Government procurement service frameworks are one of the biggest routes into public sector contracts.
They provide pre-approved suppliers with a faster and more efficient way to win work with central government, councils, the NHS, and other organisations. In this guide, we’ll explain how these frameworks work, how to get on them, and how to make the most of them once you’re in.
A government procurement service framework is a formal agreement between one or more public sector buyers and a group of pre-approved suppliers (private businesses looking to sell to the government). It outlines how future contracts, known as call-offs, can be awarded without requiring a new tender each time.
The Procurement Act 2023 defines a framework as:
“a contract between a contracting authority and one or more suppliers that provides for the future award of contracts by a contracting authority to the supplier or suppliers.” (Source; UK Procurement Act)
That might sound technical. In practice, frameworks act like a ready-made supplier list for public sector buyers. They include agreed terms, pricing models, and rules for awarding work. Once your business is on a framework, it becomes much easier to access long-term public sector opportunities.
If you need a refresher on the broader tendering process, check out our guide to what a tender is and how bidding works in the public sector.
In the screenshot below, you can see an example overview from the Stotles public procurement sales platform showing one of the largest and most successful frameworks, G-Cloud 14.
Public bodies set up frameworks when they know they’ll need to buy certain goods or services repeatedly across multiple projects or departments.
Rather than running a new tender every time, they build a single commercial structure they can return to.
Instead of the traditional tender process, buyers can select from suppliers who’ve already been through a competitive, compliant process.
Frameworks are used when:
Frameworks are not used for one-off purchases or highly unique projects. They take time and effort to create, so buyers usually build them to support long-term strategies, common categories, or shared needs across departments.
Almost anything.
Government frameworks cover tens of thousands of goods and services, including:
Some frameworks even include online catalogues for simple purchases. For example, the NHS could buy office supplies for next-day delivery at a pre-agreed price without issuing a tender.
In the example screenshot below from the Stotles platform, you can see a framework for Office Supplies from the NHS.
Once a buyer decides a framework is the right route, they set out how it will be organised.
This structure determines who can apply, how contracts will be awarded, and the duration of the framework.
Key elements include:
This entire setup is detailed in the framework’s contract notice, published on Find a Tender (for high-value opportunities) or Contracts Finder (for lower-value ones). Tracking frameworks or traditional tenders is time-consuming.
That's why many suppliers use a tender management software platform.
Not all public sector frameworks operate in the same manner. Buyers choose different formats depending on what they need, how often they buy it, and how flexible the arrangement needs to be.
Closed frameworks
These are the traditional models. Once suppliers are appointed, no new ones can join. Closed frameworks usually last up to four years. They are used when buyers want stability and a fixed supplier base. These are being phased out with the passage of the Procurement Act of 2023.
Open frameworks
Introduced under the Procurement Act 2023, these let new suppliers join at regular intervals. For example, a four-year framework might reopen after two years. This keeps competition open and helps new entrants get involved.
Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS)
Suppliers can join a DPS at any time as long as they meet the criteria. DPS is commonly used for lower-value, frequently purchased goods and services, such as taxi hire or temporary staff.
Dynamic Markets
These will replace DPS shortly. Dynamic Markets offer more flexibility, fewer time limits, and simpler rules for managing categories of suppliers.
Each format has different rules for how suppliers join and how buyers run call-offs. Always check the contract notice to understand the structure before applying.
Some frameworks cover a wide mix of services. Others are focused on one sector. Here are examples of specialist frameworks used across the UK:
These frameworks are typically divided into sections by category or region. That allows buyers to award work efficiently and gives suppliers the chance to target the areas where they’re strongest.
Suppliers don’t just sign up to a framework. They compete for a place.
Each framework has its own application process, but most follow a clear, staged path.
Before the framework is published, buyers may run early engagement activities. These could include supplier days, draft specification reviews, or questionnaires. Taking part helps you understand what buyers are looking for and gives you a head start.
When the framework goes live, it’s announced on Find a Tender or Contracts Finder. The notice explains the framework’s scope, value, contract length, and who can apply. This is where you decide if it’s worth your time.
The SQ is the first formal stage of the application. It checks whether your business meets the minimum eligibility requirements.
