The Public Sector Software Solutions (PSSS) RM6396 Framework – What do UK public sector technology suppliers need to know?

What is the PSSS RM6396 framework?

Crown Commercial Services (CCS) (now known as the Government Commercial Agency (GCA) since its launch on 1 April 2026) published a Preliminary Market Engagement Notice in June last year (Public Sector Software Solutions - Find a Tender) announcing its plan to ‘establish a Pan Government Collaborative Agreement for the provision of software to be utilised by Central Government Departments and all other UK Public Sector Bodies, including Local Authorities, Health, Police, Fire and Rescue, Education and Devolved Administrations’. The anticipated value of this new framework is estimated to be around £12bn with a duration of 4 years and an expected contract start date of 28 February 2027. CCS stated the aim of the RM6396 framework is ‘to provide a new innovative solution for software requirements for the UK Public Sector, enabling new strategic procurement initiatives, including centralised buying’. 

The initial supplier engagement sessions with CCS, which were hosted by techUK in July last year, noted that the new framework is intended to ‘simplify the procurement process for public sector organisations by consolidating various CCS software purchasing routes into one flexible framework’ (Event round-up: CCS Public Sector Software Solutions (RM6396) Framework Market Engagement event). Whilst a definitive list of existing frameworks that the new simplified framework is intended to replace is not yet known, the initial supplier engagement session highlighted the challenges for both buyers and suppliers of current ‘overlapping’ software frameworks and the desire for a streamlined route to market leveraging some of the new flexibility offered by the Procurement Act 2023. The product scope is expected to include Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions deployed in the cloud, on premise or hybrid including solutions involving artificial intelligence (AI) technology although the Find a Tender (FTS) notice (estimated publication date of 10 June 2026 as set out in the Pipeline Notice - Public Sector Software Solutions - Find a Tender) will confirm the exact scope and Lot structure of the framework. An additional round of supplier engagement with CCS was also held on 25 March 2026 to collate further supplier feedback.

How should technology suppliers to the UK public sector prepare for the RM6396 framework?

Given that the overall ambition of the new RM6396 framework is to consolidate a number of the existing software frameworks (noting there is expected to be some concurrent running of existing frameworks with the new RM6396 framework until expiry of those pre-existing frameworks occurs), existing UK public sector technology suppliers will firstly want to consider the scope of their current framework offering and assess what missed opportunities there may be if they do not bid for the RM6396 framework as soon as it opens. In particular, current framework suppliers should consider whether its public sector customers are likely to favour the RM6396 framework even if other framework options are still available. Technology suppliers who may have previously decided not to bid for different individual software frameworks may now consider that this new ‘consolidated’ option justifies the time and financial resource required to prepare a framework submission. Ahead of publication of the FTS notice expected in June this year, technology suppliers should ensure that certifications (including ISO and Cyber Essentials) are still valid including in respect of applicable subcontractors (e.g. subcontractors who may be processing ‘Cyber Essentials Scheme Data’ as defined under the Cyber Essentials Scheme). Suppliers may also wish to review the standard form Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) and consider if there are any other requirements that would require action to be taken, such as the requirement for a published Carbon Reduction Plan. Further detail on technology vendor considerations bidding to the UK public sector can be found here and top tips for technology suppliers who may now wish to bid directly (having previously bid via resellers) can also be found here. For our Bidder’s Guide to the Procurement Act 2023 more generally please click here.

If you are a technology supplier looking for support with preparation for the RM6396 framework or any other UK public sector technology contract, please contact Hannah Barton, Lucy Pegler or Patrick Parkin.