RM6116: Network Services 3 - Government Commercial Agency

UK public sector organisations can access network solutions and communication services. This includes cloud connectivity, audio and video conferencing, radio and satellite networking, and emerging technologies like Smart Cities.

Updates

15/08/2025: This framework was set up under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. These rules still apply for the full agreement. Both buying methods (further competition and direct award) remain available, even though the Procurement Act 2023 is now in effect.

12/03/2025: We have extended the length of this agreement by 24 months. The new end date is 17 July 2027. The new end date for lots 1c and 1d is 22 May 2027.

19/09/2024: Buying connectivity services under lot 1a or 2a? We have a new template and guidance video to help define your requirements:

20/09/2023: Mobile voice and data services are no longer part of this framework. Use the new RM6261 Mobile Voice and Data Services Framework instead.

28/07/2023: Watch our RM6116 customer webinar. It provides information on:

framework overview
buying process (direct award and further competition)
terms and conditions and service offers

Description

Provides you with the flexibility to update, improve or simplify your network systems. Services and products you can buy include:

routers, switches and cables: equipment which allows network access
local area networks: equipment which allows connectivity within your organisation’s premises
internet access and fibre optic cabling
5G networks
Internet Protocol (IP) telephony: voice calls over the internet
cloud services: internet-based computing such as servers, storage and databases
collaboration solutions: audio and video conferencing
unified communications: platforms or applications that combine communication methods including voice, video and data services
satellite networking: wireless communication that uses satellites to send data and provide internet connectivity
maintenance and support services
contact centre services: software that connects many communication channels such as voice, email, chat and social media into a single unified system
security and surveillance
professional services: design, install and manage network solutions

Emerging technologies

The agreement also includes access to newer technologies:

Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Technologies (smart, shared, connected spaces)
tactical radio services (secure communication systems in high-risk unpredictable environments)
critical domain services (register and manage domain names)
communication platform as a service (embed real-time communication features into your own systems)

You can buy complete managed solutions from a single supplier. Or you can buy individual parts as needed. This helps you modernise, optimise, and simplify your network for hybrid working.

Agreement length

Network services 3 will run for 2 years, with 2 optional 12-month extensions (2+1+1 format).

Benefits

provides a complete range of network services from network infrastructure to fully integrated communication suites
introduces emerging technologies that reflect changes in the marketplace and future consumption of network solutions
supports the government’s “cloud first” initiatives aimed at enabling public internet connectivity solutions, and migration off the Public Sector Network (PSN)
attracts solution providers, service integrators and managed service providers who can remove the complexity of design from the end-user, and design, build and deliver solutions that provide cost and network optimisation
providing a WAN/LAN RFQ template to enable more “further competition” on public internet connectivity solutions and ultimately provide customers with better value for money
enabling direct awards on all Lots for commoditised procurements
enabling cross-lot competitions where managed services span across more than one capability

Products and suppliers

Please read the 'How to buy' tab below for detailed instructions on how to find out which suppliers are on this framework.

How to buy

There are 3 ways to buy from this agreement. These are direct award from a catalogue, further competition, or aggregation.

Direct award

available on all lots and suitable for straightforward, commoditised requirements
supplier offers are shown in the government marketplace
- if you currently use e-Marketplace you should already be able to access the catalogue

Further competition

use for all your requirements
can be used when you require services or products from multiple lots
should be used when you need suppliers to develop proposals or solutions to meet your statement of requirements
further competition helps you to amend or refine a wider range of the template call-off terms and conditions, giving you more flexibility when defining your statement of requirements

Aggregation

we use our complementary aggregation service to bring together customers with similar requirements
we leverage the volume to create greater commercial benefits for customers
we manage the procurement process from start to finish
case studies on successful aggregations are available to download below

Email the team for more information.

For a more detailed step-by-step process on how to run a direct award or further competition, download the buyer guide in the documents section below.

Documents

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) became Government Commercial Agency (GCA) on 1 April 2026. Documents published before this date may still refer to CCS. All contract documents remain valid for existing and new contracts, and there are no changes to how you work with us.