Wardley Mapping 4 Startups

#006 - What is the Digital Marketplace?

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This podcast summarises key information regarding the UK's Digital Marketplace, drawing upon two primary sources published on GOV.UK.

Main Themes:

  1. Procuring Digital Services: The Digital Marketplace serves as a platform for public sector organisations to find and procure cloud technology and specialist digital services.
  • Framework Agreements: The Marketplace utilises a framework system to streamline procurement, with specific frameworks for different service categories.
  • Cloud-First Approach: The UK Government encourages a 'Cloud First' policy, urging public bodies to prioritise cloud-based solutions before considering traditional data centre hosting.

    • Important Ideas and Facts:

    For Public Sector Buyers:

    • Eligibility: All public sector organisations, including agencies and arm's length bodies, are eligible to use the Digital Marketplace. (Source 1)
  • Service Categories: The Marketplace offers three primary service categories:
  • Cloud Services ('G-Cloud' framework): This includes cloud hosting, cloud software, and cloud support services. (Source 1)
  • Digital Specialist Services ('Digital Outcomes and Specialists' framework): This covers digital outcomes (e.g., booking systems), digital specialists (e.g., developers), user research studios, and user research participants. (Source 1)
  • Datacentre Hosting Services ('Crown Hosting Data Centres' framework): This framework offers secure and reliable data centre space as a secondary option to cloud services. (Source 1)
  • Cloud First Policy: The government's 'Cloud First' policy mandates that public bodies consider cloud solutions before opting for data centre hosting. Justification is required for deviating from this policy. (Source 1)
  • Auditable Procurement: The decision-making process for procuring services through the Digital Marketplace must be auditable. (Source 1)

    • For Suppliers:

    • Services Offered: Suppliers can offer cloud-based services (cloud hosting, software, and support) and digital specialist services (outcomes, specialists, user research). (Source 2)
  • Framework Applications: Each framework operates on a defined application window to ensure consistent terms and conditions for all parties. (Source 2)
  • Guidance for Suppliers: The GOV.UK website provides comprehensive guides for suppliers interested in applying to the G-Cloud and Digital Outcomes and Specialists frameworks. (Source 2)

    • Quotes:

    • "All public sector organisations, including agencies and arm’s length bodies, can use the Digital Marketplace to find cloud technology and specialist services for digital projects." (Source 1)
  • "The government’s Cloud First policy means you need to consider a cloud solution before you can choose datacentre hosting from the Crown Hosting Data Centres framework." (Source 1)
  • "Each framework is only open for applications at certain times. This is to make sure all buyers and suppliers are doing business using the same terms and conditions." (Source 2)

    • Next Steps:

    • For further details on buying or selling services through the Digital Marketplace, please refer to the full guidance documents available on GOV.UK.
  • Public sector organisations are encouraged to explore the Digital Marketplace as a potential procurement route for their digital needs.
  • Suppliers offering cloud and digital specialist services should review the framework guides and consider applying when applications are open.
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    Wardley Mapping 4 StartupsBy Mark Craddock