Vertical Application Solutions
Framework Description
Vertical Application Solutions (RM6259) is a framework, closed to new applications, from the Government Commercial Agency (GCA, formerly Crown Commercial Service) for sector-specific software, with licences, essential hardware, consultancy, support and maintenance. It replaced the Data and Application Solutions (DAS) agreement. It runs from 7 March 2023 to 6 March 2027, having used its 18-month extension after an initial 30 months, so no further extension is available. This framework is used by Crown Commercial and APUC.
Context & Use Case
Government departments, arm's length bodies, devolved administrations and the wider public and third sectors use RM6259 to buy cloud, on-premise or hybrid software built for their sector, such as council revenues and benefits, planning, library or blue light systems. Buyers can run further competition or direct award through catalogue listings on the Government eMarketplace, with flexible call-off lengths.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Business applications, including revenues and benefits, payment processing and civil enforcement Lot 2: Education, community health and social care solutions Lot 3: Housing, environmental and planning solutions, including GIS and waste management Lot 4: Citizen services, such as library, democratic engagement and museum systems Lot 5: Blue light solutions Associated hardware, consultancy, support and maintenance
Lots
Lot 1: Business Applications; Lot 2: Education, Community Health and Social Care Solutions; Lot 3: Housing, Environmental and Planning Solutions; Lot 4: Citizen Services; Lot 5: Blue Light Solutions
Who Can Apply
Membership of RM6259 is fixed and it ends on 6 March 2027, so software vendors and resellers with sector solutions not already appointed should target the successor instead. Specialists in revenues and benefits, planning, education or blue light systems are well placed.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers get software designed for their specific service, fully supported in cloud, on-premise or hybrid form. Direct award from catalogue listings shortens buying time for established systems, and flexible call-off lengths match the long life of line-of-business software. Lots by sector mean buyers compare like with like.
Next Steps
Check the GCA page (https://www.gca.gov.uk/agreements/RM6259) and GCA's upcoming agreements for the successor and its timetable, as the framework ends on 6 March 2027. Prepare evidence such as live public sector deployments, migration records and support performance. Appointed suppliers should secure renewals and call-offs before expiry.
How Athena Can Help
Athena helps public sector software vendors prepare for the RM6259 successor. Our software framework application team chooses the lots that match your products, writes the responses and runs a compliance check.
For direct tenders, our bid writing for software vendors builds win themes on migration risk and user adoption, with competitor scoring and licence pricing. Our council software tender support helps you decide which replacement cycles to pursue. Live deployment evidence is gathered early.
