Technology Products and Services Framework

The Technology Products and Services (TPS) framework is one of a family of UK Crown Commercial Service (CCS) agreements designed to simplify ICT procurement for the public sector. It covers the purchase of physical technology products (laptops, servers, networking equipment), software licences, and the associated services needed to deploy and maintain them. For buyers who need hardware or perpetual software licences rather than cloud-delivered services, TPS provides the compliant route that G-Cloud does not.

What is the Technology Products and Services Framework?

TPS is a framework agreement competed under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, implementing EU Directive 2014/24/EU. Following Brexit, UK frameworks continue under equivalent domestic legislation. The framework is structured into lots covering different product and service categories: end-user devices (laptops, desktops, tablets), data centre and infrastructure products (servers, storage, networking), software licences, and associated services (installation, maintenance, lifecycle management).

Public sector buyers, including central government departments, NHS trusts, local authorities, police forces, and higher education institutions, can call off against TPS either by direct award (for lower-value, less complex purchases where the framework terms and catalogue prices are sufficient) or by further competition (mini-competition among framework suppliers for larger, more complex, or bespoke requirements).

The framework requires suppliers to comply with open standards in procurement and to demonstrate that products meet relevant technical standards and certifications. Buyers following the technology code of practice will typically use TPS as the default route for hardware and software licence procurement to ensure value for money and that supplier pre-qualification requirements are met.

Why it matters for bidders

For technology product resellers, manufacturers, and value-added resellers (VARs), TPS is a significant gateway to public sector revenue across the UK. Being accepted onto the framework removes the need to bid each contract individually and gives suppliers access to the entire UK public sector customer base. The framework's pre-qualification process assesses financial standing, relevant experience, and technical capability, so buyers can proceed to purchase with confidence in supplier quality.

Suppliers should note that TPS pricing is often benchmarked against commercial market rates. Buyers expect framework prices to reflect best-available commercial pricing, and the framework terms typically include price review mechanisms. Suppliers who maintain competitive pricing and respond promptly to further competition exercises will maximise their call-off volume.

Cyber Essentials (procurement requirement) certification is typically required for suppliers on TPS, and those handling public sector data must demonstrate GDPR compliance in procurement obligations, particularly for managed services components.

Example

An NHS trust needs to refresh five hundred end-user devices across three hospitals. The procurement team uses TPS to run a mini-competition among framework suppliers, specifying the device specifications, delivery timeline, and warranty requirements. Three suppliers respond with priced proposals. The trust selects the supplier offering the best combination of specification compliance, price, and delivery capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should a buyer use TPS rather than G-Cloud?

TPS is appropriate when the requirement is for physical hardware, perpetual software licences, or closely associated on-premise services. G-Cloud covers cloud-delivered software and hosting. If the requirement is for a SaaS subscription or cloud infrastructure, G-Cloud is the correct framework. If it involves buying laptops or on-premise server hardware, TPS is the correct route.

Can buyers purchase software licences through both TPS and G-Cloud?

It depends on the licence type. Perpetual licences for on-premise software typically sit under TPS. Subscription-based cloud software (SaaS) is within G-Cloud scope. Some suppliers list related products on both frameworks for different delivery models of the same product.

Are all public sector bodies eligible to use TPS?

Yes, provided the organisation is a contracting authority under the Procurement Act 2023. This includes all central government departments and arm's length bodies, NHS, local government, education, blue light services, and registered social landlords meeting the relevant threshold criteria.