Public sector comms framework agreement moves forward

Framework agreements enable Whitehall to buy cheaper IT

A scheme that will allow domestic and overseas government agencies to buy cheaper, more advanced IT communications equipment such as voice over IP and broadband through framework agreements will be in place within a year.

The Ocean Programme is a joint initiative between The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), the British Council, the Cabinet Office, the Department for International Trade, the Department for Work and Pensions, HM Revenue & Customs, the UK Border Agency and OGCbuying.solutions.

The scheme will set-up four Ocean frameworks through which agencies can buy equipment.

"This will empower better services to citizens by allowing departments to buy cheaper telecoms and network services from frameworks," said Philip Macpherson, chief technology officer at the FCO.

By buying commodities rather than trying to offer a bespoke service, the frameworks will achieve economies of scale and be able to offer equipment and services more cheaply.

The frameworks will help departments move towards the Public Sector Network (PSN) vision - a secure intranet for the government, its quangos and the public sector.

It is hoped that the PSN will provide more opportunities for cross-border working in the public sector and better common standards assurance.