RM6168 G-Cloud 13

About RM6168 G-Cloud 13

G-Cloud 13, framework reference RM6168, was the thirteenth iteration of the Crown Commercial Service G-Cloud framework. It opened in November 2023 as the successor to G-Cloud 12 and was itself superseded by G-Cloud 14 (RM6195) in November 2024. The framework followed the same three-lot structure that has remained stable since G-Cloud 12: Lot 1 Cloud Hosting, Lot 2 Cloud Software, and Lot 3 Cloud Support. G-Cloud 13 closed to new framework applications when G-Cloud 14 went live, but call-offs that were awarded during the G-Cloud 13 framework window continue to run under the original RM6168 framework call-off contract until their natural expiry.

The supplier population on G-Cloud 13 covered the standard cross-section of UK cloud suppliers, from the largest hyperscale cloud platform vendors through medium-sized public-sector specialist SaaS providers to a long tail of SME suppliers offering niche or specialist cloud services. SME participation has been a defining characteristic of every G-Cloud iteration since the framework was first launched in 2012, and G-Cloud 13 continued the pattern. Aggregate supplier count on G-Cloud 13 ran into the low thousands, with the great majority being UK-headquartered SMEs.

Buyer use of G-Cloud 13 ran across central government, local authorities, NHS, education, and the wider public sector. Substantial call-off value was awarded under G-Cloud 13 during its 12-month framework window, with continuing performance under those call-offs running through 2025, 2026, and into 2027 depending on the original call-off term and any extension applied.

Active call-offs under RM6168

Active call-offs under G-Cloud 13 reflect a mature framework that has handed the new-business pipeline to G-Cloud 14 but continues to carry significant existing-contract value. Visible patterns across the live G-Cloud 13 call-off population cover departmental productivity suite renewals awarded in 2024, NHS cloud-platform contracts from the same period, local authority digital transformation platform contracts (typically multi-year terms running through 2026 or 2027), and a substantial volume of cloud support and managed services call-offs that were awarded to bridge implementations between G-Cloud iterations. New call-offs under G-Cloud 13 ceased when G-Cloud 14 went live; buyers needing fresh cloud-service competitions now use G-Cloud 14 by default.

Live G-Cloud 13 call-off category	Common pattern	Typical remaining term
Productivity suite renewals	Central government	Through 2026
NHS cloud platform	Trust-level	Through 2027
Local authority CRM	Council-level	Through 2026
Migration and transition services	Cross-sector	Tail-off into 2026
Specialist SaaS subscriptions	Cross-sector	12 to 36 month remainder

How to bid for RM6168 G-Cloud 13

G-Cloud 13 is closed to new framework applications and to new call-off competitions, so the conventional bidding routes are no longer available. Suppliers wanting to win new public-sector cloud services business should focus on G-Cloud 14 (RM6195) as the current live framework, then later G-Cloud iterations as they go live. Suppliers already approved on G-Cloud 13 and still servicing live call-offs continue to deliver under the original framework call-off contract terms; no new application or competition activity is required to maintain those live engagements.

For suppliers that were not approved on G-Cloud 13 but are approved on G-Cloud 14, the practical implication is simple: focus all new-business activity on G-Cloud 14 and any later iteration, monitor the Digital Marketplace for call-off opportunities, and respond promptly to mini-competitions and direct award engagement. The G-Cloud framework architecture is deliberately designed so that suppliers do not lose existing-business continuity when an iteration closes to new applications, but new business under a closed iteration is not permitted.

Buyers who awarded call-offs under G-Cloud 13 continue to manage those call-offs through the supplier relationship established during the framework's active window. When a G-Cloud 13 call-off approaches its end, the buyer typically runs a fresh procurement under the then-current G-Cloud iteration rather than seeking to extend under the closed RM6168. Suppliers servicing G-Cloud 13 call-offs should plan early for the renewal procurement so that they can compete credibly for the follow-on G-Cloud 14 or later iteration call-off.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still apply to be approved on G-Cloud 13?

No. G-Cloud 13 closed to new framework applications when G-Cloud 14 went live in November 2024. The current live framework is G-Cloud 14 (RM6195), and suppliers wanting to be approved as G-Cloud suppliers should apply to G-Cloud 14 or to any later iteration that opens for applications. Crown Commercial Service publishes the iteration timeline on the CCS website and the Digital Marketplace, so suppliers can plan their application activity ahead of each application window.

What happens to my G-Cloud 13 call-off contracts when G-Cloud 14 goes live?

Existing G-Cloud 13 call-off contracts continue under the original framework call-off terms until they reach their agreed end date. The launch of G-Cloud 14 has no direct contractual effect on existing G-Cloud 13 call-offs. Suppliers continue to deliver, the standard Crown Commercial Service Management Charge continues to be reportable on the call-off invoiced value, and the call-off can run for its full agreed term including any extension option. When a G-Cloud 13 call-off ends, the buyer typically runs a fresh procurement under G-Cloud 14 (or a later iteration) rather than seeking to extend.

Does the Crown Commercial Service Management Charge apply to G-Cloud 13 call-offs?

Yes. The standard Crown Commercial Service Management Charge of 1 percent of call-off invoiced value applies to G-Cloud 13 call-offs in the same way as to G-Cloud 14 or any other CCS framework call-off. Suppliers continue to report invoiced value and remit the Management Charge through the standard CCS reporting process for the duration of each live call-off, even though G-Cloud 13 itself is closed to new business.

How do G-Cloud 13 and G-Cloud 14 compare on terms and conditions?

G-Cloud 13 and G-Cloud 14 share most of the framework architecture and call-off terms. G-Cloud 14 updated the standard call-off contract terms to align with the Procurement Act 2023, refreshed the supplier exclusion-grounds declarations, and made administrative changes to the Digital Marketplace catalogue formatting and submission process. The three-lot structure, the application questionnaire shape, and the Management Charge mechanics all stayed broadly the same. Suppliers approved on both G-Cloud 13 and G-Cloud 14 typically find that operational delivery is very similar across the two iterations, with the differences appearing mainly at framework application time rather than during live call-off performance.