G-Cloud 14 is the current iteration of the Crown Commercial Service's cloud services procurement framework. It covers software (SaaS), platform (PaaS), hosting (IaaS), and specialist cloud support services — which is where geospatial data architecture engagements sit.
ActiveSense is listed on G-Cloud under Lot 3: Cloud Support. This article explains how public sector buyers can use the framework to procure geospatial data architecture, GIS platform design, and spatial data infrastructure work.
Is G-Cloud the right route?
G-Cloud is appropriate for geospatial engagements that are primarily consultancy, architecture, or managed service in nature — not construction or civil engineering. The framework works well for:
- →Spatial data infrastructure design and implementation (PostGIS, GeoServer, QGIS Server)
- →Geospatial data migration and ETL pipeline development
- →GIS platform architecture review and redesign
- →Metadata audit and GEMINI 2.3 compliance programmes
- →Open data portal configuration and GeoNetwork deployment
- →Geospatial data quality assessment and CDM design
- →MapLibre or Leaflet web mapping application development
Writing the call-off specification
The most common mistake in G-Cloud geospatial call-offs is specifying outputs (a PostGIS database, a QGIS project) rather than outcomes (utility asset data accessible to operations teams within 24 hours of survey completion, with full provenance metadata).
A well-scoped geospatial architecture call-off should specify: the current state of the data (formats, volumes, CRS, update frequency); the target state (platform, access methods, user types); mandatory standards compliance (GEMINI 2.3, OGC API, CRS requirements); and acceptance criteria with measurable thresholds.
SCOPE TIP
Include a data discovery and assessment phase (typically 2-4 weeks) as a separate call-off line item. Most geospatial projects discover scope changes in the first month that would have been caught in a structured assessment.
Evaluating suppliers on the Digital Marketplace
G-Cloud suppliers self-certify their capabilities and pricing on the Digital Marketplace. For geospatial services, the written service description is the primary differentiator — look for:
- →Named open-source stack experience (PostGIS version, GeoServer, QGIS, MapLibre GL JS)
- →Specific public sector geospatial project references with named clients and outcomes
- →Explicit mention of UK spatial standards: GEMINI 2.3, INSPIRE, OSGB36/ETRS89
- →CDM 2015 awareness for any utility or infrastructure data work
- →WCAG 2.2 AA compliance track record for any public-facing map products
- →Understanding of NUAR and utility strike avoidance data flows
Pricing and day rates
Geospatial data architecture is priced on G-Cloud by day rate or fixed deliverable. Typical market rates for senior geospatial architects (5+ years, government-cleared) on G-Cloud 14 range from £700 to £1,200 per day. Full-stack geospatial development (PostGIS + web mapping) ranges from £600 to £1,000 per day.
Fixed-price engagements (e.g. a GEMINI 2.3 audit and remediation programme) provide budget certainty and are appropriate where scope is well-defined. Time-and-materials is appropriate for architecture phases where the scope will evolve based on data discovery findings.
The direct award vs further competition decision
Contracts under £100,000 can be directly awarded to a G-Cloud supplier without running a further competition. Contracts above £100,000 require a formal mini-competition using the Digital Marketplace further competition mechanism.
For most geospatial architecture engagements, the direct award threshold is a practical option — particularly for bounded scope work like a data model review, a metadata compliance programme, or a proof-of-concept platform build. Buyers should document their selection rationale even for direct awards.
ActiveSense on G-Cloud
ActiveSense is available through G-Cloud 14 for geospatial data architecture, GIS platform design, spatial data infrastructure, and open data technical consultancy. We hold experience across Defra, offshore energy, and infrastructure sectors.
To discuss a G-Cloud engagement, contact us via the form below or search "ActiveSense" on the Digital Marketplace.
Soheil Sotoodeh
Principal Geospatial Data Architect
ESRI Advanced & Enhanced Certified · PMP · 12+ years geospatial data architecture
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ActiveSense provides architecture reviews, CDM/LDM/PDM design, GEMINI 2.3 compliance programmes, and NUAR advisory across public sector and energy clients. Available via G-Cloud.