Guidance

About the technology catalogue

Updated 25 April 2016

This guidance was withdrawn on 15 March 2017

This technology catalogue no longer exists. A new catalogue can be found on the Purchasing Platform

1. Overview

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) technology catalogue provides a quick and efficient route for public sector organisations to procure low value technology related products and services via an online catalogue, hosted on the Government eMarketplace.

2. Content

The goods and services available through the catalogue are provided by suppliers on the following CCS agreements:

• Network Services (RM1045 which provides access to to networks and telecommunications services, including PSN compliant services

• Local Authority Software Applications (RM1059) which provides access to applications and associated services designed to help UK local authorities deliver services such as revenue and benefits collection and payments, social care, planning, environmental and building control, and social housing

• Technology Products (RM1054) which provides access to a wide range of technology products including hardware, packaged software and associated services

• Information Management and Learning Services (RM1500) which was developed in partnership with the Department for Education for the purchase of school management information systems and learning platforms

• Traffic Management Technology (RM869) which provides access to a comprehensive range of traffic management technology goods and services such as traffic safety, street lighting, parking and electronic signage services

Content will be regularly updated with new suppliers, products and services being added and refreshed as the catalogue develops.

Additional information on catalogue content and specific guidance at agreement level can be found by clicking the links above.

All the content on the technology catalogue is provided by suppliers on European Union (EU) compliant agreements unless otherwise stated.

3. Using the catalogue

The catalogue is designed for low value purchases and you should first of all satisfy yourself that alternative procurement routes, such as a further competition under a suitable agreement or taking part in an aggregated eAuction, would not deliver better value. The additional costs and resources that tendering incur should be taken into consideration.

You can find out about technology aggregation opportunities by emailing technologyaggregation@crowncommercial.gov.uk

When using the catalogue you can search on any number of product variables, as explained in the guide to how to shop using the technology catalogue, but you must purchase the lowest priced product available to meet your needs (or the most economical product if it is appropriate to take whole life costs into consideration).

It is recommended that you take and retain a screen shot of your catalogue search results for audit purposes showing appropriate product search and selection.

As the content and purchase prices are regularly updated please be aware that it may not be possible to hold prices if you need to seek internal approval in your organisation before you can complete the purchase. Prices should be confirmed before checkout.

Purchases at checkout are immediate and can be paid for by invoice or payment card, subject to your organisation’s approved payment processes.

4. Accessing the catalogue

If you are already registered to use the eMarketplace you can log on here

If you would like to register to access the catalogue via the eMarketplace please follow the guidance here

Full details about using the catalogue can be found in the guide to how to shop using the technology catalogue.

If you need further advice please contact the CCS helpdesk on 0345 410 2222 or email info@crowncommercial.gov.uk