Cloud Solutions 2
Framework Description
Cloud Solutions 2 is NHS Shared Business Services' framework for cloud services for the NHS and other public sector organisations, from early advice through hosting to ongoing support. Four lots cover solution design and consultancy, IaaS, PaaS and SaaS, cloud support services, and end-to-end cloud solutions. Applications for this framework are closed, and it runs to 24 April 2028, with no extension.
Context & Use Case
Cloud adoption takes time, especially for organisations with many sites or large groups. Buyers use Lot 1 for readiness assessments, as-is mapping, architecture and migration planning, Lot 2 for public, private or hybrid hosting and applications, and Lot 3 for real-time or ad hoc specialist support. Lot 4 lets a single supplier deliver the whole programme.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Solution design and consultancy Lot 2: Infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS) Lot 3: Cloud support services Lot 4: End-to-end cloud solutions
Lots
Lot 1: Solution design and consultancy Includes initial support ahead of cloud adoption and implementation, analysis and mapping of the current situation, cloud readiness assessments, architecture design, and migration planning. Lot 2: Infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS) Includes public cloud and/or private and hybrid cloud hosting, processing, storage, networks, applications running on a cloud infrastructure, and more. Lot 3: Cloud support services Includes real-time support, access to professional expertise, plus a wide range of ongoing or ad hoc specialist support services. Lot 4: End-to-end cloud solutions Covers all of the above services under one lot.
Who Can Apply
It suits cloud consultancies, hosting and platform providers, managed service providers and end-to-end cloud integrators. Applications for this framework are closed, so firms not appointed cannot join until the re-tender, likely around 24 April 2028.
Buyer Benefits
Separate lots let a buyer start with design advice and move to hosting and support without a new procurement each time, or hand the whole programme to one supplier through Lot 4. Pre-approved suppliers shorten the route to market when a migration has a fixed deadline.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should prepare for call-offs with migration case studies, security accreditations and support service levels. Others should prepare for the re-tender ahead of 24 April 2028: watch the cloud solutions page on the NHS SBS site, decide whether to bid for a single lot or end-to-end delivery, and build NHS or public sector cloud references.
How Athena Can Help
For cloud suppliers on this framework, Athena's technology bid writing helps win call-offs by translating technical capability into scored answers on migration risk, security and support, with pricing modelled against other providers.
Suppliers preparing for the 2028 re-tender can use our framework scouting and applications to choose between single-lot and end-to-end bids and prepare evidence early, with public sector bidding guidance on social value and compliance under the Procurement Act 2023.
