Buying via Crown Commercial Service Frameworks
Which CCS agreements cover RF-shielded equipment and how to call off without going through a fresh OJEU.
Quick Answer
Most UK police, MOD and Home Office buyers can call off RF-shielded forensic kit through CCS frameworks, Bluelight Commercial agreements or sole-supplier justification — avoiding fresh tenders for relatively low-value, standardised equipment.
Why Use a Framework
CCS frameworks pre-vet suppliers and terms, removing months from the procurement timetable. For commodity kit like Faraday bags, that overhead is rarely justified.
Relevant Agreements
Look at the active general goods, blue-light and security/forensics agreements. Coverage shifts as frameworks are renewed — check the CCS catalogue for current scope.
Direct Award vs Further Competition
If only one supplier on the lot offers the required specification, direct award may be valid. Where multiple do, run a further competition with weighted evaluation.
Documenting the Decision
Keep the contract notice, evaluation matrix and award rationale on file. Auditors and any future challenge will want to see how value for money was assessed.
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