NHS London Procurement Partnership (NHS LPP) is conducting a second round of pre-market engagement for the new Digital Office and Transformation Solutions (DOTS) framework. The contracting authority is Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, which hosts NHS LPP. The framework has an estimated value of £735 million excluding VAT and £882 million including VAT, with contract dates running from 1 February 2027 to 29 September 2034.
DOTS will replace the current DDS framework and broaden the scope beyond traditional document solutions into digital, operational and transformational technologies and services. The engagement deadline is 3 July 2026. If you are considering responding, Thornton & Lowe can help assess your fit and shape your engagement response.
What the DOTS Framework Covers
The notice describes DOTS as a flexible, future-facing route to market for NHS and wider public sector organisations adopting technologies and services that support operational transformation. The scope includes:
- Operational transformation and workflow optimisation
- Automation and AI-enabled solutions
- Digital document management
- Analytics and business intelligence
- Infrastructure modernisation
- Enterprise-wide digital strategies
- Office-support services, software, IT consultancy and related goods
This makes DOTS relevant to software providers, automation specialists, data and analytics firms, digital transformation consultancies, document management providers, infrastructure partners and managed service providers with credible NHS or wider public sector experience.
Why DOTS Is a Major Opportunity
At £882 million including VAT, DOTS is one of the largest digital transformation framework opportunities currently in market engagement. NHS LPP expects the framework to simplify procurement, accelerate access to innovative solutions, support standardisation where appropriate and allow customers to achieve best value while retaining the option to use further competition.
The timing also matters. The notice links the framework renewal to NHS priorities around workforce experience, operational efficiency, digital maturity, interoperability and reducing technical debt. Suppliers that can connect their solutions to those pressures will be better placed when the formal tender is issued.
How Suppliers Should Prepare
- Use the engagement window. NHS LPP is inviting fresh engagement from all interested suppliers. This is the point to provide useful feedback on scope, lotting, innovation and accessibility.
- Show NHS relevance. Digital transformation claims should be backed by evidence of outcomes, interoperability, information governance, implementation and support in complex public sector environments.
- Think beyond one product. DOTS covers services and goods, so suppliers should explain how their offer supports transformation rather than presenting isolated technology features.
- Prepare for a formal tender quickly. The tender notice is expected on 31 August 2026, leaving limited time after engagement to refine case studies, policies and partner arrangements.
Quick Facts
- Contracting authority: Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
- Framework lead: NHS London Procurement Partnership (NHS LPP)
- Estimated value: £735,000,000 excluding VAT; £882,000,000 including VAT
- Expected term: 1 February 2027 to 29 September 2034
- Stage: Preliminary market engagement
- Suitability: SMEs and VCSEs are specifically identified
Key Dates
- Engagement deadline: 3 July 2026
- Estimated tender notice date: 31 August 2026
- Notice: Find a Tender - 058802-2026
For IT suppliers with real NHS and public sector transformation credentials, DOTS is worth immediate attention. Contact Thornton & Lowe for tailored support, or read our healthcare tenders support page to understand what health sector buyers look for.
