Government signs new strategic agreement with Microsoft to boost digital transformation

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has unveiled a new MoU with Microsoft, replacing the previous Digital Transformation Arrangement 21 (DTA21).

Known as the Strategic Partnership Arrangement 2024 (SPA24), this agreement will be effective from 1 November 2024 and aims to deliver enhanced value across Microsoft’s portfolio to eligible public sector organisations, regardless of their size or procurement route.

The UK Government's digital transformation efforts, including initiatives like the National Data Strategy, the Cloud First Policy, and the One Government Cloud Strategy, are reinforced by the introduction of SPA24. It aligns with these policies by offering all public sector organisations improved access to digital tools and services essential for delivering modern, efficient public services.

According to Roger Gonourie, Chief Commercial Officer at CCS, “This agreement will support eligible public sector organisations to pursue their digital transformation and innovation ambitions by enabling them to benefit from leveraging the size and scale of the UK public sector.”

He added that this move underscores CCS's commitment to providing maximum commercial value and removing barriers to growth across the public sector.

The announcement also outlines CCS’s plan to run aggregated competitions via resellers, aiming to maximise value for money on Microsoft products and services. The summer 2025 aggregation is already open for registrations until 29 November 2024.

Public sector organisations can use any compliant procurement route to benefit from SPA24, with CCS recommending the use of the Technology Products and Associated Services 2 (RM6098) agreement, though alternative routes are also acceptable depending on individual needs.

This new agreement offers public sector DDaT teams significant opportunities to continue their transformation journeys with greater support, flexibility, and competitive pricing.

For more information or advice on using SPA24, public sector organisations are encouraged to contact the CCS helpdesk, quoting ‘Microsoft SPA24.’