Software Products and Associated Services
Framework Description
KCS Procurement Services' Software Products and Associated Services framework is a national agreement running from 1 March 2024 to 29 February 2028. It covers software applications, platforms and tools, together with installation, support, maintenance and training. It is a traditional framework agreement, not a Dynamic Purchasing System, with call-offs by direct award or further competition.
Context & Use Case
Councils, schools, NHS bodies and other public organisations use it to buy software for data management, productivity and communication, along with the services to install it and keep it running. Direct award suits renewals or known products, while further competition helps buyers compare suppliers for new systems. Training is often bought alongside new software so staff can use it from day one.
Scope of Services
Software applications Software platforms Software tools Installation services Support and maintenance Training services
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
Software resellers, developers and service providers with public sector clients. Applications for this framework are closed, so firms not appointed cannot join until KCS re-tenders it ahead of 29 February 2028. Appointed suppliers can receive direct awards and compete in further competitions.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers can buy and renew software quickly through a pre-tendered route, with installation, support and training included. That reduces the number of contracts to manage and helps users get the most from new systems. Pre-agreed terms also make it easier for smaller buyers, such as schools, to buy software compliantly and get help when something goes wrong.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should track buyers' licence renewal dates and respond quickly to further competitions with clear pricing and support terms. Others should watch KCS's framework page for the successor ahead of 29 February 2028 and prepare public sector references, data protection evidence and support service levels.
How Athena Can Help
Software call-offs often come down to price, support and implementation plans. Athena's bid writing for software suppliers sets out implementation, training and support clearly, with competitive pricing and competitor scoring.
Ahead of the re-tender, our public sector bid process support builds your submission early, and our software framework applications service finds other technology frameworks you can join now, with applications handled end to end. We also compliance-check each submission before it goes in.
