How do frameworks differ from DPS and how can suppliers join them?

The UK public sector spends over £300 billion annually on goods, services, and works, representing a colossal opportunity for suppliers. A wide range of public sector organisations—including government departments, local authorities, and publicly funded bodies—access specialized services and procurement frameworks to support their diverse operational needs. Yet, for many businesses—particularly SMEs or those new to government contracting—the route to accessing this spend can feel like a maze of acronyms and procedural hurdles. With the Procurement Act 2023 now fully in force as of February 2025, the landscape has shifted to become more transparent, but the fundamental questions remain: which route to market is right for your business?

Two of the most common vehicles you will encounter are Framework Agreements and Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS). While they share the same ultimate goal—helping the public sector buy efficiently—they operate on entirely different rules of engagement. Mistaking one for the other can lead to missed deadlines, wasted resources, or being locked out of a market for years.

In this guide, we’re going to explore exactly how frameworks and DPS differ, help you decide where to focus your bidding efforts, and walk you through the practical steps to getting your business on the list.

What is a procurement framework? Definition, purpose, and how they work

A procurement framework is essentially an ‘umbrella’ agreement between one or more contracting authorities (such as government or public sector entities) and one or more suppliers for the supply of goods and services. Its primary purpose is to set out the terms—such as price, quality standards, and scope of work—under which future contracts (known as ‘call-offs’) will be awarded during the life of the agreement. These specific contracts awarded under the framework are referred to as call off contracts, which follow the predefined conditions set out in the framework.

Think of a framework as a “closed shop” for a fixed period. Once the framework is awarded, the list of approved suppliers is generally locked. If you are on the list, you have the exclusive right to bid for the specific contracts that arise under that framework. If you miss the initial tender window, you cannot join until the framework expires and is re-tendered, which is typically every four years.

Frameworks are often divided into lots (e.g., Lot 1 for Construction, Lot 2 for Consultancy, or regional lots like ‘North West’). This structure is designed to help SMEs bid for specific areas of work without needing to service the entire contract. Frameworks are designed to facilitate procurement for public sector organisations by providing pre-qualified suppliers, and sector-specific frameworks are available for areas such as healthcare, education, and construction.

Frameworks can be used by all UK registered contracting authorities and public bodies, and can cover a wide range of goods and services.

What are framework agreements? Key terms suppliers must know

The framework agreement itself is the legal document that governs the relationship. It establishes the rules of the road but—and this is critical—it is rarely a guarantee of spend. Winning a place on a framework means you have a “ticket to the dance,” but you still have to wait to be asked to dance. Under the Procurement Act 2023, a framework is defined as a contract between a contracting authority and one or more suppliers that provides for the future award of contracts by a contracting authority to the supplier or suppliers.

Key elements of a framework agreement include:

• Duration: strictly limited (usually a maximum of four years under standard rules), ensuring the market is re-tested regularly.
• Call-off Mechanism: The rules for awarding specific contracts. This can be a Direct Award (picking a supplier based on pre-agreed terms) or a Mini-Competition (asking all capable suppliers on the framework to bid for the specific job). The framework must set out the competitive selection process and objective criteria for supplier selection, allowing contracting authorities to assess suppliers’ technical ability to perform the contract.
• Pricing: You will typically agree to maximum ceiling prices. You can lower these during a mini-competition, but you generally cannot raise them.

A contracting authority must ensure that the framework is suitable for the contract it intends to award, and the estimated value of the framework must be included in the tender notice and the framework itself, and must not be exceeded.

Need clarity on framework terms? Book a quick walkthrough with Delta eSourcing to see real examples of how buyers structure these agreements.

What is a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS)? An agile route to market

A Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) is a completely electronic system used to purchase commonly used goods, works, or services. Unlike a framework, a DPS is an open market.

Both frameworks and DPS are designed to help public sector buyers efficiently access suppliers, significantly reducing the time and resources required to find and vet suppliers.

The defining feature of a DPS is that it remains open to new suppliers throughout its entire duration. There is no “closed door.” If a DPS is live for five years, you can apply to join it in Year 1, Year 3, or even Month 59. As long as you meet the selection criteria (which are usually pass/fail compliance checks rather than a scored qualitative assessment), the buyer must admit you to the system.

Because of this flexibility, buyers use DPS for markets where the supplier base is large and changing, or where prices fluctuate frequently—such as commodity goods, minor building works, or temporary recruitment.

Key differences between frameworks and DPS suppliers should understand

Understanding the distinction between these two routes is vital for your go-to-market strategy. The differences dictate not just how you apply, but how you plan your resources for the year ahead.

