DPS vs Framework vs Tender: Procurement Options Explained

Finding the right route for public sector procurement can be challenging. Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS), framework agreements, and traditional tenders all serve distinct purposes. Each route has its own rules, timelines, and advantages. Selecting the right one can save time, reduce risk, and unlock new opportunities for growth.

The scale of procurement highlights why this choice matters. The UK public sector spends around £407 billion annually on goods and services. Within that, DPS arrangements are increasingly common, particularly in areas such as social care and transport, where spend can reach tens of millions each year. Understanding how DPS compares with frameworks and tenders is essential for anyone aiming to build a successful procurement strategy.

What Is a DPS (Dynamic Purchasing System)?

For suppliers, a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) can be one of the most accessible ways to win public sector work. Many suppliers see DPS arrangements as a gateway to building experience, generating a steady flow of opportunities, and competing on a level playing field with larger businesses.

Unlike a framework agreement, which is fixed once awarded, a DPS remains open throughout its duration, enabling new suppliers to join at any point if they meet the qualification criteria. This flexibility is especially valuable for SMEs or businesses looking to test new markets without committing to lengthy procurement cycles.

This approach has proven particularly effective in markets that evolve rapidly, such as social care, passenger transport, and IT services, where new providers frequently enter the market or existing ones expand their capabilities. By keeping the system open, contracting authorities can maintain competition while ensuring the best suppliers remain accessible.

How a DPS Works

A DPS follows a two‑stage process:

1. Application: Once a DPS is live, you can submit an application at any time. If you meet the criteria, you are admitted to the system.
2. Mini-competition: Buyers issue specific contract opportunities (“call-offs”), and all approved suppliers can submit bids.

This structure gives suppliers an ongoing pipeline of opportunities without having to wait for a new procurement cycle. This approach helps to increase competition and improve access for SMEs. It reduces administrative effort, eliminates unnecessary paperwork, and speeds up the procurement process.

DPS: Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Ongoing competition: New suppliers can join at any time, which keeps competition high and ensures buyers have access to emerging providers.
• Faster procurement: Once the DPS is set up, call-offs are quicker than running a full tender, saving both time and administrative effort.
• Wider supplier base: Particularly beneficial for SMEs, which can join mid‑term instead of waiting years for a new framework or tender to be published.
• Market responsiveness: Ideal for sectors where demand or supplier capability changes frequently.
• Transparency: DPS processes are fully electronic, ensuring clear audit trails and reduced risk of disputes.

Limitations

• Initial set-up effort: Establishing a DPS requires an upfront investment of time and resources to ensure proper design.
• Ongoing management: Continuous supplier applications mean authorities must allocate resources to evaluate and admit new suppliers.
• Potential for supplier overload: A large number of suppliers may require additional effort to manage mini‑competitions effectively.
• Not suitable for all categories: For highly specialised or niche contracts, a framework or single tender may be more appropriate.

For a detailed breakdown of how a dynamic purchasing system operates in practice, read our DPS explainer article.

What Is a Framework?

A framework, also known as a framework agreement, is a structured procurement method used to establish a pre‑qualified list of suppliers who can deliver goods, services, or works over a fixed period. They are widely used across the UK public sector for categories such as construction, IT, and professional services.

Frameworks allow contracting authorities to save time and reduce risk by selecting from a pool of vetted suppliers. However, this fixed structure can be less flexible in fast‑moving markets where new providers regularly enter the field.

For a supplier, securing a place on a framework agreement can be a game-changer. Frameworks can provide stability, predictable revenue, and access to repeat business from contracting authorities who prefer to work with a trusted pool of suppliers. However, suppliers must be ready to act when the framework is first advertised, because once it’s awarded, no new entrants can join until it is retendered.

How Frameworks Work

A framework agreement has two main stages:

1. Bid for a place: During the tender stage, suppliers compete to win a spot on the framework. Successful suppliers are awarded a place for the duration of the agreement, typically four years.
2. Call-off contracts: Contracts are awarded to suppliers within the framework through mini‑competitions or direct awards, depending on the framework rules. Once awarded, only listed suppliers can bid.

Winning a place on a framework can bring predictable revenue and help build strong relationships with contracting authorities. However, suppliers who miss the initial opportunity must wait for the framework to be re-tendered, which can be several years.

Frameworks: Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Predictability: Buyers work with known, pre‑qualified suppliers.
• Efficiency: No need to run a full tender every time.
• Compliance: Frameworks are structured to align with public procurement regulations.

Limitations

• Lack of flexibility: No new suppliers can join mid‑term.
• Potential reduced competition: Over time, supplier performance can stagnate without new market entrants.
• Fixed duration: Suppliers who miss the initial tender window can face a long wait for the next opportunity.

Want to get the best chance of winning a bid? Check out our expert tips for framework agreements.

The Tender Process (Competitive Bidding)

Tendering is the most traditional procurement route in the UK. It involves a contracting authority publishing a specific opportunity, inviting suppliers to submit competitive bids, and awarding a contract to the supplier that best meets the evaluation criteria.

Unlike a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) or a framework agreement, a tender is a one‑off process with a clear start and end. It offers maximum competition and ensures that every bidder is assessed on a level playing field.

