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Open Access Government discusses the future of procurement in the UK, by highlighting the RM6360 Legal Panel for Government, RM6309 Management Consultancy Framework Four, and RM6190 Technology Services 4
Navigating the intricate landscape of the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) frameworks can be overwhelming and require significant resources and effort. (1) Here, Open Access Government provides valuable insights into a couple of these frameworks, highlighting their key features and exploring the future of procurement in the UK, discussing potential
developments and changes that may shape how procurement evolves in the future.
The Legal Panel for Government (RM6360)
All central government departments and their executive agencies have access to a wide range of legal services to support complex projects, essential needs, high-risk initiatives, innovative endeavours, international trade and investment, as well as specialist legal requirements related to rail.
The Legal Panel for Government (RM6360) provides a straightforward route for procuring various legal services. There are 29 suppliers in total included in this agreement, which is divided into seven lots:
Lot 1 – Core Legal Services.
Lot 2 – Major Projects and Complex Advice.
Lot 3 – Finance and High Risk/Innovation.
Lot 4a – Trade and Investment Negotiations.
Lot 4b – International Trade Disputes.
Lot 4c – International Investment Disputes.
Lot 5 – Rail Legal Services.
This agreement was developed in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade, Government Legal Department (GLD) and the Department for Transport. It serves as the default route for all central government departments and executive agencies to buy legal services.
Over 60 legal specialisms can be accessed through this agreement, including: contracts, corporate finance, dispute resolution and litigation, employment law, high-value or complex mergers and acquisitions, public procurement law, intellectual property law, real estate finance, rescue, restructuring, and insolvency, and projects of exceptional innovation and complexity.
Suppliers provide legal services under the law of England and Wales. Support may also be available for Scottish law, Northern Irish law, and public and private international law, depending on the lot and the supplier’s capability. Call-off contracts can be of any length or value. It is expected that one of the Government Commercial Agency’s (GCA) core objectives will be to provide expert commercial advice for complex procurement procedures.
The benefits of the RM6360 include a flexible route to market, allowing for both further competition or direct award. Participants can enjoy discounted rates by lot, with aggregated spend discounts, and the option to negotiate alternative fee arrangements and rate reductions at the call-off stage. Additional advantages include flexible terms and conditions under the Public Sector Contract, as well as innovative legal solutions to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
There are also value-added benefits available, such as exchange schemes, secondments, training, meeting and event space, and strategic support. Other key benefits include robust agreement management in collaboration with CCS and the GLD, as well as monitoring supplier quality, performance, and value for money. Furthermore, each contract begins with up to two hours of free legal consultation. (2)
Management Consultancy Framework Four (RM6309)
Management Consultancy Framework Four (MCF4), established under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, provides UK public sector organisations with access to cost-effective management consultancy services from various suppliers.
The MCF4 offers expert advice across a range of specialisms, including strategy, business, policy development, procurement, infrastructure, plus health and social care. For a detailed description of the services provided under each lot, please refer to the lot description document. This agreement will be in effect for two years, with no option to extend.
Benefits of the MCF4 include a diverse selection of suppliers, from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large multinationals. All suppliers are cyber essentials accredited, and the framework provides customer guidance and templates, as well as standard terms and conditions. Suppliers also offer a choice of pricing models, including time-and-materials (T&M), fixed pricing, and risk-and-reward arrangements, and it is expected they will benefit from the commercial expertise of the new GCA. (3)
Technology Services 4 RM6190
Technology Services 4 (RM6190) assists public sector buyers in procuring technology services with flexibility. These services include technology and digital strategy, end-user device support, service design, IT infrastructure, application development, and data transformation. RM6190 has six lots.
The agreement is effective from 12th December 2025 to 11th June 2028. This Open Framework is available to central government entities, charities, educational institutions, health organisations, local authorities, blue light services (such as fire, police, ambulance, and search and rescue), and devolved administrations. The agreement provides a flexible, straightforward route to all technology service needs, featuring a wide array of services and high-quality suppliers, ranging from large system integrators to SMEs.
RM6190 offers the same range of services as the previous Technical Services 3 (RM6100) agreement, but has been updated to include artificial intelligence (AI) and automation as ancillary services. Current offerings encompass the provision and management of an IT service desk, end-user device support, asset management and disposal, network support, data management services, IT infrastructure support (including server and storage hardware), and large-scale digital transformations.
The key benefits of RM6190 are:
Contract terms that accommodate various commercial needs.
Increased flexibility.
Enhanced lot structure for quicker purchasing.
Simpler buying processes.
Improved governance and transparency.
No maximum call-off terms.
Exclusions: Products and services that are not covered include, but are not limited to, IT hardware purchasing, telephony, mobile voice and data services, physical data centre premises, managed print services, plus wide area network provisioning and connectivity.
Technology Services 4 cannot be used as a route to market for contingent labour (contractors or interim staff), resource augmentation, or management consultancy.
For access to management consultancy services, including business, strategy, policy, and finance consultancy, please use the MCF4, covered earlier in this editorial.
For individual DDaT specialists with fixed, identified, deliverables or specific pieces of work, use Digital Specialists and Programmes lot 2.
For digital capability-based services aimed at the public health and social care sectors, utilise Digital Capability for Health 2.
To conduct independent quality assurance and testing (QAT) of a designed solution, use Quality Assurance and Testing for IT Systems 2.
For an independent health check of IT systems, refer to Cyber Security Services 3. (4)
Procurement in the UK: Looking ahead
The UK Government has announced the launch of a new GCA for April 2026. Executive Compass has advised public sector suppliers that these changes could significantly reshape procurement across the UK, emphasising the importance of early preparation for future bids.
The GCA is expected to consolidate commercial expertise from the Cabinet Office and CCS into a single organisation, driving best value across over £400 billion of annual public sector spending. Its primary objectives include simplifying access to specialist procurement support, advising on complex procurement projects, assisting buyers from initial planning through to contract delivery, and standardising guidance under the Procurement Act 2023.
Additionally, the agency will operate as a self-sustaining trading fund, reinvesting income into improved frameworks, digital tools, and specialist commercial capabilities. Executive Compass anticipates that the GCA will serve the full spectrum of public sector buyers, including central government departments, local authorities, NHS trusts, integrated care boards, and police and fire commissioners. Consequently, suppliers from various sectors – including construction, facilities management, healthcare, and professional services – are likely to be affected.
From a supplier perspective, Executive Compass advises businesses to continue operating normally under existing CCS frameworks, which will remain valid for their entire lifecycle. Simultaneously, suppliers should actively monitor official updates published on GOV.UK and engage with any early supplier engagement or market briefing activities that arise.
“Procurement change often brings uncertainty, but it also presents opportunity,” Christian Rowe, CEO of Executive Compass, said. “Suppliers that stay informed, engage early and take advice will be best placed to adapt smoothly when the Government Commercial Agency goes live.” (5)
References
https://www.executivecompass.co.uk/lp/ccs-framework-support/
https://www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/agreements/RM6360
https://www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/agreements/RM6309
https://www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/agreements/RM6190
What Businesses & Suppliers Need To Know Ahead Of The GCA Launch press
release received 15.12.25, Executive Compass.