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G-Cloud 15 is now live. It’s the newest version of the UK government’s framework for buying cloud services, and it’s the biggest overhaul the framework has had since it launched in 2012.
If your organisation buys or sells cloud hosting, software or support in the public sector, G-Cloud 15 is the current G-Cloud framework for public sector cloud procurement. It replaces G-Cloud 14 and brings services previously procured through Cloud Compute 2 into the same agreement for the first time, while changing how suppliers are assessed and how long contracts can run.
G-Cloud 14 remains operational during the transition until 28 October 2026.
This guide walks through what G-Cloud 15 is, what’s changed from G-Cloud 14, and how buyers and suppliers actually use it. We won’t spend long on the history of earlier G-Cloud iterations. The focus here is on where things stand now.
G-Cloud 15 at a glance
| Framework | G-Cloud 15 |
|---|---|
| Status | Now live |
| Platform | Digital Marketplace |
| Purpose | Buying cloud computing services for the public sector |
| Replaces | G-Cloud 14, with Cloud Compute 2 services incorporated into G-Cloud 15 |
| Framework term | Four years, from 6 August 2026; reopens at 18 and 36 months |
| Maximum call-off period | Up to 60 months, per GOV.UK; can run longer for Lots 1a and 1b, up to 8 years, reflecting the longer commitments typical of cloud hosting |
| Key change | Three separate frameworks have been brought together into one agreement |
| Legislation | Procurement Act 2023, as an open framework |
What is G-Cloud 15?
G-Cloud 15 is the government’s framework agreement for buying cloud-based computing services. It’s run by the Government Commercial Agency (GCA), and it lets public sector organisations, from central government departments to NHS trusts and local councils, buy cloud hosting, cloud software and cloud support without running a full, lengthy tender for each purchase.
Buyers can browse G-Cloud 15 suppliers and publicly searchable services through the Digital Marketplace. GCA’s buying process then uses its Digital Platform to shortlist services before buyers follow one of two call-off procedures. GCA says G-Cloud 15 gives buyers access to more than fifty thousand services from over four thousand suppliers. GOV.UK values the framework at around £14 billion over its four-year term, with an estimated £3 billion in public sector cloud spend expected to pass through it each year.
G-Cloud 15 is the fifteenth version of the framework, and it brings together services previously procured across three separate agreements: G-Cloud 14 Lots 1 to 3, G-Cloud 14 Lot 4, and Cloud Compute 2. Consolidating these into one commercial agreement is meant to make it simpler for buyers to procure everything they need in a single place, rather than juggling multiple frameworks depending on the type of cloud service.
It’s also the first G-Cloud agreement to launch under the Government Commercial Agency, which was formed on 1 April 2026 when the Crown Commercial Service merged with several Cabinet Office commercial teams. And it’s the first iteration of G-Cloud to operate under the Procurement Act 2023, using an open framework model rather than the closed, fixed-term approach used previously.
What’s new in G-Cloud 15?
G-Cloud 15 isn’t a small update. According to the GOV.UK announcement of the relaunch, this is the most significant change to the framework since it launched in 2012. Several changes affect how buyers procure and how suppliers get listed.
G-Cloud 15 brings frameworks together
Previously, cloud hosting, software and support sat under G-Cloud 14, while compute-heavy services were procured separately through Cloud Compute 2. G-Cloud 15 folds all of this into one agreement. For buyers, that means the previously separate scopes are available through a single agreement.
G-Cloud 15 operates under the Procurement Act 2023
G-Cloud 15 is the first G-Cloud framework to be let under the Procurement Act 2023, the legislation that reformed how UK public procurement works. In practical terms, this means G-Cloud 15 has been set up as an open framework (more on what that means below), and it follows the new Act’s rules on transparency and supplier access. We won’t go deep into the legal detail here. The main thing to know is that this Act shapes how the framework is structured and how it can evolve over its term.
G-Cloud 15 is an open framework
Unlike earlier G-Cloud iterations, which closed to new suppliers after their initial application window, G-Cloud 15 is an open framework. Under the Procurement Act 2023, an open framework is a scheme of successive frameworks. GCA says G-Cloud 15 will run for four years from 6 August 2026, reopening after eighteen months and again after thirty-six months. New suppliers can seek to join at those reopening points; applications are not continuously open.