• Admission Rules: Frameworks are fixed. You have one shot to get on board at the start. A DPS is continuous; you can apply at any time.
• Evaluation Focus: For a framework, the heavy lifting happens at the start. You are evaluated on your capability, quality, and price before you get on. Frameworks use a transparent process for supplier selection, ensuring fairness and openness. In some cases, further competition is not required for awarding call-off contracts, as the initial framework or call-off contract award is sufficient under certain procedural rules. For a DPS, the entry stage is lighter—mostly checking you are financially stable and compliant. The real competition happens later, during the specific call-off tenders.
• Timelines: A framework rejection means waiting years for the next opportunity. A DPS rejection can often be fixed; if you failed because of a missing insurance document, you can fix it and re-apply immediately.

By using frameworks, public sector organizations can focus more on their core activities rather than spending excessive time on procurement processes.

Framework vs DPS decision checklist for suppliers

Not sure where to invest your bid writing capacity? Use this checklist to decide:

1. Is your product/service highly specialised or strategic?
   • Lean towards Frameworks. Buyers often want a stable, vetted partner list for complex projects.
2. Is your product “commonly available” or a commodity?
   • Lean towards DPS. This is exactly what DPS was designed for.
3. Did you miss the initial tender deadline?
   • Framework: You’re too late. Look for sub-contracting opportunities instead.
   • DPS: Apply now. You can be admitted within weeks.
4. Do you have the resource to bid repeatedly?
   • DPS: Be aware that being on a DPS means you will receive many invitations to tender (mini-competitions). You need a team ready to respond to these quickly.

Not sure which route suits your offer? Speak to Delta eSourcing for tailored guidance on finding the right opportunities—including resources like the LGBT Action Plan Explained.

How to join frameworks: steps, documents, and deadlines

Joining a framework is a high-stakes, deadline-driven process. Since the window of opportunity is small, preparation is everything.

1. Discovery: You must identify the framework opportunity before or as soon as it is published. Using a tool like Delta eSourcing to track “Prior Information Notices” (PINs) can give you a heads-up months in advance.
2. The Tender Documents: Once the Contract Notice is live, you will have a fixed period (often 30 days or more) to submit your response.
3. The Standard Selection Questionnaire (SQ): This is the “backward-looking” part of the bid. You must prove your past experience, financial health, and compliance.
4. The Invitation to Tender (ITT): This is the “forward-looking” part. You will answer detailed technical questions about how you will deliver the service and provide your pricing schedule.

Eligibility and pre-qualification (SQ/PQQ) essentials

The Selection Questionnaire (often called the SQ or PQQ) is the first hurdle. Buyers are looking for pass/fail evidence in three main areas:

• Part 1: Supplier Information: Basic company details, bidding model (consortium/sub-contracting), and directorships.
• Part 2: Exclusion Grounds: Confirming you haven’t been convicted of fraud, bribery, or tax evasion.
• Part 3: Selection Criteria: This includes Economic and Financial Standing (turnover thresholds, insurance levels) and Technical Ability (relevant case studies, staff qualifications).

Tip: Under the new procurement landscape, buyers often allow you to “self-declare” that you meet these criteria during the bid, only asking for the physical evidence (like insurance certificates) if you are identified as the winner. However, you must have the evidence ready to go.

Use Delta eSourcing’s supplier workspace to organise SQ documents and never miss a deadline.

How to join a DPS: continuous admission and onboarding

Joining a DPS is less about “winning” and more about “qualifying.” The pressure of a strict deadline is removed, but the need for compliance remains.

1. Find the DPS: Search for DPS categories relevant to your sector.
2. Submit the Request to Participate: You will complete an online questionnaire similar to the SQ mentioned above. You usually don’t need to provide pricing at this stage.
3. Wait for Assessment: Under the regulations, buyers must assess your application within 10 working days (extendable to 15 in justified cases).
4. Admission: If you pass, you are admitted to the system. You will then start receiving alerts for specific contract opportunities in your category.

Public sector customers use DPS and frameworks to efficiently access a wide range of support services for their diverse needs, including housing, education, and emergency services.

Ongoing application and onboarding best practices

The unique challenge of a DPS is maintenance. Because the system is live for years, your documents must remain valid. If your £5m Public Liability Insurance expires in Year 2, the system (or the buyer) may suspend you until you upload the new certificate.

• Refresh your data: Set reminders for insurance and accreditation renewals.
• Monitor categories: Buyers sometimes add new categories to a DPS. Check back to see if you can apply for additional lots.
• Be ready to bid: Admission is just step one. The real work starts when the “Call for Competition” emails land in your inbox. These often have short turnaround times (minimum 10 days), so your bid team needs to be agile.

Register on Delta eSourcing to get alerts for new DPS categories and live call-offs.

Benefits and risks for suppliers: frameworks vs DPS

Both routes offer advantages, but they carry different risk profiles for your business.

