Following our appointment to G-Cloud 15, public sector organisations can continue to procure eligible Prism Infosec cyber security services through an established and compliant procurement route.
But what does buying through the framework actually involve?
What is G-Cloud 15?
G-Cloud 15, also known as RM1557.15, is an open framework that enables central government departments and other eligible public sector bodies to purchase cloud hosting, software and support services.
Prism Infosec has secured a place on the framework, giving public sector customers access to our specialist cyber security consultancy and assurance services through a streamlined procurement route.
A range of Prism Infosec’s cyber security services is available under Lot 3 (Cloud Support), helping public sector organisations address their security and assurance requirements.
How to buy through G-Cloud 15
1. Define your requirements
Begin by creating a clear Statement of Requirements. This should describe the service you need, your intended outcomes and the criteria you will use to assess potential suppliers.
Buyers can also engage with suppliers before beginning the formal procurement process. This can help you understand the available services and refine your requirements, provided the engagement is recorded and does not give any supplier an unfair advantage.
2. Access the framework
Buyers need access to the Public Procurement Gateway before registering for the Contract Award Service, the platform used to access the framework.
Organisations must have at least one registered administrator, although the G-Cloud 15 buyer guide recommends having two or more.
3. Find suitable services
Use the Contract Award Service to identify the service listings that meet your requirements. Review each service’s description, lot, pricing and terms to establish which options are suitable.
4. Choose your procurement route
G-Cloud 15 provides two principal purchasing routes:
Award without competition
Previously known as direct award, this route is generally suited to straightforward, urgent or lower-value requirements where the published service information provides everything needed to identify the most advantageous service.
Buyers should follow their organisation’s procurement policies and the framework’s call-off award procedure when deciding which route is appropriate.
5. Evaluate and complete the award
Once the appropriate evaluation and internal approval process has been completed, the buyer must communicate the outcome and complete a call-off contract with the successful supplier.
This contract consists of the signed call-off order form and any relevant contractual schedules.
For an award with competition, participating suppliers should receive the outcome, written feedback and a breakdown of their scoring. Buyers can also apply a voluntary standstill period of eight working days, principally for high-value contracts.
Buying from Prism Infosec
Through G-Cloud 15, eligible public sector organisations can access Prism Infosec services through The Prism Infosec Platform, our Cyber Security as a Service portal.
The Prism Infosec Platform supports the procurement, engagement and live reporting of offensive and defensive cyber security services, providing a simpler and more efficient way to manage cyber security requirements.
If you are considering a cyber security requirement and would like to understand which of our services may be suitable, contact our team to discuss your objectives before beginning the formal procurement process.
Speak to Prism Infosec about procuring cyber security services through G-Cloud 15.
This article provides a general overview only. Buyers should consult the current G-Cloud 15 buyer guidance, Framework Schedule 7 and their own commercial or legal advisers before selecting a procurement route.
