Think like a buyer: what keywords would someone search to find a solution like yours? Make sure those terms appear in your listing title or description naturally. Optimising your listing in this way will improve your visibility when buyers search the G-Cloud 15 catalogue.

• Update supporting materials: Ensure your Service Definition documents, pricing sheets, and any other attachments are up to date and aligned with G-Cloud 15 requirements. These should be easy to read and informative. Cover all key information (scope of service, onboarding/offboarding, SLAs, support hours, security features, etc.) so buyers have a clear picture of what you offer. Also verify that any terms and conditions you include do not contradict the standard framework terms. Well-prepared documents signal professionalism and make life easier for buyers and evaluators.

• Underscore your differentiators: Finally, make it obvious what sets you apart. If you leverage innovative technology (AI, automation, advanced analytics), explain how that translates into better outcomes. If your team has unique expertise or deep experience in a particular sector, highlight that. Mention any notable accreditations or awards that add credibility. The aim is to communicate why your solution is not just another commodity option but a standout choice for meeting public sector challenges.

Act early and position for success

With G-Cloud 15 open for bids, timing is critical. The clarification period and submission deadline will arrive quickly, so start preparing now. Work through the requirements methodically: update your documents, fill any compliance gaps, and refine your service entries. If anything in the ITT is unclear, use the Q&A process before 12 December to get answers – it’s far better to clarify now than to risk an error in your submission.

G-Cloud 15 can be a gateway to substantial public sector business in the coming years. By aligning with the framework’s new structure and priorities, you set your company up to thrive in an increasingly competitive cloud marketplace. Suppliers who invest the effort to submit high-quality, compliant, and persuasive listings will be well positioned to win contracts once the framework goes live.

Be proactive, thorough, and strategic in your approach. G-Cloud 15 represents a more mature phase of public cloud procurement – one that rewards suppliers who demonstrate value, reliability, and innovation. The opportunity is here: begin your preparations now so that when the January deadline comes, your organisation is ready to put its best foot forward on G-Cloud 15.

This article reflects Nexus Procurement Solutions’ professional perspective on current procurement developments and does not constitute formal advice.