Crown Commercial Service CCS

[edit] Introduction

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) was established in 2010 to move the Government to a system that buys common goods and services once on behalf of the whole of the Government and not just individual departments, agencies or other entities.

[edit] History

The idea for CCS originated in April 1991 during the creation of the Buying Agency, which later merged with other units of the Treasury to form OGCbuyingsolutions. In 2009, the Buying Agency was renamed Buying Solutions, and in June 2010, it became part of the Efficiency and Reform Group.

Its name was changed again in July 2011, when it became the Government Procurement Service (GPS). This iteration of the agency formed Crown Commercial Services in January 2014 after merging with the Government’s procurement management departments.

The CCS is the largest public procurement organisation in the UK. It is an executive agency that is sponsored by the Cabinet Office and operates as a trading fund under the Government Trading Funds Act 1973.

[edit] CCS objectives

The purpose of CCS is to bring together policy, advice and direct buying in order to provide consolidated commercial services to the public and third sector. It is free to use for local authorities, charities, housing associations and other eligible organisations.

Consolidated agreements arranged by CCS provide a competitive advantage and create value for multiple buyers that can act under the arrangement as a single customer.

CCS is responsible for leading on procurement policy on behalf of the UK government.

A variety of goods and services are available through CCS, including:

• Office supplies.
• Facilities management services.
• Utilities.
• Building materials.

Small items are available from CCS catalogues and can be bought online for rapid delivery. The agency also publishes commercial agreements (also referred to as frameworks) for more complex purchasing requirements. A framework comprises a description of common public sector requirements, a list of suppliers who have been evaluated as capable of delivering the requirements and standardised contract terms.

[edit] CCS construction framework

CCS offers construction frameworks to meet the needs of the whole of the public sector, making it possible to design, manage, construct, manufacturer, repair, demolish and decommission as needed across the UK. This framework includes flexible procurement and contract options.

Areas of assistance include:

• Project management.
• Design services.
• Construction works (and associated services).
• Modular building solutions.
• Construction products and materials.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Centrally procured public projects.
• Framework contract.
• Government construction strategy.
• Management Consultancy Framework MCF.
• Modular buildings for education.
• Office of Government Commerce OGC.
• PF2.
• Procurement Policy Note 12/15.
• Procurement policy note PPN.
• Procurement route.
• Public procurement.
• Tender.

[edit] External resources

• Crown Commercial Service.