Transparency Notice for extension to Cabinet Office Call Off from Independent Shared Service Centre 2 (ISSC2 Framework)

Description

This notice signals the intention of the Cabinet Office to make a direct award to Shared Services Connected Limited (SSCL) to extend the Call-Off Contract held under the ISSC2 Framework for up to an additional 18 months. The extension is required to secure the continued provision of business-critical back-office operations, including human resources, finance and accounts, payroll and procurement to maintain operational continuity while transitioning services to replacement service providers under the Matrix programme. The direct award is justified under Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act 2023 due to technical constraints and the absence of competition for technical reasons, as an interim supplier would cause severe technical incompatibility, service disruption, and substantial duplication of costs.