The award decisions for Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7 (DOS7) landed recently, and we have some brilliant news to share. Every one of the seven clients Thornton & Lowe supported was awarded a place on the framework. Even better, all seven scored 100% on the technical question element.
Technical questions are often where framework applications are won or lost. That’s why 100% across all seven clients is so significant. A perfect score across every client reflects what we focus on every day: clear, compliant answers that make it easy for evaluators to award marks, backed by the right evidence.
This was an amazing result for our clients and our bid team, and a proud moment for everyone at Thornton & Lowe.
What is DOS7?
Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7 (DOS7) is a Crown Commercial Service framework that helps public sector organisations buy digital, data and technology services. It covers things like digital delivery and outcomes, and access to specialist roles across areas such as development, design, delivery, data and security.
For suppliers, being awarded a place on DOS7 is a key route into public sector work. It creates a straightforward way for buyers to find and procure capable suppliers, and it gives suppliers a credible platform to compete for opportunities.
Our DOS7 success: perfect technical scores across every supported client
Thornton & Lowe worked with seven clients on their bids for DOS7. When the award decision was announced at the end of January 2026, all seven won a place on the framework. More impressive still, all seven bids received a score of 100% on the technical questions asked.
Behind those numbers is a simple point: when your bid writing is tight, evidence-led and built around what evaluators need to see, high scores follow.
Why we achieved such strong outcomes
There’s no single trick to framework success. Strong results come from getting the fundamentals right, then applying them consistently across every answer. Our team brings structure, clarity and control to the process, so technical responses are easy to evaluate and hard to mark down.
Clear, straightforward answers
Technical responses score best when they are direct, well-structured and easy to follow. We write with the evaluator in mind, so the most important information is in the right place and easy to assess.
Specific evidence, not general claims
High marks come from showing, not telling. We help clients use relevant examples, outcomes and delivery detail that match what the framework is assessing, so the claims are backed up properly.
Strong compliance and quality control
Framework submissions can fall down on small errors or missed details. We build in checks for compliance, clarity and consistency, so the final response stays within the rules and reads cleanly.
A proven approach and an experienced team
Our strength is the combination of an experienced team and a method that keeps the work organised and on track. That includes the right input sessions, structured drafting, and robust review. It is the kind of joined-up support that makes a real difference, especially on frameworks where the scoring is tight.
What this means if you are planning your next bid
DOS7 is one part of a wider pipeline of digital and technology opportunities. If you deliver digital services or provide specialist capability, the key is to plan early and treat each framework as a scoring exercise, not a marketing exercise.
That is where good bidding discipline pays off: understanding what the buyer is asking for, mapping evidence to the criteria, and making it simple for evaluators to award marks.
Upcoming opportunities to keep on your radar
If you are looking ahead, there are other major routes to market worth tracking and planning for, depending on your sector and offer.
Other CCS frameworks expected to open for applications in 2026 include Mobile Voice and Data Services 2, Network Services 4, and Public Sector Software Solutions.
Meanwhile, there are also dynamic purchasing systems, which companies can apply to join during the entire length of the agreement. Examples include Spark DPS, Cyber Security Services 3, and Quality Assurance and Testing for IT Systems 2.
No matter which opportunity is right for you, Thornton & Lowe can help. We provide bid writing services for IT, digital and technology tenders, as well as supporting across a wide range of sectors. We can help you to assess your bid readiness, provide expert training or extra capacity, and help you to secure your next win.
Ready to improve your framework scores?
If you are preparing for a framework application, a reapplication, or a major procurement, we can support with bid writing, full bid management, and independent reviews. Get in touch to talk through your next opportunity and how we can help you submit a clearer, stronger response.
