It’s a familiar scenario. A major funding programme is announced, we alert the market, and suppliers are eager to take part. Yet, many quickly realise they can’t apply because they aren’t approved on the relevant Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS), Flexible Procurement System (FPS), or Framework. Without this prior approval, suppliers are excluded from the procurement.
So, how do you avoid missing out? By securing your place on these systems before the next tender opportunity is released.
What is a DPS/what is a Framework?
A DPS or Framework is a structured procurement route buyers use to pre-qualify suppliers ahead of the purchase of goods/services. It’s like a membership list: once you’re on it, you’ll be invited to bid when opportunities arise. Only suppliers on the list receive the tender notices and instructions for competing, so those not on the relevant DPS/Framework may never even be aware of the many significant funding opportunities out there.
For buyers, these DPS/Framework systems streamline procurement and cut down on lengthy tender exercises. For suppliers, they open doors to valuable contracts that wouldn’t otherwise be visible to the market.
DPS vs Framework – Key Differences
While both aim to build a trusted pool of pre-qualified suppliers, there are important distinctions:
- Joining process: DPSs usually have frequent opening windows, allowing new suppliers to apply throughout the year. Frameworks, on the other hand, have a limited application window.
- Supplier numbers: DPSs can accept unlimited suppliers, while Frameworks often cap participation at a pre-set number.
Supplier Benefits of Joining a DPS or Framework
Too many organisations miss out on lucrative opportunities simply because they aren’t registered. Being approved on a DPS or Framework doesn’t guarantee funding, but it does give you a seat at the table, and a much stronger chance of success compared to those locked out.
Approval also means you’ve already met the baseline compliance criteria, so you’re starting on a level playing field with other qualified providers rather than battling through an open-market competition with hundreds of rivals. You already know you’re eligible for the relevant competitions.
The Direction of Travel for DPSs and Frameworks
With changes like the Procurement Act already reshaping the market, DPSs and Frameworks still remain central to public procurement. In sectors such as Education and Skills, DPSs are fast becoming the standard route for commissioning services, covering Adult Education Budget, Skills Bootcamps, Apprenticeships, and more.
Examples of Current and Upcoming DPS/FPS/Framework Opportunities
There are many DPSs and Frameworks available in various sectors, so this article doesn’t provide an exhaustive list. We have chosen to focus on DPSs and Frameworks for Care and Education. Should you wish to hunt out any other DPS or Framework opportunities, you’re advised to register for our Bid Op website, an easy tender-sourcing platform that makes tender searching quick and easy: https://www.bid-op.com/.
- £250m London Borough of Haringey DPS for the Provision of Adults and Children’s Home Support Services – runs until 2035
- £250m London Borough of Haringey DPS for the Provision of Supported Living Services – runs until 2035
- £419m Somerset Homecare DPS – runs until 2034
- £82m West Sussex Supported Living Framework – runs until 2029
- £156m Leicestershire Supported Living DPS – runs until 2029
- £278m Rotherham Supported Living FPS – runs until 2029
- 4-year CCS Clinical & Non-Clinical Framework – anticipated to run until February 2031
- £1bn Greater Manchester Education, Work & Skills FPS – runs until 2030
- £40m+ West Midlands Adult Skills DPS – closes 2030
- £1m West Yorkshire Adult Skills DPS – closes 2033
- £7.5m Liverpool City Region Skills Bootcamps DPS – runs to 2027
- £280m NEMCA Adult Skills Framework – opens March & September, closes 2028
- £48m North Yorkshire Approved Provider List – closes 2029
How Bespoke Bids Can Help You
Applying for these systems can be time-consuming but missing out is costly. At Bespoke Bids, we take the pressure off. Our consultants prepare strong, compliant submissions to secure your place; once you’re approved, we can also support you with call-off bids to maximise your chances of winning contracts.
We’ve recently enhanced our service offering to guarantee our clients the success they deserve. Our Managed DPS Growth Service (DPSuccess) ensures you receive guaranteed DPS placement, meaning we’ll help you make any relevant improvements to your business and continue to apply until we secure your place. DPSuccess is about more than simply writing DPS applications, it’s about growing your business, partnering with you to identify areas of improvement so you can access additional revenue streams that will generate the R.O.I. you need.
📞 Get in touch about joining the right DPSs/Frameworks for your business and ask us for more information on DPSuccess: 0161 883 1836
