Courier, Distribution, Storage and Specialist Solutions
Framework Description
RM6354 Courier, Distribution, Storage and Specialist Solutions is a Government Commercial Agency (GCA, formerly Crown Commercial Service) framework, closed to new applications, let under the Procurement Act 2023. It brings courier services together with storage, distribution and kitting in one agreement of 19 lots, replacing RM6171 and RM6282. It runs for four years to 4 February 2030, with no extension.
Context & Use Case
Central government, health, education, local authorities, blue light services, charities and devolved administrations use it to move, store and distribute goods in the UK and abroad. It also covers specialist movements such as medical samples, vaccines and examination papers, the disposal of firearms and explosives, and recovery of surplus assets. Buyers call off within the relevant lot.
Scope of Services
Lots 1a–1f: International storage, air, rail, road and sea freight, and managed service Lots 2a–2e: Storage, kitting, fulfilment, distribution, and vaccines and pharmaceuticals Lots 3a–3e: Collection and delivery, secure services, exam papers and international courier Lots 4a–4c: Firearms and explosives transport, recycling and disposal, and asset recovery
Lots
Lot 1a: International Storage; Lot 1b: Air Freight and Air Charter Services; Lot 1c: Rail Freight; Lot 1d: Road Freight; Lot 1e: Sea Freight; Lot 1f: Managed Service for International Storage and Transportation; Lot 2a: Storage Solutions; Lot 2b: Kitting, Fulfilment and Asset Management; Lot 2c: Transportation and Distribution; Lot 2d: Managed Service for Storage and Distribution; Lot 2e: Storage & Distribution: Vaccines, Pharmaceuticals & Associated Medical Products; Lot 3a: Collection and Delivery Services; Lot 3b: Secure Services; Lot 3c: Secure Collection and Delivery of Examination, Test Papers and Materials; Lot 3d: Managed Service for Specialist Movements; Lot 3e: International Courier Services; Lot 4a: Transportation and Disposal of Firearms, Weapons and Explosives (Class 1); Lot 4b: Managed Service for Recycling and Disposal; Lot 4c: Managed Service for Asset Recovery
Who Can Apply
Suits logistics, courier, freight forwarding, storage and specialist movement providers. Applications for this framework are closed, so new suppliers cannot join until it is re-tendered. Suppliers need a carbon reduction plan and Cyber Essentials Plus or equivalent, which is worth securing early.
Buyer Benefits
Public bodies need reliable, secure logistics for everything from exam papers to vaccines. They value one agreement covering courier, storage and specialist movement, lots matched to their exact need, and suppliers already checked for security and carbon reduction. Managed service lots also simplify complex needs.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should study the customer guidance and call-off procedure and respond promptly to competitions. Others should watch GCA for pipeline notices on the successor and, in the meantime, explore subcontracting with appointed suppliers. Secure Cyber Essentials Plus and a carbon reduction plan.
How Athena Can Help
For appointed suppliers, Athena's logistics bid writers help you win call-offs with service-level win themes and pricing models built for volume and security.
For providers aiming at the next round or at subcontracting, our framework positioning support works out where you fit among 19 lots. Our public sector bidding help covers carbon reduction plans and social value. We also compliance-check every response, and model your likely score against other logistics providers so you know where to strengthen it.
