The Marketplace
Framework Description
The Marketplace (RM6369) is a framework, closed to new applications, from the Government Commercial Agency (GCA, formerly Crown Commercial Service), let under the Procurement Act 2023. It provides a single digital buying platform for low-value, infrequent and unaddressed public sector spend, run by one appointed platform supplier. It runs from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2030 with no extension, and replaces RM6202 Tail Spend Solution, which expires on 25 January 2027.
Context & Use Case
Central government, charities, education, health, local authorities, blue light services and devolved administrations can use The Marketplace for low-value, low-frequency, unaddressed and maverick spend, such as catering supplies, workwear or small tools. It also highlights purchases that should go through existing contracts. GCA says the platform is due to go live on 18 January 2027, a week before RM6202 expires.
Scope of Services
Kitchen appliances and catering supplies Cleaning equipment and supplies Computer accessories, office equipment and supplies Shipping and packaging equipment Workwear and non-clinical PPE Sports, outdoor equipment and professional tools Property maintenance services and service agreements for large tools
Lots
Single lot
Who Can Apply
The framework has a single appointed platform supplier, so no business can join RM6369 itself before 2030. Manufacturers, wholesalers and SMEs selling everyday goods can instead ask the platform operator about listing their products, which is the practical route to these buyers.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers can search and buy across many product and service categories in one place, spend less time collecting quotes and see where the same item is bought by different teams. It frees procurement staff for higher-value work and helps organisations understand and manage spend that sits outside their main contracts.
Next Steps
Contact GCA at themarketplace@gca.gov.uk or the platform operator named on the GCA page (https://www.gca.gov.uk/agreements/RM6369) to ask about listing your products before the planned go-live on 18 January 2027. Have product data, pricing, delivery coverage and any SME or sustainability credentials ready. Current RM6202 sellers should plan their move before RM6202 ends on 25 January 2027.
How Athena Can Help
The Marketplace is a listing route, not a tender, so Athena's role is to help you decide where it fits. Our framework and DPS selection advice compares it with routes you can join directly and handles those applications.
For larger contracts beyond low-value buying, our tender writing for product suppliers builds priced, compliant responses, and our bid/no-bid help for SMEs keeps your effort on contracts you can win. We focus on routes with real buyer demand.
