HSCN DPS
Framework Description
The HSCN DPS (RM3825) is a dynamic purchasing system from the Government Commercial Agency (GCA, formerly Crown Commercial Service) for connectivity to the Health and Social Care Network. HSCN is the data network that lets health and social care services access and share information. The DPS has one lot, HSCN Access Services, and runs until 23 May 2028, with new suppliers able to join throughout.
Context & Use Case
NHS bodies, social care providers and related organisations use the DPS to buy HSCN-compliant connectivity. Buyers filter appointed suppliers against their requirements, export a supplier list and run a further competition. Supplier lists exported from the portal are valid for only two working days, because new suppliers can join at any time.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: HSCN access services, including HSCN-compliant connectivity PSN connectivity, cloud access and internet services Virtual routing and forwarding (VRF) and VPNs Network access, security, firewalls and intrusion prevention and detection Professional services for transition and implementation
Lots
Lot 1: HSCN Access Services
Who Can Apply
Network and connectivity providers that can deliver HSCN-compliant services can register at any time until the DPS closes on 23 May 2028. It suits regional network providers and managed service providers that support GP practices, trusts and care organisations, as well as national carriers.
Buyer Benefits
The open DPS widens buyer choice as new suppliers join, which keeps competitions lively. Buyers can filter for suppliers that cover small sites, such as a single care home, as easily as for a trust, and buy transition and implementation support alongside the connection. HSCN compliance gives assurance that services meet the network's requirements.
Next Steps
Check you meet the HSCN compliance requirements first, then register through the supplier link on the GCA agreement page (https://www.gca.gov.uk/agreements/RM3825). Because supplier lists are refreshed constantly, joining early puts you in more shortlists. With the DPS ending in May 2028, a successor arrangement is likely, so keep an eye on GCA announcements.
How Athena Can Help
Athena can handle your HSCN DPS application. Our DPS onboarding support prepares the application, evidence and compliance checks so you are visible to health and care buyers quickly. We make sure your service filters reflect what you can genuinely deliver.
Once appointed, further competitions for connectivity are often decided on price and transition risk. Our network bid writing builds responses around security and migration plans, and our public sector bid pricing keeps tariffs competitive and still profitable.
