The Communications Marketplace DPS is an important route to market for agencies that want to win public sector work across marketing, communications, creative services, recruitment advertising and events. Managed by Crown Commercial Service (CCS), the DPS is available to UK central government bodies, the wider public sector and charities, giving approved suppliers access to a broad range of future call-off opportunities. The current notice confirms that the agreement has been extended until 23 February 2029.
For agencies looking to build or expand a public sector client base, this is worth paying attention to. Unlike a traditional framework, a DPS remains open to new suppliers over time, which means businesses do not have to wait years for a framework to reopen before they can seek entry. That makes it a more flexible option for agencies that are ready to compete for public sector work but were not part of the original supplier pool.
What the DPS covers
The Communications Marketplace DPS supports the provision of a wide range of services, including marketing, communications, creative services, recruitment advertising and events. This broad scope makes it relevant to both full-service agencies and specialist providers with strength in a particular area. Depending on your offer, that could include campaign delivery, strategic communications support, audience engagement, digital creative, media-related services or event support.
The live agreement page describes the DPS as a marketplace designed to help UK government and public sector bodies run public service campaigns. That means suppliers need to think carefully about relevance, public sector fit and their ability to deliver measurable outcomes in regulated and accountable environments.
Key facts
- Agreement: RM6124 Communications Marketplace DPS
- Managed by: Crown Commercial Service
- Available to: UK central government, wider public sector organisations and charities
- Scope: Marketing, communications, creative services, recruitment advertising and events
- Status: Open to supplier applications through the DPS system
- Current end date: 23 February 2029
Why this matters for suppliers
The value of a DPS like this is not just in getting onto the supplier list. It is in creating access to future public sector opportunities over a longer period. Once admitted, suppliers can be considered for relevant call-off opportunities that match their capabilities and categories.
That is particularly useful for agencies that want a more sustainable route into public sector work. Instead of approaching each opportunity in isolation, suppliers can use DPS admission as part of a broader bidding strategy. It can also suit specialist agencies that want to target work where their expertise is genuinely relevant rather than competing across a broad, closed framework structure.
At the same time, suppliers should not assume that a DPS is an easy route in. Buyers still expect strong evidence, relevant case studies, clear pricing and confidence that agencies can deliver within public sector expectations around governance, accessibility, transparency and value for money.
How to strengthen your position
- Match your evidence to your service offer: Focus on case studies and examples that show clear relevance to the types of communications support public sector buyers are likely to need.
- Show public sector readiness: Make sure your submission reflects the practical issues buyers care about, including accessibility, governance, reporting, value for money and reliable delivery.
How Thornton & Lowe can help
Thornton & Lowe supports agencies bidding for public sector opportunities, including frameworks and DPS agreements as well as wider bid writing support. For an opportunity like the Communications Marketplace DPS, that can include helping you assess fit, strengthen your supplier application, improve written responses and position your business more clearly for future call-off opportunities.
For agencies that want to grow in the public sector, the Communications Marketplace DPS offers a practical and ongoing route to market. The key is to treat it as a strategic opportunity and prepare your application accordingly.