Frameworks offer the benefit of predictability. If you win a place, you are part of a select group. Frameworks also provide access to an extensive range of opportunities and services for suppliers. The competition is limited to the other framework suppliers, giving you a higher statistical chance of winning call-offs. Winning a framework contract can provide more opportunities to bid for relevant government tenders against a select pool of suppliers. However, the risk is the “all or nothing” nature of the application. If you invest huge resources into the bid and fail, you are locked out for four years.

DPS offers the benefit of flexibility and access. It levels the playing field for SMEs who might not have been ready when a framework was first launched. The barriers to entry are lower. However, the risk is competition volume. Because admission is open, a popular DPS might have hundreds of suppliers in one category. When a contract comes out, you might be bidding against 50 other companies, making it harder to stand out.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Bidding for everything: On a DPS, you might get invited to everything in your category. Do not bid on opportunities you cannot win just to “show willing.” It wastes your time and irritates the buyer.
• Generic Content: Using copy-paste answers in mini-competitions is a recipe for failure. Even though the timeline is short, you must tailor your answer to the specific project.
• Missing the “Access Code”: Sometimes DPS invites come via email to a specific person. If that person leaves your company, you miss the bid. Ensure your email contact details are always up to date on the platform.

Where to find a list of public sector procurement frameworks (and how to assess fit)

Since the introduction of the new central digital platform and the Enhanced Find a Tender Service (FTS), visibility has improved. All regulated opportunities—including the establishment of frameworks and DPS—must be published on Find a Tender.

Central government departments, government departments, and central government are among the primary users of procurement frameworks. The framework agreements created by the government ensure the supply of goods and services across a range of departments.

However, manually trawling these sites is inefficient. Assessing fit requires looking at the estimated value, the lot structure, and the buyer usage. Just because a framework is worth £500m doesn’t mean you will see that revenue; you need to know who is buying through it.

Set up saved searches and alerts in Delta eSourcing to track upcoming framework opportunities by lot and category.

How Delta eSourcing simplifies framework and DPS access for suppliers

Navigating these two routes requires more than just bid writing skills; it requires rigorous administration. This is where Delta eSourcing acts as your force multiplier.

Delta is not just a portal for finding notices; it is a workflow management tool designed to mitigate the risks we’ve discussed.

• Supplier Profile & SID: By completing your Supplier Profile on Delta, you become visible in the Supplier Information Database (SID) used by buyers to scout the market. More importantly, Delta operates on a “tell us once” logic. When you respond to a notice that uses the standard questionnaire, the system can pre-populate your answers based on your profile. This saves hours of repetitive data entry, allowing you to focus on the technical questions.
• Response Manager: Delta’s Response Manager guides you through a clear three-stage process: Download Docs -> Create Response -> Review & Submit. The system validates your entry, highlighting mandatory fields you’ve missed with a “red cross” and confirming readiness with a “green tick.” This prevents the heartbreak of a non-compliant bid.
• Audit & Messaging: All clarifications are handled via the secure Message Centre, ensuring you have a full audit trail of what was asked and answered—crucial for potential challenges later.

Start today on Delta eSourcing — create your supplier account and book a demo

Compliance, documentation, and bid quality: what wins places and call-offs

Whether it’s a Framework or a DPS, compliance is the gatekeeper. To ensure you can respond quickly to mini-competitions, you should build a Bid Library.

This should contain:

• Up-to-date Certificates: ISO 9001, Cyber Essentials, Insurance.
• Policy Documents: ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), Modern Slavery, Data Protection, and Health & Safety.
• Case Studies: A bank of “ready-to-go” project examples, tagged by sector and value.

When responding to quality criteria, focus on evidence. Don’t just say you “ensure quality”; explain the specific methodology, the tools you use, and the outcome. In a mini-competition, the buyer wants to know how you will solve their specific problem, not just that you are a good company in general.

Next steps for suppliers: a 30–60–90 day plan to secure framework/DPS positions

If you are ready to get serious about public sector frameworks and DPS, here is your action plan:

• 30 Days (Audit & Readiness): Register on Delta eSourcing and complete your Supplier Profile. Audit your internal documents—do you have the policies and accounts ready for a standard SQ? Set up your tender alerts.
• 60 Days (The “Quick Win”): Identify a relevant DPS. Because these are open, you don’t have to wait. Prepare your application and submit it. Aim to get admitted and receive your first “call for competition.”
• 90 Days (The Strategic Goal): Look at the pipeline. Identify a major framework due for renewal in the next 6-12 months. Start your “pre-market engagement” now. Attend buyer days, read the PIN notices, and begin shaping your solution to match what the buyer will need. Understand the procurement cycle to better align your efforts.

Get moving now — create your supplier profile and set up opportunity alerts on Delta eSourcing. Book a call to map your target frameworks and DPS today.