Framework vs DPS: choosing the right procurement route for your business

The strategic choice that determines your pipeline

Choosing between Framework Agreements and Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) isn’t just procedural — it’s strategic. The route you target determines:

• Contract access: What opportunities you can bid for
• Competition level: How many rivals you’ll face
• Relationship depth: One-off vs ongoing commissioner relationship
• Investment return: Setup cost vs long-term pipeline value

This guide explains both routes, helps you choose, and shows how to win once you’re in.

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What are Framework Agreements?

Definition

A Framework Agreement establishes pre-approved suppliers who can bid for specific contracts (call-offs) without a full tender process each time. Think of it as a preferred supplier list.

Key characteristics

• Duration: Typically 2-4 years, sometimes with extension options
• Supplier numbers: Limited (often 3-8 providers per lot)
• Contract value: Pre-estimated total value disclosed upfront
• Geography: Usually defined area (LA, region, or national)
• Scope: Specific service types clearly defined

How call-offs work

Once on the framework:

1. Direct award: For low-value work, commissioners may directly select a supplier
2. Mini-competition: For higher-value work, 2-5 framework suppliers compete
3. Reference back: If original need changes, may return to full market

Example: Supported Living Framework

• Framework: West Midlands Supported Living Providers (2024-2028)
• Lots: Learning Disabilities, Mental Health, Autism, Complex Needs
• Suppliers per lot: 4-6 providers
• Call-off method: Mini-competition for packages > £100K/year
• Typical call-off: 2-4 framework suppliers invited, 2-week turnaround

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What are Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS)?

Definition

A DPS is an ongoing, open system where new suppliers can join at any time. It’s a living supplier list with no fixed supplier limit.

Key characteristics

• Duration: Usually 4 years, sometimes longer
• Supplier numbers: Unlimited — new suppliers can join throughout
• Contract value: Uncapped — grows as needs emerge
• Geography: Often regional or national scope
• Categories: Broader categories than frameworks

How call-offs work

1. Continuous admission: Suppliers can join any time (typically quarterly admission rounds)
2. Specification published: Commissioner describes need
3. All qualified DPS suppliers invited: May be 20-50+ suppliers
4. Competition: Full tender process but streamlined

Example: Domiciliary Care DPS

• DPS: London Boroughs Adult Social Care DPS (2023-2027)
• Categories: Domiciliary Care, Supported Living, Respite, Day Services
• Current suppliers: 180+ across all categories
• Call-off method: All qualified DPS suppliers in relevant category invited to compete
• Typical competition: 15-30 suppliers, 3-week turnaround

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Framework vs DPS: The comparison

Factor	Framework Agreement	Dynamic Purchasing System
Supplier limit	Fixed (3-8 typical)	Unlimited (can be 100+)
Admission	One-time at start	Continuous — join anytime
Competition intensity	Lower (fewer rivals per call-off)	Higher (more suppliers invited)
Setup effort	High (full tender to get on)	Medium (streamlined admission)
Call-off speed	Fast (mini-competitions 1-2 weeks)	Slower (full tender process 3-4 weeks)
Pipeline visibility	Clear (pre-estimated values)	Uncertain (emerges over time)
Relationship building	Strong (repeated interactions)	Variable (may be one-off)
Price pressure	Lower (fewer competitors)	Higher (many competitors)
Innovation	Moderate (set at framework award)	Higher (new suppliers bring ideas)
Risk	Medium (locked out for years if miss)	Lower (can join anytime)

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Which should you target?

Choose Frameworks if:

You’re established with strong evidence: Frameworks are competitive to join. You need:

• Track record in the sector (2+ years)
• Strong outcomes data
• Excellent CQC ratings
• Capacity to deliver at scale

You want relationship depth: Frameworks suit providers seeking:

• Long-term partnerships with commissioners
• Repeat work and contract extensions
• Co-design opportunities
• Strategic influence

You can commit resources: Framework applications are substantial:

• 4-8 week application process
• Extensive evidence requirements
• Detailed policies and procedures
• Interview/presentation stages (sometimes)

Your specialism fits lots: Frameworks work well when:

• You fit clearly into defined lots
• Your geography matches the framework area
• Your service type is explicitly listed

Choose DPS if:

You’re growing or new to sector: DPS suits providers who:

