Last updated:
Table of Contents
The UK Government’s G-Cloud Framework continues to be one of the most vital routes for public sector organisations to procure digital and cloud-based services. Now in its fifteenth iteration, G-Cloud 15 (RM1557.15) has evolved significantly, introducing structural updates, refined compliance requirements, and a stronger focus on playbook and policy alignment.
As one of the UK’s most trusted bid and framework specialists, Hudson Outsourcing has helped hundreds of technology suppliers successfully secure a place on G-Cloud over the past eight years — with a 100% success rate.
If you’re looking to understand what’s changed in G-Cloud 15, and how to position your business to take advantage of its multi-billion-pound opportunities, this in-depth guide breaks down everything you need to know.
The G-Cloud Framework is a UK Government procurement platform managed by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS). It allows public sector buyers — including central government, local authorities, NHS Trusts, educational institutions, and other public bodies — to procure cloud-based products and services quickly and compliantly without running a full tender process.
Rather than navigating lengthy procurements, buyers can purchase directly from pre-approved suppliers listed on the Digital Marketplace, saving time and ensuring compliance with government procurement standards
An Introduction to G-Cloud
For suppliers, being listed on G-Cloud signals that your business meets rigorous standards for security, transparency, and service quality — and opens doors to public sector contracts worth billions of pounds annually.
G-Cloud 15 replaces G-Cloud 14 (including Lot 4) and the Cloud Compute 2 (CC2) framework. It is now the largest cloud procurement framework in the UK public sector, with a projected £8 billion value and spending of over £2.9 billion in FY24/25 alone.
G-Cloud 15 introduces several key changes and refinements:
Refreshed structure with five distinct lots (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, and 3).
Enhanced policy and playbook compliance, ensuring suppliers align with the latest Cabinet Office commercial guidelines.
Increased focus on evaluation transparency, adopting a more traditional approach to selection and compliance checks.
Refined lot definitions to better distinguish between infrastructure, software, and support services.
Greater emphasis on sustainability, including Carbon Reduction Plans and GreenOps for environmentally responsible cloud operations.
Lot 1a covers cloud infrastructure and platform services across the UK. This includes Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)and Platform as a Service (PaaS) solutions such as:
Virtualised x86 and ARM-based instances
Bare Metal and containerised compute environments
Storage solutions (object, block, and file)
AI lifecycle tools, predictive analytics, and quantum infrastructure
Database management, integration, and data intelligence systems
Middleware, development tools, and robotic process automation
Lot 1b mirrors the structure of Lot 1a but applies to services operating above the OFFICIAL security classification — suitable for secure or sensitive government environments such as defence or national infrastructure.
Included Services:
Secure IaaS and PaaS environments
AI-driven data analytics and security platforms
Integration software and DevOps tools
Advanced configuration management and governance systems
Lot 1b reflects the government’s increasing demand for resilient, secure, and data-sovereign cloud environments.
Lot 2a encompasses software that supports IT operations, network management, security, and automation.
Core Categories:
IT Operations and Service Management
FinOps and GreenOps (sustainability-focused cloud financial management)
Network security and identity management
Governance, risk, and compliance software
Virtual client computing and software-defined infrastructure
Lot 2b covers cloud-based software applications accessible over the internet — the most commercially diverse lot, reflecting the growth of AI, collaboration, and digital transformation tools.
Included Software Types:
AI and advanced analytics platforms
CRM, ERP, and HR management software
Financial, payroll, and supply chain management solutions
Project, portfolio, and asset lifecycle tools
Marketing, e-commerce, and digital engagement systems
Customer service and contact centre software
This lot supports innovation across the public sector — enabling organisations to streamline processes and embrace digital-first solutions.
Lot 3 is designed for providers offering support and enablement services that help public sector buyers implement, optimise, and manage their cloud systems.
Service Types:
Managed private, public, and hybrid cloud support
FinOps and GreenOps advisory services
Data auditing and architecture analysis
Cloud migration, optimisation, and performance testing
Security auditing, incident management, and QA testing
Training, governance, and service delivery management
This lot is ideal for consultancies, managed service providers, and digital transformation specialists seeking to support public sector cloud adoption.
Since its inception, G-Cloud has been a cornerstone of UK public sector digital procurement — and G-Cloud 15 builds on that legacy by combining compliance rigour with opportunity scale.
With over £2.9 billion spent in FY24/25, G-Cloud is one of the largest public procurement vehicles in the UK. The new framework streamlines access for suppliers and encourages participation from SMEs — a continued government priority
Suppliers must now demonstrate carbon reduction, ethical sourcing, and policy alignment through enhanced questionnaires and documentation.
New categories like AI lifecycle management, predictive analytics, and GreenOps highlight the government’s shift towards intelligent automation and sustainable cloud adoption.
With eight years of experience and a 100% success rate, Hudson Outsourcing remains one of the UK’s most experienced G-Cloud consultants
Application Support (Price on Application)
Eligibility review and lot selection
Full drafting and submission support
Compliance and strategic positioning
Service Listing Design
Professionally branded service documents and templates
Visuals, diagrams, and buyer-optimised copy
Optional Add-ons
Framework renewal support
Sales enablement and marketing
Team mentoring and quarterly performance reviews
Our goal is simple: to ensure your business secures its place and thrives on G-Cloud — winning meaningful work and long-term public sector contracts.
100% success rate for G-Cloud applications
Hundreds of approved suppliers supported — from start-ups to global tech leaders
Specialist bid writers with deep CCS and public sector knowledge
End-to-end support, from eligibility to post-award marketing
Ongoing partnership focused on long-term growth and visibility
As the UK’s leading G-Cloud specialist, our mission is to help technology companies transform complex procurement into a streamlined, profitable opportunity.
G-Cloud 15 offers unprecedented potential for technology suppliers to grow their public sector footprint. However, success depends on precision, compliance, and clarity.
From ensuring your ISO certifications are up to date to crafting compelling, buyer-focused listings that stand out on the Digital Marketplace, every detail matters.
That’s where Hudson Outsourcing comes in — providing the strategic expertise, writing excellence, and creative presentation needed to secure approval and win business.
Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a returning supplier, now is the time to prepare.
Contact our Frameworks Team:
Email: jill@hudsonoutsourcing.com
Phone: 0203 0512217
Website: www.hudsonoutsourcing.com
Hudson Outsourcing – Trusted by hundreds of tech innovators to succeed on G-Cloud.
Your success story starts here.
Get in touch for a free quote. Our Bid Writers can help you when tendering for contracts. They can advise you on writing winning bids and give you more information about the tendering process in general.
Find more helpful tips and advice in our blogs. We cover topics including:
