The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has announced that it has become the first UK public sector construction framework provider to gain gold standard status on a new government verification scheme. The government scheme is intended to improve the procurement of construction projects for the public sector by providing standards at which new proposed frameworks and framework contracts can be measured.

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has published a summary of commercial agreements that expired, were extended or were awarded in February 2026, as part of its monthly framework update to support procurement planning. The update also sets out agreements due to expire within the next three months.

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has published a summary of commercial agreements that expired, were extended or were awarded in January 2026, as part of its monthly framework update to support procurement planning. The update also sets out agreements due to expire within the next three months.

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has announced a collaborative effort with the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Local electric vehicle infrastructure fund (LEVI) support body to streamline the procurement process for public electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. This initiative has resulted in the creation of draft configurable templates designed to facilitate the deployment of public EV infrastructure through a concession contract approach. The templates aim to significantly reduce the time, cost, and resources required for public bodies to procure such infrastructure. While these documents are provided as guidance, the CCS emphasises that independent legal and professional advice should be sought before use, and explicitly disclaims any liability arising from the utilisation of these resources.

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has extended funding for the Local Government Association's Sustainability Improvement Programme until March 2026 with an additional £180,000 investment. The extension brings CCS's total investment in the programme to nearly £900,000 since October 2023. The programme aims to support local councils across England in achieving net zero carbon goals through capability building, tools development and networking initiatives. Since inception, 312 of 317 local authorities have participated in various programme aspects, with 2,900 individuals attending events and training sessions. The programme provides councils with greenhouse gas accounting tools, waste emissions calculators and quarterly Sustainability Action Network meetings to support carbon reduction and adaptation measures.

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has published an article providing guidance on subcontracting for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in public procurement. Procurers are urged to facilitate SME access to contract opportunities, including indirect opportunities in the supply chain. The guide explains how SMEs can access public contracts through subcontracting arrangements with prime contractors. It outlines methods for SMEs to identify opportunities, including networking with suppliers, monitoring platforms such as Contracts Finder, and CCS agreements with neutral vendor models. The guide details potential benefits including access to larger projects and reduced administrative burden, while also highlighting potential challenges and complexities.

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has published an article providing guidance on the benefits of working with small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) in public sector procurement. The guidance highlights benefits, such as strong customer service, greater adaptability, and contributions to local economic growth and job creation. It also notes that SMEs often face barriers in public procurement, including limited market engagement, incumbency bias, complex and lengthy procurement processes, and poor visibility of opportunities. To address these challenges, CCS recommends four approaches for public sector buyers: (1) strengthening open communication through pre‑market engagement with potential suppliers; (2) simplifying and streamlining documentation using plain English; (3) setting fair contract terms and weightings and (4) ensuring open and accessible opportunities through tailored requirements and the encouragement of joint bids.

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has launched the Digital Capability for Health 2 [RM6345] agreement, designed to facilitate digital transformation across the health and social care sectors. This new framework, which replaces the previous iteration expiring in July 2025, offers an expanded pool of evaluated suppliers and aligns with the government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework. The agreement features a simplified single-lot structure, encompasses five service provisions, and includes maximum day rates to enhance value for money. With a duration of three years and a possible one-year extension, the framework allows for call-off contracts of up to five years. This initiative aims to support the ongoing digitisation of NHS infrastructure and the government's broader plans for the health service, while also promoting opportunities for SMEs through subcontracting options.

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has introduced a new scheme to streamline the procurement process for electric vehicle infrastructure (EVI) by local authorities. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Department for Transport and other partners, provides customisable template documents for open market procurement of on-street EVI services, along with draft terms and conditions. These resources aim to simplify the complex procurement process, align with government guidance, and support best practices. Notably, CCS has prepared separate documentation to accommodate the forthcoming Procurement Act 2023 regulations, set to take effect on 24 February 2025, ensuring compliance with both current and future legal frameworks.

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has announced the launch of RM6347 Transport Technology, which replaces the RM6099 Transport Technology & Associated Services agreement. The new open framework will go live on 4 November 2025 and is expected to run for a duration of 6 to 8 years. It is designed to support public sector organisations in procuring transport technologies across road, rail, aviation and urban transport systems.

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has announced a partnership with the British Parking Association (BPA) to strengthen the procurement and delivery of parking services across the UK public sector. CCS will provide commercial and procurement expertise, while the BPA will contribute sector knowledge and its network of members. The partnership is designed to help public bodies run parking facilities more efficiently, improve services for citizens, and secure better value for taxpayers. It will give organisations such as local authorities, NHS trusts, and central government departments access to a wider range of parking solutions, with simpler and more flexible procurement through the RM6347 Transport Technology agreement.

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has published its monthly update outlining commercial agreements that expired, were extended or awarded in November 2025, as well as those due to expire within the next three months. Customers can also view all live agreements in CCS’s interactive digital brochure.