Longer potential contract periods
According to GOV.UK’s own announcement, call-off contracts under G-Cloud 15 can run up to a maximum of 60 months, longer than under G-Cloud 14, where call-offs ran for up to thirty-six months, extendable once by up to twelve months. For the cloud hosting lots, this can run further still: for Lots 1a and 1b, the initial period can be up to five years, followed by one or more optional extensions of up to twelve months each, totalling no more than a further three years, giving a maximum call-off duration of eight years, reflecting the longer commitments typical of cloud hosting. For Lots 2a, 2b and 3, the initial period can be up to four years, followed by one or more optional extensions totalling no more than a further two years, giving a maximum duration of six years. Call-off duration is separate from the overall G-Cloud 15 open-framework period.
Supplier assessment has changed
G-Cloud 15 introduces a more thorough supplier assessment than previous iterations. GCA’s Supplier Session for GC15 states price, quality and social value as having been compliance checked under G-Cloud 14 rather than fully evaluated, with a Technical Ability Certificate only evaluated for Lot 4. Under G-Cloud 15, price, quality and social value are evaluated for every lot, and a Technical Ability Certificate must be provided across all five. The aim is to give buyers more confidence when they award without competition, while still leaving room to run a competitive selection process for more complex requirements.
Greater opportunities for SMEs
Small and medium-sized enterprises make up around ninety per cent of the suppliers currently listed on G-Cloud 15. The framework’s reopening structure is designed to support this, giving smaller and newer suppliers a realistic route onto the framework without having to wait for the next full iteration.
Improved service classification and discovery
G-Cloud 15 uses a modernised, industry-aligned classification system for how services are categorised. This is intended to make it easier for buyers to find the right supplier, and easier for suppliers, particularly smaller ones without a dedicated bid team, to describe their services in a way that’s easy to find and compare.
How does G-Cloud 15 work?
GCA sets out two distinct ways to buy through G-Cloud 15, and which one applies depends on the requirement. It’s worth checking GCA’s own buyer guidance for the most current process, since that’s the definitive source, but broadly:
Award without competition is for a straightforward, lower-value or lower-complexity requirement that an existing supplier’s catalogue entry can already meet, where a competitive process wouldn’t add anything:
- Identify your needs and create a statement of requirements (SOR).
- Shortlist services using the Digital Platform’s filters, such as taxonomy, social value or standardised technical type, to match your SOR.
- Check supplier eligibility. Check whether any supplier is excluded or excludable under the Procurement Act 2023.
- Award the lowest price among the suppliers who meet your requirement.
- Place your order by completing the order form.
A competitive selection process is for a complex, high-value or tailored requirement, run as either a two-stage or multi-stage competition:
- Identify your needs and prepare a detailed SOR, including the services required and timescales.
- Choose your lot and route, deciding between a two-stage or multi-stage competitive selection process.
- Design your process, including assessment criteria, and prepare your tender pack.
- Shortlist services using the Digital Platform’s filters, in the same way as for an award without competition.
- Check supplier eligibility. Check whether any supplier is excluded or excludable under the Procurement Act 2023.
- Issue the invitation to tender (ITT) to every eligible supplier on your shortlist.
- Assess all suppliers equally and fairly against your stated criteria.
- Award the contract based on the most advantageous tender (MAT) and complete the order form.
Because every supplier on G-Cloud 15 has already been through the framework’s assessment process, buyers don’t need to run a full open tender for either route, which is what makes G-Cloud faster than a standard procurement process.
What services are available through G-Cloud 15?
G-Cloud 15 covers cloud-based computing services across three broad categories:
- Cloud hosting, including infrastructure and platform services for running applications, storing data and managing networks.
- Cloud software, covering off-the-shelf and software-as-a-service products delivered through the cloud.
- Cloud support, the specialist services around strategy, migration, security and ongoing management that help organisations get the most from their cloud services.
Under the current G-Cloud 15 structure, those services are organised into five lots:
- Lot 1a: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS).
- Lot 1b: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) above OFFICIAL.
- Lot 2a: Infrastructure Software as a Service (I-SaaS).