This step often determines who makes it to the next round—so it’s worth getting right.
You’ll be asked to provide:
Some frameworks also ask for details on group bidding (if you’re part of a consortium), or proof of specific certifications (like Cyber Essentials or ISO standards).
The aim is to filter out unsuitable bidders early. Only suppliers who meet the minimum criteria can move on to the full tender stage.
If you pass the SQ, you’ll be invited to submit a full tender. This is where you show how your business will deliver the work and why you’re the right choice.
You’ll typically need to provide:
Some frameworks may also ask for:
At this stage, you’re scored against the framework’s published criteria. Most use a mix of quality, price, and social value, each weighted according to what matters most to the buyer.
A strong bid proves you understand what the buyer wants and can deliver reliably. It’s your chance to show your edge, not just your compliance.
The buyer scores your submission using published criteria. These usually focus on a mix of quality, price, and social value. If you're successful, you’re awarded a place on the framework.
Unsuccessful bidders are given a short window to receive feedback.
Once awarded, you finalise the terms and prepare to operate on the framework. This might involve uploading your offer to a catalogue, setting up your internal systems, or marketing your services to eligible buyers.
Many frameworks are designed to level the playing field. Thousands of SMEs are already active on CCS and local government frameworks, competing alongside large firms.
Once the framework is live and suppliers are approved, buyers can begin awarding contracts. These are called call-offs.
In the below screenshot, a call-off notice award was published in March of 2024.
There are three main ways this happens:
The buyer awards work to a single supplier without competition. This is only allowed if the framework includes clear terms and an objective method for selecting the supplier.
Example: A council might use a direct award to hire the only approved provider covering urgent repairs in its area.
The buyer invites all suppliers in a relevant lot to compete for a specific project. This is faster than a full tender but still requires a clear proposal and pricing.
Example: A hospital trust may invite several IT suppliers to submit bids for a patient records upgrade.
For simple, repeatable items, the buyer can place an order directly through an online framework catalogue using set prices and terms.
Example: A school might order classroom furniture or laptops using a one-click catalogue tool.
Even though the heavy lifting has already been done, every call-off still results in a formal contract. It includes delivery timelines, service levels, and performance expectations. The benefit is speed. Since suppliers are already vetted, buyers can move faster and with less risk.
Frameworks aren’t run centrally. A wide mix of national, regional, and sector bodies design and manage them. Knowing who runs what helps you target the right opportunities.
Here are some of the key players:
In the below screenshot, you can see an example of framework authority/buyer profile within the Stotles platform. Crown Commercial Services has over 347 records for live, awarded, and expired frameworks providing a rich history of their historical buying patterns.
Getting on a framework is a strong position. But it’s just the start.
To turn your place into real contracts, you need to stay visible, be easy to buy from, and stay ready to compete. Frameworks don’t hand out work automatically.
The suppliers who win are the ones who treat frameworks like a sales channel, not a waiting room.
Once you’re approved, your focus should shift to where the real activity is happening. That means understanding which buyers are using the framework, what they’re buying, and how often.
The Stotles Frameworks Module gives you that view in one place. You can:
In the G-Cloud 13 example above, you can see high-volume activity from buyers like the Ministry of Defence and DWP. That’s the insight that helps you decide where to invest your time.
Most frameworks use mini-competitions to award work. These are quicker than full tenders but still require a competitive bid. Often, you’ll have only a few days to respond.
To stay ready, put some basics in place:
The Stotles platform flags early buying signals and call-off trends. That gives you time to plan and prepare rather than react.
Frameworks are not just procurement tools. They are a route to market. The most successful suppliers use them as part of a structured sales strategy.
A recent research piece from the Stotles data team, we asked 100+ UK public sector suppliers across sales, marketing and bid teams what procurement route is most important for them when selling to the public sector? The value of frameworks can be seen in the graphic below:
44% of suppliers use frameworks and dynamic markets as their main route to market. 36% continue to track and compete for open tenders.
Frameworks and certifications won’t drive quick revenue, but they signal you’re ready, visible, and credible. The best teams treat them as long-term sales strategy.
