DPS
Acronym for Dynamic Purchasing System; an electronic procurement open to new suppliers throughout its lifetime.
Definition
DPS is the acronym for Dynamic Purchasing System, a fully electronic procurement process open throughout its duration to any supplier that meets the selection criteria. Unlike framework agreements where the supplier panel is fixed at award and locked until the next refresh, new suppliers can apply to join a DPS at any time throughout its lifetime. DPS arrangements are common in temporary staffing, training services, consumables, professional services, and other categories where new supplier capability is expected to emerge during the term.
How it works in practice
See the detailed Dynamic Purchasing System glossary entry for substantive coverage. The short version: a DPS works in two phases. First the buyer runs an open competition and awards DPS status to all suppliers meeting the published selection criteria; there is no cap on supplier count. Second, individual contracts are let through Mini-Competition among suppliers in the relevant category or lot. Suppliers can join the DPS at any point during its lifetime; once admitted they participate in subsequent mini-competitions on equal terms. DPS arrangements typically run for four years (often extended to seven or longer under PA 2023). Major UK central government DPS arrangements include the CCS Permanent Recruitment DPS and various NHS-related DPS for specialist services. KimonBids tracks active DPS arrangements and surfaces mini-competition opportunities through saved alerts.
For suppliers DPS arrangements are particularly attractive in fast-moving markets and for niche specialists who may not have existed when the original framework was published. The mini-competition cadence under a DPS is typically faster than under a standard framework because the buyer publishes specific requirements as needs arise rather than waiting for a periodic refresh. KimonBids tracks active DPS arrangements across UK public sector and alerts suppliers to relevant mini-competitions through saved criteria.
Common questions
How is a DPS different from a framework agreement?
A framework has a fixed supplier list set at award; new suppliers cannot join until retender. A DPS is open: suppliers can apply at any point during its lifetime and join immediately on meeting the selection criteria. DPS arrangements typically run longer than frameworks (often seven years vs four).
Can I join a DPS after the initial publication?
Yes. The whole point of a DPS is that admission is rolling. Submit an application via the DPS portal; the buyer reviews against the published selection criteria and either admits you or explains the failing in writing. Once admitted you receive mini-competition invitations from the next call-off onwards.
How are contracts awarded under a DPS?
Almost always by mini-competition. The buyer publishes the specific requirement to all eligible suppliers in the relevant category or lot, suppliers respond with price and method, and the buyer awards based on the published evaluation criteria.