- Lot 2b: Other Software as a Service (SaaS).
- Lot 3: Cloud support services.
Services previously procured through Cloud Compute 2 are now incorporated into G-Cloud 15. The public Digital Marketplace lets buyers browse and filter publicly searchable G-Cloud 15 services by category. Lot 1b, for above-OFFICIAL requirements, does not appear in the public Digital Marketplace lot search; GCA directs buyers to it through the Contract Award Service.
Who can use G-Cloud 15?
G-Cloud 15 is available to a wide range of public sector organisations and charities, including central government departments, the NHS, local authorities, education providers, blue light services such as police, fire, ambulance and search and rescue services, devolved administrations and British overseas territories.
On the supplier side, businesses of any size can seek to join if they meet the relevant assessment criteria. Applications are not continuously open: the Digital Marketplace currently shows G-Cloud as closed for applications, with new suppliers able to apply when the framework reopens at the scheduled points.
How to find a G-Cloud 15 supplier
The Digital Marketplace provides public G-Cloud 15 supplier listings and service search, including the G-Cloud 15 supplier A–Z. For the formal buying process, GCA directs buyers to use its Digital Platform to apply filters and create a shortlist. Here’s how the discovery and shortlisting process generally works:
- Browse the Digital Marketplace for publicly searchable services, or use the supplier directory directly.
- Search by service category to narrow results to cloud hosting, software or support.
- For formal shortlisting, use the Digital Platform’s filters, such as taxonomy, social value and standardised technical type.
- Review supplier information, including their service definition documents and accreditations.
- Compare shortlisted services against your requirements.
- Check pricing and service documentation for each shortlisted supplier.
- Build a shortlist before making your final decision or running a competitive selection process.
Datagraphic is listed as a G-Cloud 15 supplier, with its Digital Marketplace profile covering secure document solutions and end-to-end print and digital communications.
G-Cloud 14 vs G-Cloud 15: What’s changed?
| Area | G-Cloud 14 | G-Cloud 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Framework structure | G-Cloud 14 Lots 1 to 3, G-Cloud 14 Lot 4, and Cloud Compute 2 were separate | Consolidates G-Cloud 14 (Lots 1 to 3), G-Cloud 14 Lot 4, and Cloud Compute 2 into one agreement |
| Procurement legislation | Public Contracts Regulations 2015 | Procurement Act 2023 |
| Framework model | Closed framework, with a fixed supplier list for its term | Open framework scheme, reopening after eighteen months and again after thirty-six months |
| Contract length | Up to thirty-six months, extendable by up to twelve months | Up to 60 months per GOV.UK; Lots 1a/1b can run to a maximum of eight years (five years initial plus optional extensions), reflecting the longer commitments typical of cloud hosting. Lots 2a/2b/3: up to four years initially, with optional extensions to a maximum of six years. |
| Supplier assessment | Price, quality and social value compliance checked, not fully evaluated; Technical Ability Certificate only evaluated for Lot 4 | Price, quality and social value are evaluated; a Technical Ability Certificate is required for every lot |
| SME opportunities | Application window only at launch | Regular reopening points; around ninety per cent of current suppliers are SMEs |
| Service classification | Outdated category taxonomy | New, industry-aligned taxonomy |
| Current status | Remains operational until it expires on 28 October 2026 | Now live; G-Cloud 14 remains operational until 28 October 2026 |
If you’re still working from our earlier guide to G-Cloud 14, it’s worth reading alongside this one. G-Cloud 15 is now live, while G-Cloud 14 remains operational until 28 October 2026. Any G-Cloud 14 call-off contracts must be signed by that date. Full details on what’s changed are also available in the GOV.UK announcement.
What are the benefits of G-Cloud 15?
Benefits for public sector organisations
- Greater choice, with access to over fifty thousand services from more than four thousand suppliers, per the GCA.
- Easier supplier discovery, thanks to the modernised classification system.
- Procurement efficiency, with pre-assessed suppliers and routes for either award without competition or a competitive selection process, depending on the requirement.
- Competition where appropriate, through the competitive selection process, alongside transparent, upfront pricing and terms.
- Flexibility, with the choice of an award without competition or a competitive selection process, depending on the complexity of the requirement.
