Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has issued an update to RM6148 Quality Assurance and Testing for IT Systems 2, confirming that the time limit for expressions of interest has been extended to 23 February 2029.
For suppliers delivering software testing, QA assurance, automated testing, performance testing, security testing support, test management and related services, this matters for a simple reason: the RM6148 route remains open. If you missed the original window, or your proposition has evolved since then, you still have an opportunity to apply to join and compete for public sector work through the DPS.
What RM6148 is and how it works
CCS describes RM6148 as a dynamic purchasing system (DPS) that allows central government and the wider public sector to procure quality assurance and testing services from a range of suppliers.
A DPS is different to a closed framework. It stays open during its life, meaning suppliers can request to participate at any point (subject to meeting the requirements). Once appointed, you are not “awarded” work automatically. Instead, you will be invited to tender when buyers run a competition for services that match your capability.
CCS also flags the filters buyers use within this DPS: services, location, clearance and scalability. That is a useful clue about how suppliers should present their offer. It is not only about what you do, it is about how your capacity, geographic delivery model and security posture align with buyer needs.
What has changed in this notice
This Find a Tender notice is specifically a change notice. It updates the deadline for expressions of interest from 23 February 2026 to 23 February 2029. CCS notes that the DPS was originally set up for 48 months, later extended, and now remains open across its overall duration, with the updated end date referenced in the notice.
In practical terms, this extension keeps the door open for:
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new market entrants who were not ready previously
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specialists who have expanded into additional testing disciplines
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consultancies that have strengthened clearance capability or scaled delivery capacity
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suppliers that want a longer runway to build pipeline through call-off competitions
What suppliers should do now
Make sure your service offer maps to how buyers buy
Because the DPS filters include “services” and “scalability”, it is worth tightening your service definitions now. Be explicit about what you deliver (for example test automation frameworks, non-functional testing, performance engineering, accessibility testing support, test environments, test leadership), and what capacity looks like in real terms.
This reduces the risk of being overlooked when competitions are issued, and makes your tender responses faster to assemble later.
Be clear on clearance and delivery constraints
Where “clearance” is a filter, buyers are likely to separate competitions by security requirements. If your team can support certain clearance levels or secure working practices, state this consistently across your core documents and case studies. If you cannot, be equally clear so you focus effort on the opportunities you can win.
Build an “always-ready” evidence pack for competitions
DPS call-offs can move quickly. The suppliers who win repeatedly tend to have a lightweight library of evidence ready to reuse and tailor:
- delivery approach and governance
- QA strategy, test methodology and tooling approach
- how you assure quality, reporting and defect management
- risk management and service continuity
- measurable outcomes from comparable projects (lead times, defect leakage reduction, release confidence, performance improvements)
If your bid responses are starting from scratch each time, you will struggle to maintain consistency and speed, particularly when you are juggling multiple opportunities.
How Thornton & Lowe can support
Whether you are applying to join the DPS or preparing to win call-offs once appointed, Thornton & Lowe can support with the parts that typically consume the most time:
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DPS entry support: clarifying requirements, structuring answers, and presenting your capability in a buyer-friendly way
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Bid strategy for competitions: win themes, compliance mapping, and response planning for the types of testing opportunities you want to target
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Response writing and review: strengthening method statements and evidence so they score well against evaluation criteria, through our bid writing services support.
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IT-specific tender support: positioning technical QA services clearly for public sector evaluators via our IT tenders support.
With the participation window extended to February 2029, suppliers have time to join, refine positioning, and treat RM6148 as a pipeline, not a one-off bid. The earlier you build your evidence and structure, the easier it becomes to respond confidently when the next competition lands.