Tendering is widely used for both high-value contracts and more specialised requirements that may not fit into an existing DPS or framework. It is ideal for suppliers who want to target specific opportunities or enter the market for the first time.

How Tendering Works

1. An opportunity is published: Buyers advertise tenders on platforms like Find a Tender or Contracts Finder.
2. Suppliers respond: Suppliers submit detailed bids that address pricing, quality, and compliance with the specification.
3. Evaluation: The authority evaluates bids against published criteria.
4. Award: A single contract is awarded, and unsuccessful bidders receive feedback.

Unlike DPS and frameworks, tendering is a standalone process. Once the contract is awarded, no new suppliers can join until a new tender is published.

Tendering: Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Open competition: Every supplier has an equal opportunity to bid.
• No pre-qualification: You don’t need to be on a DPS or framework to bid.
• Transparency: Clear evaluation criteria and formal feedback for bidders.
• Best suited for unique contracts: Ideal for one-off or highly specific procurement needs.

Limitations

• Longer timescales: Each tender process starts from scratch, requiring more time and resources.
• No ongoing supplier access: Suppliers that miss the tender window must wait until a new opportunity is published.
• Greater administrative burden: Both buyers and suppliers face a higher workload compared to call-offs in DPS or frameworks.

For a clear, step-by-step breakdown, see our guide to understanding the tendering process.

DPS vs Framework vs Tender: Key Differences

Understanding how DPS, framework agreements, and tenders differ is crucial for selecting the right route. While each method has its advantages, they are designed for different procurement scenarios.

For organisations seeking expert guidance on which route to take, our team can help. Our team supports entry into both dynamic purchasing systems and frameworks, and provides practical bid strategies that align with the latest procurement methods, all backed by our bid management software to streamline the process.

When to Choose Each Route

Selecting the right procurement route depends on your objectives, market conditions, and the type of goods or services being purchased. While each method has value, they are best suited to different scenarios.

• A DPS is particularly valuable for suppliers looking to enter a market quickly or build a steady pipeline of opportunities. Because new suppliers can join at any point, you can apply even after the system has gone live. This is especially useful for SMEs or businesses expanding into new sectors where ongoing competition creates regular bidding opportunities.
• Frameworks are an excellent choice for suppliers who want the security of a fixed position on a long-term agreement. Winning a place gives you repeated access to call-off contracts without having to compete in the open market every time. For established suppliers with proven capacity, this can provide predictable revenue and stronger relationships with public sector buyers.
• Tenders are the route for suppliers who want to compete for standalone, high-value contracts. While the process can be more demanding, each tender offers a fresh opportunity without needing to secure a place on a DPS or framework first.

By focusing on the right route at the right time, suppliers can reduce wasted effort and increase win rates. We support businesses in identifying the best-fit opportunities, from joining DPS arrangements to securing places on frameworks and delivering strong tender submissions.

Common Questions and Concerns

Deciding whether to pursue a DPS, framework, or tender? It’s likely that you’ll have some questions that need to be answered. Below, we’ll address some of the most common concerns, helping to remove uncertainty and improve decision-making.

Can I Join a DPS Mid‑Term?

Yes. One of the main advantages of a DPS is that it remains open for its entire duration. As long as you meet the entry criteria, you can apply at any time, making it far more accessible than frameworks or tenders, which have fixed entry points.

Are Frameworks Too Restrictive?

Frameworks can feel restrictive because no new suppliers are added once they are awarded. However, if you win a place, frameworks can deliver steady, predictable opportunities through call-off contracts. For suppliers with established capacity, this can be a major advantage.

Do Tenders Take Too Long?

Tendering does require more time and resources than bidding under a DPS or framework. However, the potential reward can be significant, especially for high-value or complex contracts. With the right bid writing support and planning, suppliers can improve efficiency and increase their chances of success.

How Do I Decide Which Route to Prioritise?

This depends on your business model, capacity, and growth goals. Many suppliers pursue a mixed strategy, combining DPS participation for ongoing work with framework places for stability and tenders for one-off opportunities. We help businesses identify the right balance and provide bid management software to streamline the process.

How Thornton & Lowe Can Help

Competing for public sector contracts takes more than just understanding the differences between DPS, frameworks, and tenders. It requires expertise, resources, and a clear strategy. That’s where we come in.

We help businesses to:

• Join and compete on DPS opportunities by ensuring applications meet all compliance and quality requirements.
• Win places on frameworks with targeted bid strategies that align with buyer expectations.
• Deliver winning tenders through our expert bid writing services.
• Streamline bidding with our bid management software, which helps organise content, track opportunities, and improve productivity.

Our team works closely with suppliers at every stage of the procurement journey, from market research and strategy to submission and post‑bid feedback. Whether you are new to public sector procurement or looking to refine your approach, we provide the tools and support needed to compete with confidence.

Grow Your Business with Public Sector Procurement

Choosing between a DPS, a framework, or a traditional tender is not always straightforward, but the right decision can make a measurable difference to your success in the public sector. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each route, suppliers can target the opportunities that match their capabilities and growth plans.

With the right support, navigating procurement becomes far less daunting. Our team combines practical expertise with powerful bid-tech tools to help you focus on winning work rather than managing complexity.

If you’re ready to take the next step, get in touch with us today. We can help you identify the right procurement routes, prepare competitive submissions, and secure the contracts that matter most.