Benefits for suppliers and SMEs
- Continued access to public sector opportunities across central government, health, education, local government and blue light services.
- A broader scope within one agreement, with services previously procured through Cloud Compute 2 now incorporated into G-Cloud 15.
- High SME representation, with around ninety per cent of current suppliers being small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Regular opportunities to join, through the framework’s reopening periods, rather than a single fixed application window.
G-Cloud 15: Current status and key dates
G-Cloud 15 is now live. GCA’s live agreement page records 6 August 2026 as the framework start date.
G-Cloud 14 remains operational alongside it for a limited time. It’s due to expire on 28 October 2026, and any G-Cloud 14 call-off contracts need to be signed before that date.
GCA says G-Cloud 15 will run for four years from 6 August 2026 and reopen after eighteen months and again after thirty-six months. Under the Procurement Act 2023, an open framework is a scheme of successive frameworks. For the most current framework and tender documentation, use the Government Commercial Agency’s website; the Digital Marketplace is useful for current supplier and publicly searchable service information.
Frequently asked questions about G-Cloud 15
What is G-Cloud 15?
G-Cloud 15 is the UK government’s current framework agreement for buying cloud hosting, software and support. It’s run by the Government Commercial Agency and lets public sector buyers procure pre-assessed cloud services without running a full tender for each purchase.
What has changed from G-Cloud 14 to G-Cloud 15?
G-Cloud 15 consolidates three previously separate frameworks into one agreement, operates as an open framework under the Procurement Act 2023, allows longer call-off contracts, up to eight years for Lots 1a and 1b and up to six years for Lots 2a, 2b and 3, and uses a fuller supplier assessment process. It also introduces a new, industry-aligned classification system to make services easier to find.
Who can use G-Cloud 15?
G-Cloud 15 is available to a wide range of public sector organisations and charities, including central government, the NHS, local authorities, education providers, blue light services, devolved administrations and British overseas territories. On the supply side, businesses of any size can seek to join if they meet the relevant criteria, but applications are not continuously open; new suppliers can apply at the scheduled reopening points.
What services are available through G-Cloud 15?
G-Cloud 15 covers cloud hosting, cloud software and cloud support, including compute services that were previously procured separately through Cloud Compute 2.
How do you buy through G-Cloud 15?
Buyers use one of two GCA-defined routes: award without competition, for a straightforward need that an existing catalogue entry can meet, awarded on lowest price, or a competitive selection process, for a more complex or tailored requirement, run as a two-stage or multi-stage competition.
How long can a G-Cloud 15 contract last?
GOV.UK states that call-off contracts can run up to a maximum of 60 months. It can run further for the cloud hosting lots: Lots 1a and 1b can reach a maximum of eight years in total (a five-year initial period plus optional extensions), reflecting the longer commitments typical of cloud hosting, while Lots 2a, 2b and 3 top out at six years (four years initially, plus optional extensions). This is separate from the overall G-Cloud 15 open-framework period.
How do you find G-Cloud 15 suppliers?
Suppliers and publicly searchable services can be browsed through the Digital Marketplace. For the formal buying process, GCA directs buyers to use its Digital Platform and filters such as taxonomy, social value and standardised technical type to create a shortlist.
Can SMEs become G-Cloud 15 suppliers?
Yes. Small and medium-sized businesses currently make up around ninety per cent of listed suppliers. As an open framework, G-Cloud 15 reopens at scheduled points so new suppliers that meet the relevant criteria can apply; applications are not continuously open.
Final thoughts
G-Cloud 15 is the most significant update the framework has had since it launched in 2012. It brings cloud hosting, software, support, and compute services into a single agreement, opens up longer contract periods and introduces a more thorough supplier assessment process, all while keeping the door open for new and smaller suppliers to join at scheduled reopening points during its four-year term.
For public sector buyers, it means one place to search for pre-assessed cloud suppliers rather than several. For suppliers, it means more regular opportunities to get listed. The Government Commercial Agency’s website is the place to check the latest framework and tender documentation, while the Digital Marketplace provides current supplier and publicly searchable service information.
If you would like to learn how to save time and money finding and buying cloud technology solutions, visit our G-Cloud supplier page or contact us for more information.
