“What is the G-Cloud framework?” is a common question for anyone selling to — or buying AI within — the UK public sector. Here’s a clear explanation for 2026, cited to official sources. (dgm implements osFoundry as an independent partner. General information, not procurement advice.)

What G-Cloud is

G-Cloud is a Crown Commercial Service (CCS) procurement framework that lets UK public-sector bodies buy cloud-based and digital services through a pre-established agreement — without running a full competitive tender each time. Suppliers list their services against the framework’s lots, and buyers search and purchase via the Digital Marketplace. It exists to make public-sector digital buying faster and more standardised.

Where AI fits

AI and cloud-hosted software are commonly procured through G-Cloud’s lots. For a public body that wants to adopt an AI capability, G-Cloud is often the quickest compliant route — which is why it matters for both buyers and AI suppliers. It sits within the broader Procurement Act 2023 regime (live since ~February 2025).

What G-Cloud doesn’t remove

A key point: G-Cloud streamlines the buying mechanism, but it doesn’t remove the substantive AI obligations. Public-sector AI still needs to:

  • align with the AI Playbook principles;
  • support an ATRS transparency record where required;
  • respect data protection (UK GDPR) and the Public Sector Equality Duty; and
  • maintain human oversight.

So “we’re on G-Cloud” speeds procurement but doesn’t replace getting the AI itself right. (See our guides on selling AI to the UK public sector and ATRS.)

For suppliers

Getting onto G-Cloud is a commercial/procurement process — applying during an open framework iteration and listing services against the relevant lots. It’s worth working with a public-sector procurement specialist to list and bid effectively. What you list still has to satisfy the AI Playbook and transparency expectations once a body buys it.

Where osFoundry and dgm fit

dgm builds AI that meets the substantive public-sector requirements — transparency and explainability, audit logging, human oversight, and data control (self-hosting in the body’s own cloud or an EU region; osFoundry publishes US/EU/JP regions, not a UK one). That’s what makes an AI capability deployable once a body procures it via G-Cloud.

dgm is an independent integration partner with zero integrations so far, and not a procurement adviser. Framework listing and bidding is a separate commercial process. To scope a public-sector-ready AI project, book a consultation with dgm.