G-Cloud 15
Framework Description
G-Cloud 15 (RM1557.15) is the Government Commercial Agency's open framework for cloud hosting, software and support, let under the Procurement Act 2023. It replaced G-Cloud 14 and started on 6 August 2026 for four years. As an open framework it reopens to new suppliers after 18 months and again after 36 months; the current period runs to 5 February 2028. Five lots split hosting, infrastructure software, other software and support.
Context & Use Case
Central government, local authorities, health, education, blue light services, devolved administrations, charities and British overseas territories use G-Cloud 15 to buy cloud services. For simple catalogue needs they award without competition, often by searching listings and shortlisting. For more complex needs they run a competitive selection. Strong, accurate service listings are what get suppliers found.
Scope of Services
Lot 1a: Infrastructure and platform as a service (IaaS and PaaS) Lot 1b: IaaS and PaaS, AO lot Lot 2a: Infrastructure software as a service (I-SaaS) Lot 2b: Other software as a service (SaaS) Lot 3: Cloud support services
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) AO; Lot 2a: Infrastructure Software (I-SaaS); Lot 2b: Other Software as a Service (SaaS); Lot 3: Cloud support services
Who Can Apply
Cloud hosting, SaaS and cloud support providers of every size use G-Cloud. Suppliers not appointed in 2026 cannot join now, but G-Cloud 15 is an open framework: it reopens after 18 months (around February 2028) and again after 36 months. Recruitment and staff provision are out of scope.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers can meet simple catalogue needs by awarding without competition, which makes small software purchases quick, and run a competitive selection when a requirement is complex. Five lots separate hosting, infrastructure software, other software and support, so buyers can search the right part of the market. Off-the-shelf and pay-as-you-go options suit fast-changing needs.
Next Steps
If you are not on G-Cloud 15, plan for the first reopening around 5 February 2028: watch the GCA page (https://www.gca.gov.uk/agreements/RM1557.15), decide on your lot, and draft service definitions and pricing now. Appointed suppliers should review listings regularly, using keywords buyers search for, and prepare for competitive selections on larger requirements.
How Athena Can Help
Athena helps cloud providers get ready for the G-Cloud 15 reopening. Our application service for open frameworks chooses the right lot, writes service definitions buyers can find and checks compliance before you submit.
If you are already listed, our competitive selection support builds win themes and scores your offer against rival SaaS and hosting providers. We also advise on pricing cloud services for government so published rates win work and stay profitable.
