Technology Services 4
Framework Description
Technology Services 4 (RM6190) is an open framework from the Government Commercial Agency (GCA, formerly Crown Commercial Service), let under the Procurement Act 2023. It replaced Technology Services 3 and covers IT services from consultancy to major transformation, adding AI and automation as ancillary services. The current term ends on 11 June 2028; the framework can run for up to eight years in total, reopening before the end of years 3 and 5.
Context & Use Case
Central government, charities, education, health, local authorities, blue light services and devolved administrations use RM6190 for service desks, end user support, infrastructure, application development and large digital transformations. Lower value and complexity sub-lots (3a, 4a and 5a) let smaller requirements go to a wider field, including SMEs, while lot 6 handles major programmes.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Technology and digital consultancy services Lot 2: Transition and service integration and management (SIAM) Lots 3 and 3a: End user services, including a lower value and complexity sub-lot Lots 4 and 4a: Infrastructure management, including a lower value and complexity sub-lot Lots 5 and 5a: Application and data management, including a lower value and complexity sub-lot Lot 6: Major technology services transformation programmes
Lots
Lot 1: Technology and Digital Consultancy Services; Lot 2: Transition and Service Integration and Management (SIAM); Lot 3: End User Services; Lot 3a: End User Services (lower value and complexity); Lot 4: Infrastructure Management; Lot 4a: Infrastructure Management (lower value and complexity); Lot 5: Application and Data Management; Lot 5a: Application and Data Management (lower value and complexity); Lot 6: Major Technology Services Transformation Programmes
Who Can Apply
As an open framework, RM6190 admits new suppliers when it reopens, planned before the end of year 3 and year 5. IT service providers of all sizes can apply then; SMEs should look at the lower value and complexity sub-lots.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers get contract terms that support different commercial needs, an improved lot structure for faster buying, simpler ways to buy and no maximum call-off term. Improved transparency and governance matter on complex, multi-year programmes, where buyers need clear oversight of what suppliers deliver.
Next Steps
Suppliers not yet appointed should prepare for the reopening, due before the end of year 3, when the current lots expire on 11 June 2028; watch the GCA page (https://www.gca.gov.uk/agreements/RM6190) and GCA's upcoming agreements. Choose your lots now, especially the 3a, 4a and 5a sub-lots if you are an SME, and gather public sector case studies.
How Athena Can Help
Technology Services 4 reopens before June 2028, and Athena can help you get ready. Our application support for IT frameworks picks the right lot or sub-lot, writes the quality responses and checks compliance before the deadline.
For appointed suppliers, our IT services bid management builds win themes using the F.V.D. model and scores you against likely rivals, while our pricing for technology services bids keeps margins healthy. Sub-lot strategy matters for SMEs, and we plan it early.
