Launching 1 April 2026, the Government Commercial Agency (GCA) will ‘unite all commercial delivery expertise’ across the Cabinet Office and CCS, ultimately driving greater value and better public services.
The GCA will impact over £400 billion per annum of public sector spend and tenders across all industries and sectors. With the public sector being a key client for many businesses, it is essential for current and prospective suppliers to understand changes which may be implemented as part of the GCA’s introduction.
We outline what details have been released from the Cabinet Office thus far, what the GCA may cover and how bidders can prepare in advance of the new Government Commercial Agency.
What do we know so far about the Government Commercial Agency?
Although public information is currently limited, the GCA will bring Cabinet Office and CCS commercial teams together into a unified agency. Per the press release, the broad objectives of the GCA will include:
- Simplifying access to specialist support and commercial capability through a single organisation
- Providing expert advice for complex procurement procedures, ranging from IT frameworks through to construction and refurbishment projects
- Supporting organisations from initial planning stages through to delivery of the contract
- Negotiating fairer deals and actively shaping supplier markets to increase local options and enhance the government’s supply chain resilience
- Maximising available benefits from the Procurement Act 2023 by standardising guidance across frameworks and call-off contracts.
Interestingly, the GCA will operate and function as a self-sustaining trading fund, and reinvestments will include enhanced framework agreements, expanded digital tools and greater ‘specialist capabilities’ for UK public procurement.
What industries and sectors will the Government Commercial Agency apply to?
The GCA will service the entirety of the public sector, supporting the following buyer organisations:
- Central government departments, such as the Department of Education
- Local authorities, councils and combined authorities
- NHS Trusts and integrated care boards
- Police and fire commissioners across the country.
As such, regardless of the industry or sector you are part of, the GCA is likely to impact your organisation, including:
- Construction works, including rail and highway schemes
- Health and social care, including domiciliary care and supported living
- Facilities management, such as gas servicing and maintenance, mechanical and electrical works and softer FM services like cleaning and security
- Professional services e.g. recruitment, architectural services and project management consultancy.
What can bidders do to prepare for the Government Commercial Agency?
As ever, it is critical suppliers stay informed and proactive in preparing for future procurement changes and activity. Executive Compass advises the following:
- Carry on as usual under current CCS frameworks: Any current CCS framework will still be in operation for its full life cycle. As such, the terms of business and contractual agreements under CCS frameworks will not change, and suppliers should continue to conduct business accordingly for any frameworks they may already be part of.
- Monitor Gov.UK for further information and official confirmation: Official updates are likely to be published on the government’s website – likely by the Government Commercial Function. Further clues around the features and potential benefits of the GCA will be published on the government’s website.
- Attend any supplier engagement events: It is likely the government are still refining approaches and features of the new GCA, and may request supplier input or perspective at some stages. CCS frequently host online webinars and engagement events aimed at providing bidders further information and detail – monitor their website, newsletters and social media channels to gain further insight.
We will continue to monitor release of new information and updates around the GCA on our LinkedIn page.
How Executive Compass can support with CCS tenders
Since our inception in 2009, Executive Compass have provided bid services to organisations for hundreds of Crown Commercial Services framework submissions, with recent examples including:
- Construction Professional Services 2, RM6356
- Technology Services 4, RM6190
- Facilities Management and Security Services, RM6378
- Workforce Alliance Heath Workforce Solutions, RM6380.
Successful outcomes have contributed to our fully auditable 85% success rate, and allowed our clients to expand their business and grow their portfolio of contracts.
To find out more about our bid and tender writing and bid review services, book a free 30-minute consultation today at info@executivecompass.co.uk or via telephone 0800 612 5563.