This article provides guidance on the Public Sector Contract (PSC), specifically tailored to help smaller businesses confidently bid for opportunities. CCS’s SME Action Plan Crown Commercial Service (CCS) published its latest Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) action plan in October 2025, reaffirming our commitment to helping smaller businesses bid for government contracts. The plan outlines […]
Category Archives: Supplier Specifics
How to successfully subcontract: A guide for SMEs
The National Procurement Policy Statement asks public sector buyers to remove barriers that stop small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from accessing contracts. This applies to both direct contractors or to indirect opportunities within the supply chain. Strategic suppliers and prime contractors are encouraged to increase subcontracting opportunities with SMEs where appropriate. What is subcontracting? Subcontracting […]
What suppliers need to know about modern slavery policy in procurement
This article explains what you need to know about the government’s modern slavery policy if you’re a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME). What is Modern Slavery? Modern Slavery is often a hidden crime involving denying another person’s freedom. It includes: slavery forced and compulsory labour debt bondage human trafficking The government introduced the Modern Slavery […]
How we assess and award suppliers who bid for a place on our agreements
The public sector spends billions each year buying goods and services from the private sector. As a supplier, being awarded a place on a Crown Commercial Service (CCS) commercial agreement is a great way to potentially: increase your revenue enhance your reputation grow your organisation Can small and medium sized enterprises become public sector suppliers? […]
Prompt payment policy guidance for small and medium enterprises
The UK government’s prompt payment policy aims to support UK economic growth and suppliers, including Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs). This Supplier Specifics article outlines what suppliers need to know about the prompt payment policy and tips for prompt payment success. Written by our SME champion, Lucy Mccormack. why is prompt payment a government […]
What is a consortium and how can they benefit SMEs when bidding for public sector contracts?
What is a consortium? CCS defines a consortium as 2 or more suppliers coming together to bid for a tender. There is no limit to the number of possible consortium members. Consortia bids are usually accepted across our commercial agreements.* Why join and bid as a consortium? Each year, billions of pounds of tendering opportunities […]
Cyber Essentials certification: guidance for small and medium-sized enterprises
Why are cyber security controls essential in public sector procurement? Procurement Policy Notes (PPNs) are used to communicate new policies, which must be applied to public procurement activities. Under the UK government’s PPN 014, Cyber Essentials (CE) certification is now mandatory for certain public sector contracts. Contract examples which meet the characteristics for inclusion of […]
What suppliers need to know about creating and maintaining Carbon Reduction Plans
In this article, Marta Hyder, Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS – now GCA) CRP compliance lead, advises suppliers on how to meet their net zero requirements to continue to work with the public sector. What is a Carbon Reduction Plan? A Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) is a strategy that demonstrates how an organisation is committed to […]
What suppliers need to know about Technical Ability Certificates (TAC)
In this article, Lucy McCormack, Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) SME Champion, provides guidance on Technical Ability Certificates (TACs) and explains how small and medium-sized enterprises can successfully complete the certification process to work with the public sector. Setting SMEs up for commercial success CCS supports SMEs to understand and navigate public sector procurement requirements, helping […]
How we can support you to promote your place on an agreement
Being awarded a place as a supplier on a GCA (formerly CCS) agreement is a great opportunity to promote your organisation to new and existing public sector customers. By issuing effective communications on your new supplier status you can make public sector customers aware of what you offer through our agreements, helping you to win […]