• Are building track record
• Want to prove capability
• Missed framework entry window
• Need pipeline access fast

You prefer flexibility: DPS advantages for:

• Testing new service areas
• Entering new geographies
• Scaling capacity gradually
• Pivoting service models

You can compete on speed: DPS call-offs require:

• Rapid response capability (2-3 weeks typical)
• Streamlined tender processes
• Good evidence library
• Flexible operations

Your specialism is niche: DPS works when:

• You don’t fit standard framework lots
• You offer innovative/unusual services
• Frameworks exclude your service type
• You’re the only/sub-only provider

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How to get on a Framework

Phase 1: Pre-qualification (SQ/PQQ)

Most frameworks require pre-qualification covering:

Mandatory exclusions:

• No bankruptcy/insolvency proceedings
• No criminal convictions (relevant offences)
• No tax violations
• No grave professional misconduct
• No conflict of interest

Economic/financial:

• Turnover minimums (often £250K-£500K for lots)
• Financial accounts (last 2 years)
• Insurance levels (typically £5M-£10M)
• Economic standing (credit checks acceptable)

Technical/capacity:

• CQC registration (current, correct categories)
• Relevant experience (contracts delivered, references)
• Quality systems (accreditations, audit results)
• Capacity (evidence you can scale to framework needs)

Writing the SQ:

• Answer exactly what’s asked — no more, no less
• Use evidence: “We have delivered [X] contracts in [Y] years”
• Attach everything requested: missing attachment = disqualification
• Check word counts rigorously

Phase 2: Invitation to Tender (ITT)

If you pass SQ, you’re invited to quality tender:

Typical quality questions:

1. Service delivery methodology (25%)
2. Workforce management (20%)
3. Quality assurance (20%)
4. Safeguarding and risk (20%)
5. Innovation/social value (15%)

Pricing: Frameworks often require:

• Day/hourly rates for each staff category
• Fixed prices for specific service packages
• Transparency on inflation/adjustment mechanisms

Evaluation:

• 60-70% quality, 30-40% price typical
• Only top 4-8 suppliers appointed per lot
• May include interview/presentation

Phase 3: Award and mobilisation

Framework award:

• Standstill period (10 days)
• Contract signature
• Onboarding/orientation with commissioner

Initial mobilisation:

• Systems integration (reporting, invoicing)
• Staff briefing on framework expectations
• Evidence preparation for first call-offs
• Relationship building with framework managers

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How to get on a DPS

Phase 1: Admission round

DPS typically have quarterly admission windows. Process:

Submission:

• Simplified SQ (lighter than framework SQ)
• Basic insurance/financial checks
• CQC verification
• Service description

Evaluation:

• Pass/fail (not scored)
• Meet minimum = admitted
• No limit on numbers

Timeline:

• Typically 4-6 weeks from submission to admission
• Can join anytime during DPS lifetime

Phase 2: First call-off competition

The key difference: Being on DPS is not the same as winning work. You compete for every call-off.

Call-off process:

1. Commissioner publishes specification
2. All relevant DPS suppliers notified (may be 20-50+)
3. Short submission window (typically 10-15 working days)
4. Full tender evaluation (quality + price)
5. Award to highest-scoring supplier

Why DPS call-offs are demanding:

• High competition (15-30 suppliers common)
• Compressed timelines
• Need rapid response capability
• Price pressure from many competitors

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Winning mini-competitions (Frameworks)

What is a mini-competition?

When a commissioner needs services, they invite 2-5 framework suppliers to submit focused tenders. Faster than a full tender, but still competitive.

Mini-competition characteristics

• Timeline: 5-15 working days typical
• Scope: Specific service package, not whole framework
• Questions: 3-6 focused questions (not full methodology)
• Evaluation: Quality + price, usually 60/40 or 70/30

How to win mini-competitions

1. Framework preparation pays off Your framework application created:

• Reusable policy evidence
• Case study library
• Standard responses
• Team familiarity with commissioner

2. Speed matters Mini-competitions move fast. Have ready:

• Template responses for common questions
• Current case studies (updated monthly)
• Latest KPIs and outcomes
• Flexible pricing models

3. Relationship building Between call-offs:

• Attend framework meetings
• Respond to commissioner’s queries promptly
• Share good news (awards, innovations)
• Be visible and engaged

