Network Services 3
Framework Description
Network Services 3 (RM6116) is a PCR 2015 framework, closed to new applications, from the Government Commercial Agency (GCA, formerly Crown Commercial Service) for public sector networks and communications. It ran for two years with two optional 12-month extensions, both used, so it now ends on 17 July 2027; lots 1c and 1d end earlier, on 22 May 2027. Twelve lots cover connectivity, radio, IoT, telephony, contact centres and alerting. This framework is used by Crown Commercial, NWUPC and APUC.
Context & Use Case
Public sector organisations use RM6116 to update, improve or simplify their networks, buying a complete managed service from one supplier or individual components. It supports cloud-first and PSN migration policies and the move from analogue to digital estates. Both direct award and further competition are available.
Scope of Services
Lots 1a–1d: Wide area connectivity and data access, commercial radio, tactical radio and critical domain services Lot 2a: Local area network and local connectivity services Lot 3a: IoT and smart cities Lot 3b: Communication platform as a service Lots 4a–4b: Analogue telephony; unified communications Lots 4c–4e: Contact centre solutions; inbound telephony; paging and alerting
Lots
Lot 1a: Inter Site Connectivity (Wider Area Network) / Data Access Services; Lot 1b: Commercial Radio Capabilities; Lot 1c: Tactical Radio Systems; Lot 1d: Critical Domain Services; Lot 2a: Intra Site Connectivity (Local Area Network) / Local Connectivity Services; Lot 3a: IoT and Smart Cities (Smart shared and connected spaces); Lot 3b: Communication Platform as a Service; Lot 4a: Analogue Telephony; Lot 4b: Digital Communication Services (Unified Communications); Lot 4c: Contact Centre Solutions; Lot 4d: Inbound Telephony Services; Lot 4e: Paging & Alerting
Who Can Apply
Membership of RM6116 is fixed and no further extension is available, so network and telecoms providers not on it should focus on its successor. It suits carriers, systems integrators, radio specialists and unified communications providers.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers can buy the full range of network services, including newer options such as IoT and communication platforms, through one agreement. They can take a complete managed solution from one supplier or buy individual components, and direct award speeds up simple purchases where it fits.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should push for remaining call-offs before 17 July 2027, noting lots 1c and 1d close on 22 May 2027. Others should follow the GCA page for RM6116 and GCA's upcoming agreements for the replacement network services agreement, and prepare evidence on digital migration and managed service delivery.
How Athena Can Help
Network Services 3 is in its last months, so Athena helps suppliers on both sides of the line. Incumbents can use our telecoms bid team for remaining further competitions, with win themes on migration risk and competitor scoring.
For the replacement agreement, our successor framework application support covers lot selection, narrative responses and compliance checks. Our network tender pricing keeps managed service bids profitable. Each draft is checked against the evaluation criteria before submission.
