GDS adds provisional July launch date for G-Cloud 10

The Government Digital Service (GDS) and Crown Commercial Service have announced applications for the G-Cloud 10 framework (G10) will open in April 2018, with the expected framework agreement to start on 2 July.

The deadline for asking clarification questions will by 9 May, applications will close on 23 May and businesses will be notified whether their applications were successful from 18 June. A list of the answer to clarification questions will be published on the Digital Marketplace by 5pm on Wednesday 16 May, meaning businesses will still have a week to get their applications in after they've had all their questions answered.

The government originally said G-Cloud 9 would remain in place until May 2019, but the government turned around this decision at the beginning of this month, instead deciding to launch the latest framework in June. This release date has now been pushed back a month, but businesses are welcoming the move.

The government explained all G-Cloud 9 applications will be removed when G-Cloud 10 is launched, although businesses supplying their applications via G-Cloud 9 will need to re-supply their G-Cloud 9 submission, but will need to add their services again.

By bringing the application date forward by almost a year, it means new businesses will be able to put their apps and services up for use by government departments, while those already using it to flog their wares can continue listing their products.

"I'm pleased to confirm that we will re-let the G-Cloud framework, which provides opportunities to many small businesses in the digital sector," Oliver Dowden, minister for implementation said at the beginning of the month.

"This will provide innovative online solutions to government, supporting the delivery of efficient, effective public services. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, so it's crucial that we listen to them when shaping policy, as we have done today."

Usually, new G-Cloud iterations are launched every six months, making this the longest period between framework releases.

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.

Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.

As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.