Frameworks vs DPS: A Simple Guide for UK SMEs

Frameworks and DPS (Dynamic Purchasing Systems) are two of the most common procurement routes for SMEs. NHS trusts, housing associations, and national public sector bodies use them for all their tenders.

So, what’s the problem?

Well, many SMEs confuse what they do and how to make the most out of them. Often, these terms can be very technical or difficult to break ground.

That’s where this guide helps. We will go through what frameworks and DPS actually are, how they differ, and how to decide which option is right for your organisation.

What Frameworks and DPS Actually Are

Source: https://www.procurementjourney.scot/dynamic-purchasing-system-dps

Frameworks (Fixed Supplier Lists)

A framework is a fixed list of approved suppliers.

Once that framework is awarded, no new suppliers can join until it is re-procured.

A framework can include several things:

• One supplier (single-supplier framework)
• Several suppliers (multi-supplier framework)
• Multiple “lots” (categories)

Once you’re on the framework, buyers can run:

• Direct awards
• Mini competitions (between suppliers already on the list)

In general, most frameworks can last up to 4 years.

However, timelines can vary in every industry. For instance, frameworks in construction may last longer on average.

Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS)

A DPS is similar to a framework.

The key difference? It’s always open.

New suppliers can join at any time, as long as they meet the entry requirements.

Some of the key features include:

• Rolling entry (you can join today, next year, or next month)
• All qualified suppliers receive invitations to compete
• Often used for services with large supplier pools (e.g., transport, care, FM, consultancy)

In case where buyers prefer flexibility and competition, they will often opt for DPS systems.

Key Differences, Pros and Cons

The differences shape which option works best for your business.

Frameworks: Pros & Cons

Pros:

1. Fewer competitors (if you’re accepted)

A fixed supplier list directly reduces competition. You have a better success rate during mini-competitions.

• Higher prestige

Frameworks build and signal strong credibility. Once you lock this in, this will help your team win future bids as evidence base.

• Predictable pipeline

Mini-competitions provided frequent opportunities. Even if you don’t get awarded the first, more will appear throughout the year.

• Sometimes direct award

You may receive work without having to compete in a mini-competition again. A reliable way of guaranteeing income and future projects.

Cons:

1. Hard to win entry

High competition during initial procurement. Expect tough competition for SMEs.

• Closed list

If you miss the deadline, you must wait years to try again. It is crucial to capture that window of opportunity for when the list opens.

• High compliance requirements

Frameworks often require detailed evidence and documentation.

DPS: Pros & Cons

Pros:

1. Open entry

You can join at any time. Less friction, less barrier to entry, and highly ideal for SMEs entering new markets.

• Lower barrier to entry

Less complex than framework tenders.

• Many opportunities

Buyers often run repeated competitions. Eager and capable SMEs will have multiple instances to score more contracts.

Cons:

1. High competition

Many suppliers mean harder competition during call-offs.

• No guaranteed work

Being on the DPS doesn’t create a pipeline unless you bid for call-offs. There are no guarantee and extra input is necessary.

• Frequent mini-competitions

Time-consuming if your internal capacity is limited.

When Frameworks Work Well for SMEs

Frameworks are ideal for SMEs who:

• Have strong, recent case studies to build their evidence base
• Can meet all the strict and necessary compliance requirements
• Have the capacity to meet and deliver on multi-year contracts
• Want a predictable and reliable pipeline of mini-competitions
• Are well-established in their sector and can leverage connections
• Want to strengthen credibility and positioning

Frameworks are particularly valuable in the following industries:

• Construction
• Engineering
• Facilities management
• Consultancy
• IT and digital
• Health & social care

In essence, frameworks require a lot more upfront effort.

But they do pay off in the long run and turn into a reliable pipeline. It can generate steady opportunities for your team and business.

When DPS is the Better Option

A DPS is typically more ideal for SMEs who:

• Are new to rendering and need to build their evidence base
• Want to enter a sector gradually without making massive commitments
• Need a lower barrier to entry and control resource allocation
• Don’t have the perfect evidence and policies to meet strict compliance
• Want to test public sector bidding without big initial risk
• Want to target local authorities, schools, NHS trust, or transport authorities

DPS systems are common in:

• Passenger transport
• Homecare and domiciliary care
• Cleaning and FM
• Education support services
• Consultancy and training
• Local supply categories (e.g., trades)

A DPS gives SMEs time to build experience while accessing regular mini-competitions.

How JGP Consultancy Supports Applications

We support SMEs across both frameworks and DPS applications with a calm, collaborative, and structured approach.

1. Suitability assessment

We help you choose whether a framework or DPS fits your experience, capacity, and growth plans.

• Evidence and documentation review

We strengthen or develop:

• Case studies
• KPIs
• Social value
• Policies
• Technical evidence
• Compliance documentation
• Writing your application

We prepare high-quality responses for:

• SQs
• ITTs
• Method statements
• Framework lot responses
• DPS enrolment forms
• Pipeline planning

For frameworks, we help you prepare for mini-competitions.

For DPS, we help you track, evaluate, and prioritise call-offs.

• Full project management

For SMEs with limited time, we handle the entire submission process.