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Frameworks and dynamic markets explained

How public-sector frameworks and dynamic markets work under the Procurement Act 2023: open and closed frameworks, terms, call-offs, direct awards and reopening.

3 min readUpdated 4 October 2026By the West Gate bid team
In shortFrameworks set terms for future call-off contracts with one or more suppliers. Under the Procurement Act 2023 most frameworks can last up to four years (eight for defence and security and utilities), open frameworks can be reopened to new suppliers, and dynamic markets replace the old dynamic purchasing systems.

What a framework is

A framework is an agreement that sets the terms under which a buyer, or a group of buyers, can award future contracts (call-offs) to the suppliers on it. Getting onto a framework does not guarantee work; it gives you the right to compete for, or be directly awarded, call-offs.

Key rules under the Procurement Act 2023

  • Maximum term: generally four years, or eight years for defence and security and utilities frameworks (Procurement Act 2023).
  • Open frameworks: a series of frameworks on substantially the same terms that must be reopened to new suppliers at set points, up to a maximum total of eight years. If you miss the first window, there will be another.
  • Call-offs: made by a competitive selection process between framework suppliers, or by direct award where the framework terms allow it.
  • Dynamic markets: replace dynamic purchasing systems. Suppliers that meet the conditions for membership can join at any time while the market is open, then compete for contracts awarded under it.

Where to find them

Look for frameworks run by national and regional public buying organisations and by the authorities you want to work with. Tender notices for frameworks are published on Find a Tender. Ask buyers at market engagement events which routes they use.

Winning a place, then winning work

  1. Choose frameworks and lots your target buyers actually use.
  2. Treat the framework bid like any tender: rates, quality answers and evidence all count.
  3. Once appointed, keep your information current, respond to every relevant mini-competition, and build relationships with the buyers who use the framework.
  4. Diarise reopening windows, reporting obligations and renewal dates.

Frequently asked questions

What happened to dynamic purchasing systems?

For procurements under the Procurement Act 2023, dynamic markets replace dynamic purchasing systems. Existing DPSs set up under the old rules can continue until they expire.

Can a buyer award directly from a framework?

Yes, where the framework sets out how direct awards will work. Otherwise call-offs use a competitive selection process among framework suppliers.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Always follow the tender documents and take legal advice where needed.

Keep reading

Related guides

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Where UK public-sector contracts are advertised in 2026: Find a Tender, Contracts Finder, devolved portals, frameworks and early-warning notices.

StrategyBid or no bid? How to decide which tenders to pursue

A structured bid/no-bid process for UK public-sector tenders: the criteria to score, red flags, and how to make the decision quickly.

Writing bidsHow UK public-sector tenders are scored

How evaluators score tenders under the Procurement Act 2023: award criteria, weightings, scoring scales, price formulas, thresholds and assessment summaries.

Why public-sector contracts

How government contracts help you grow

Public buyers spend at scale, pay on set terms and award work that can run for years. Here is what that can mean for your sales and cashflow.

02 Cashflow

Paid on set terms, often for years

Invoice Within 30 days Paid

Every public contract carries an implied term that a valid, undisputed invoice is paid within 30 days. Frameworks can run for up to 4 years as standard, so one award can mean repeat revenue you can plan around.

Sources: Procurement Act 2023, s.68 implied payment terms and s.47 frameworks: maximum term (legislation.gov.uk). Exceptions apply, for example concession contracts and contracts awarded by schools.

Get help with framework applications

03 Growth path

From one award to a predictable pipeline

  1. Win a framework place
  2. Receive repeat call-offs
  3. Build a predictable pipeline
  4. Gain case studies and evidence
  5. Win bigger bids

First contractFramework call-offsNew winsLarger bids

Delivered contracts give you the references, case studies and performance evidence that buyers score in larger tenders.

Illustrative growth path. Results depend on your capability, evidence and pricing.

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Why outsource to West Gate

Your bid-writing team, ready when you need it

Bidding in-house ties up your best people and puts deadlines at risk. Hand it to a proven team and keep your staff focused on delivering the work you win.

† Figures based on bids West Gate submitted and contracts awarded in 2025.

  • Less risk, less workloadWe take the research, writing, coordination and deadline pressure off your in-house team.
  • A proven teamA 90%+ win rate† and £650m+ in UK contracts secured in 2025†.
  • Scales with your pipelineFrom a single bid to a steady run of tenders, we flex with your workload.
  • Specialist writers plus our technologyExperienced public-sector bid writers, backed by our own bid technology.
  • Deadlines and compliance handledWe plan back from the deadline and check every requirement, word limit and attachment.

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West Gate commits to clean, compliant, well-evidenced bid submissions. We do not guarantee contract awards: tenders are scored on your capability, evidence and commercial offer as well as the written response. Guides are general information, not legal advice.