The full Stotles platform supports that strategy with tools to:
Learn how to use frameworks to build pipeline and grow faster with Stotles Strategy Tools.
Here’s what you get from being on the right procurement frameworks in the public sector.
Once you're on a framework, buyers don’t need to run a full tender to work with you. They already have your terms, your pricing, and your credentials. That means:
Instead of waiting months for a contract to land, you can turn opportunities around in weeks.
Frameworks give buyers confidence. You’ve already passed a detailed selection process. You’ve been vetted for compliance, capability, and value. That puts you ahead of unknown suppliers starting from scratch.
When buyers see you're on a trusted framework, you're no longer just an option. You're a known quantity.
Many frameworks last three to four years. If you land call-offs early and perform well, you can build a steady income over time. That predictability helps with:
Instead of chasing one-off tenders, you're in a position to grow with recurring work from familiar buyers.
Frameworks aren’t just about today’s contracts. They give you:
Each call-off you deliver well is another proof point. Each buyer who sees your name is another potential client.
It’s not all upside. Some suppliers get on a framework but win little or no work. Others underestimate the time and effort it takes to stay front of mind.
Common pitfalls include:
The challenge of winning in a framework is illustrated by the statistic below, which shows just how many suppliers have won on the G-Cloud 14, the Crown Commercial Services' most successful framework since 2012.
Only 28% of suppliers on G-Cloud 13 won contracts, meaning 62% failed to maximise their listings
The Procurement Act 2023 is the biggest shift in UK public procurement rules in a generation. It’s designed to simplify, accelerate, and enhance transparency for both buyers and suppliers.
This section explains what’s changing for frameworks, what it means in practice, and how you can get ahead.
Traditionally, once a framework was live, no new suppliers could join. That’s changing.
Under the new rules, buyers can now utilise open frameworks, which enable the addition of new suppliers partway through the framework's lifecycle. These frameworks can also run for up to eight years instead of four, with at least two opportunities for suppliers to join during that time.
This change is about fairness and flexibility. By eliminating the lengthy lock-out periods of traditional frameworks, the Act aims to level the playing field, particularly for SMEs and newer suppliers who may have missed the initial application window.
What to do:
Dynamic Markets will officially replace Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS). These are flexible frameworks where suppliers can apply to join at any time, as long as they meet the requirements.
Dynamic Markets go a step further. They remove fixed timeframes and allow buyers more freedom in how they group suppliers and manage categories. That means faster setup and more tailored supplier pools for common purchases.
This is a direct response to feedback that DPS was too rigid in practice. Dynamic Markets aim to help procurement teams buy simpler goods and services more efficiently, without losing compliance.
What to do:
Under the old system, direct award was only allowed if all terms of the contract were set out in advance. In practice, this was too strict and limited buyers’ ability to move quickly.
The Procurement Act relaxes this. Now, direct award is allowed if the framework defines the core terms and includes a straightforward, objective method for choosing the supplier. This gives buyers more flexibility to award contracts quickly without full competition while still maintaining fairness and transparency.
The goal? Faster decisions without cutting corners.
What to do:
One of the biggest concerns with frameworks has been the lack of visibility into how work is awarded. That’s changing, too.
From October 2024, all call-off contracts must be published with standardised contract award notices and contract details notices. These will include information about:
Framework owners will also need to publish detailed framework notices with specifics like:
These changes are meant to build public trust and help suppliers understand where real spending happens, not just what was forecast.
What to do:
The Procurement Act is about speed, simplicity, and smarter competition. By opening up frameworks, allowing more flexible buying routes, and requiring clearer data, it creates a more dynamic market and gives suppliers more ways in.
However, change also means following new rules. The suppliers who prepare early will win the most.
Explore our full guide to the Procurement Act 2023
Frameworks are a gateway to public sector work. To win contracts, you need to stay visible, responsive, and proactive. That means tracking mini-competitions, building relationships with buyers, and positioning your business for direct award where possible.
Once you’re approved, the real work begins:
The suppliers who succeed on frameworks don’t just wait for work to land, they use tools to stay ahead.
Stotles gives you everything you need to win:
If you’re serious about growing your public sector business through frameworks, we’re here to help.
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