whAt IS A DYNAMIC PURCHASING SYSTEM?
A Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) is an electronic procurement process used by UK local authorities to source care services.
Unlike a traditional tender, a DPS remains open to new applicants throughout its lifetime — meaning providers can join at any point, as long as they meet the requirements.
Frameworks work similarly but are typically fixed at the point of award.
Both are used by commissioners to create approved supplier lists from which contracts are placed.
whAt happens once you’re on a DPS?
You are approved as a qualified supplier
Your organisation is added to an approved list of providers for that system. Approval confirms you meet the eligibility and compliance requirements set by the commissioner.
Commissioners issue individual call-offs
Commissioners send out separate, time-limited opportunities to bid for specific contracts within the DPS. Each call-off requires its own competitive response.
You respond competitively
You submit a response demonstrating your suitability for that particular opportunity. We support you through each one.
procurement FOR SOCIAL CARE PROVIDERS
Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) and Framework opportunities are available across a range of Health and Social Care services.
BidElevate supports providers across the following service types — click your service to find out more:
Common questions about DPS
Typically one to two weeks, depending on the complexity of the tender and the availability of your team for the service review call. We will confirm a more specific timeline once we have reviewed the documentation.
This varies by commissioner and is outside our control. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. We will keep you updated on any communications we receive in the meantime and monitor the portal on your behalf.
It depends on the specific DPS and the service type involved. Some systems require active CQC registration or Ofsted status; others do not. We confirm regulatory requirements as part of our initial eligibility review before any work begins, so you will never apply for something you do not qualify for.
No. Being accepted onto a DPS means your organisation is on an approved supplier list. Contracts are awarded separately through individual call-offs, each of which requires its own competitive response. We support clients through call-off responses as well as the initial application.
Yes. Unlike traditional tenders, a DPS remains open to new applicants throughout its lifetime. This is one of its key advantages — you are not locked out if you were not ready at the point it launched.
A DPS is open to new suppliers at any point during its lifetime. A Framework is awarded at a fixed point in time — once it closes, you cannot join until it reopens or is retendered. Both result in an approved supplier list, but they differ significantly in terms of when and how you can enter.