4. Question focus Mini-competition questions are specific. Answer exactly what’s asked:

• “How will you staff this 8-bed service?” → Staffing plan, not generic methodology
• “What’s your approach to challenging behaviour?” → PBS strategy, not all safeguarding

5. Pricing strategy Mini-competitions are price-competitive but not a race to the bottom:

• Know your floor (can’t afford to lose money)
• Understand what the commissioner values (not always cheapest)
• Build in efficiency gains (framework volume = economies of scale)

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Winning DPS call-offs

The DPS challenge

With 20-50 competitors, differentiation matters. Strategies:

1. Specialisation Don’t compete on everything. Focus DPS categories where you excel:

• Complex needs (not generic)
• Specific geographies (know the area)
• Particular cohorts (young adults, forensic history, etc.)

2. Speed and responsiveness Develop systems for rapid DPS response:

• Evidence library always current
• Bid/no-bid decision in 24 hours
• Response drafting in 3-5 days
• Quality assurance in 2 days

3. Innovation DPS commissioners often look for fresh approaches:

• New service models
• Technology integration
• Co-production with service users
• Different staffing structures

4. Local knowledge For local authority DPS:

• Demonstrate area knowledge
• Show existing local relationships
• Reference local providers you partner with
• Understand local demographics and needs

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Real-world scenarios

Scenario 1: New domiciliary care provider

Situation: 2 years old, 30 staff, CQC Good, limited tender experience

Recommendation: Target DPS first

• Join multiple local authority DPS (admission easier than frameworks)
• Build track record through DPS call-offs
• Develop tender expertise and evidence library
• Apply for frameworks in Year 3 with proven experience

Scenario 2: Established supported living provider

Situation: 8 years old, 150 staff, CQC Outstanding, strong outcomes

Recommendation: Prioritise Frameworks

• Framework entry establishes market position
• Repeat mini-competitions build sustainable pipeline
• Relationship depth enables strategic influence
• Use DPS for overflow or new geography testing

Scenario 3: Specialist mental health provider

Situation: Forensic/complex needs, small scale (40 staff), highly specialised

Recommendation: Mixed approach

• Frameworks for specialist lots (lower competition)
• DPS for broader categories (prove capability)
• Direct marketing to commissioners (bypass procurement for small packages)

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Common mistakes to avoid

Framework mistakes

Mistake 1: Applying without capacity Getting on framework is not the same as delivering. Don’t overcommit. Better to be on fewer frameworks and win a high percentage than spread thin and fail.

Mistake 2: Ignoring mini-competitions Framework membership is useless if you don’t win call-offs. Invest in mini-competition capability.

Mistake 3: Static evidence Frameworks last 4 years. Update your evidence quarterly: new case studies, current KPIs, latest policies.

DPS mistakes

Mistake 1: Joining but not competing Many join DPS, win nothing, and wonder why. DPS requires active competition for every call-off.

Mistake 2: Generic responses With 30 competitors, generic loses. Every DPS response needs differentiation and local relevance.

Mistake 3: Pricing race-to-bottom Don’t cut prices unsustainably to win DPS. You’ll deliver poor service and damage your reputation.

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Practical implementation

Your framework/DPS strategy

Step 1: Audit current position

• Which frameworks are you on?
• What’s your mini-competition win rate?
• Which DPS have you joined?
• What’s your DPS call-off success?

Step 2: Map opportunities

• Identify 3-5 target frameworks (realistic for your profile)
• Identify 5-10 relevant DPS
• Note admission windows and timelines

Step 3: Build capability

• Create mini-competition response templates
• Maintain current evidence library
• Develop rapid DPS response process
• Train team on framework procedures

Step 4: Execute systematically

• Prioritise high-value frameworks
• Join DPS as admission windows open
• Track and review performance quarterly

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When to seek specialist support

Framework and DPS applications are specialist work:

Framework support:

• Complex SQ completion
• Quality tender writing for entry
• Interview/presentation preparation
• Evidence organisation

Mini-competition support:

• Rapid response drafting
• Pricing strategy
• Quality assurance
• Submission management

DPS support:

• Admission applications
• Call-off response drafting
• Evidence library development
• Win-rate improvement

Our Framework & DPS service helps providers access these routes and win ongoing work.

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