Public bodies buy some research and consulting through supplier lists instead of open tenders. Most frameworks are closed to new suppliers once awarded, and an open framework reopens only at set points. A dynamic purchasing system (DPS) or a dynamic market stays open to join. Firms that aren’t on a list aren’t invited to its competitions.
What they are
- Framework: a buyer runs one tender (a competition for a contract) and appoints a set group of suppliers, often in lots. Later contracts, called call-offs, go only to those suppliers. Under the Procurement Act 2023, most frameworks can last up to four years, and an “open framework” reopens to new suppliers at set points (guidance).
- DPS: a list under the older Public Contracts Regulations 2015 that suppliers can join at any time. Every such DPS ends by 23 February 2029 at the latest (transitional guidance).
- Dynamic market: the Act’s replacement for the DPS. It stays open to join, and each competition under it is advertised with a tender notice (dynamic markets guidance).
The Act came into force on 24 February 2025 (GOV.UK). The Scottish Government and other devolved Scottish bodies still follow Scottish rules (Scottish Procurement Policy Note (SPPN) 5/2026).
Why they matter to research firms
The Research and Insights DPS was set up to be “the recommended vehicle for all research and behavioural insights services required by UK Central Government Departments” (notice 027493-2021). Under the Act, buyers don’t publish tender notices for framework call-offs, only an award notice afterwards. So the lists you are on decide which invitations you receive.
How work is awarded
Three of the lists below are run by the Government Commercial Agency (GCA), called Crown Commercial Service until 1 April 2026. On these, work is awarded mainly through further competition. The buyer sends an invitation to tender (ITT) to the suppliers on the list or lot, and they bid against its specification. In Scotland this is called a mini-competition. Some frameworks also allow direct award.
The four lists we explain
| List | Type | Can new firms join? | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research and Insights DPS (RM6126) | DPS | Yes, at any time | 23 Feb 2029 |
| Management Consultancy Framework Four (MCF4, RM6309) and its successor | Framework | No. Its successor’s tender deadline: 15:00, 9 Nov 2026 | 28 Jul 2027 |
| Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7 (DOS7) | Open framework | Not now. Due to reopen in summer 2027 | First framework: 29 Jul 2027 |
| Scottish Government Social Research and Analysis Framework | Framework | No | First term: Apr 2027 |
Key dates
- 9 Nov 2026, 15:00: the tender deadline for RM6399, which replaces MCF4 (Find a Tender notice 087183-2026). The notice gives 24 June 2027 as the lots’ start date.
- Nov 2026: early market awareness for RM6414, which replaces RM6126 (GCA estimate).
- Apr 2027: the Scottish framework’s first term ends.
- Summer 2027: DOS7 due to reopen.
- Jul to Aug 2027: RM6399 due to go live (GCA estimate). MCF4 ends on 28 Jul 2027.
- 23 Feb 2029: every DPS under the old rules, including RM6126, ends at the latest.
What to do now
- Note when each list your firm is on ends.
- Join open lists that fit your work. Our free reports list the supplier lists open to join now.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a framework and a DPS?
A framework is closed to new suppliers once awarded, unless it is an open framework that reopens at set points. A DPS stays open to new suppliers throughout.
What is a dynamic market?
It is the Procurement Act 2023’s replacement for the DPS. Suppliers can apply to join at any time, and each competition gets a tender notice.
Which upcoming GCA agreements matter for research and consulting?
RM6399 Consultancy and Professional Services (replacing MCF4), RM6414 Research and Insights Agreement (replacing RM6126), and the DOS7 reopening.
How Tenderhooks helps
Tenderhooks reads Find a Tender, Contracts Finder and Public Contracts Scotland through the day. Since 24 February 2025, Welsh tenders of £30,000 or more also go to Find a Tender (Procurement Act 2023, section 87). Every Monday at 7:00 UK time, your bid plan carries the tenders that fit your firm best; it holds at most five. It comes by email, and in Slack or Microsoft Teams if you like. Early notices show under “Coming up”. Invitations sent only to firms on a list are not public, so being on the right lists still matters.
Sources
- GOV.UK: frameworks guidance: terms, open frameworks, call-off notices. Checked 2 Nov 2026.
- GOV.UK: dynamic markets guidance: how they work. Checked 2 Nov 2026.
- GOV.UK: transitional arrangements: old DPSs end by 23 Feb 2029. Checked 2 Nov 2026.
- GOV.UK: Transforming public procurement: the Act’s start date. Checked 2 Nov 2026.
- gov.scot: SPPN 5/2026: rules in Scotland. Checked 2 Nov 2026.
Show 5 moreShow fewer
- Find a Tender: notice 027493-2021, via the official API: RM6126’s intended role. Checked 2 Nov 2026.
- GCA: upcoming agreements: RM6399 and RM6414. Checked 2 Nov 2026.
- Find a Tender: tender notice 087183-2026: RM6399’s tender deadline and lot start dates. Checked 2 Nov 2026.
- GCA: RM6399 and its August 2026 supplier slides (PDF): estimated award and go-live. Checked 2 Nov 2026.
- legislation.gov.uk: Procurement Act 2023, section 87: the £30,000 threshold for below-threshold notices, including Welsh bodies, from 24 Feb 2025. Checked 2 Nov 2026.
This page explains official rules and guidance in plain English, checked on the date above. It is not legal advice. The official sources it links to are what apply.
Start free trial 14 days free with a work email, no card needed. See How it works and Pricing.