blog
Open Frameworks and Dynamic Markets under the Procurement Act 2023: what they mean for UK public sector procurement
Explore how the Procurement Act 2023 introduces Open Frameworks and Dynamic Markets — reshaping flexibility, competition, and innovation in UK public procurement.
Share
Public procurement in the UK has entered a new phase. With the Procurement Act 2023 now in force (from 24 February 2025), contracting authorities have a refreshed toolkit and new obligations designed to improve transparency, competition and outcomes. Two ideas dominate many of the questions we hear from buyers and suppliers: open frameworks and dynamic markets (alongside their predecessor, the Dynamic Purchasing System or DPS). This guide explains the terms plainly and shows how they fit together.
We’ll start with simple definitions, then build to practical guidance on benefits, call-off mechanics, notices, and when to use which route. Finally, we’ll look at how technology can help you comply confidently and where Plentific fits for social housing and related public sector categories.
The Procurement Act 2023 - what changed and why it matters
The Act rationalises the old Public Contracts Regulations (PCR) 2015 regime and introduces a streamlined set of tools (including open frameworks and dynamic markets), stronger transparency through notices, and clear routes for direct award in limited cases. The Cabinet Office has published official e-learning and guidance to help authorities understand and apply the new regime; this guide draws on those materials to keep terminology and timelines accurate. (GOV.UK)
Key points to hold in mind as you read:
Go-live: Main provisions commenced 24 February 2025 following a short delay from the previous target of 28 October 2024. (GOV.UK)
Terminology: Under the Act, you’ll see frameworks (including open frameworks) and dynamic markets; the latter conceptually replaces DPS under the new regime (more on this below). (GOV.UK)
Quick definitions (plain English)
What is a framework?
A framework is a contract between a contracting authority and one or more suppliers that provides for the future award of contracts (known as call-offs). It sets the terms for those future awards and can be single-supplier or multi-supplier. (GOV.UK)
What is an open framework?
An open framework is still a framework, but set up as a scheme of successive frameworks under one banner, so the list of suppliers can be refreshed during the life of the arrangement. In practice, it runs as a series of smaller frameworks one after another for up to 8 years in total, with mandatory re-opening points (at least once in the first 3 years, and at least every 5 years thereafter). (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
What is a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS)?
Under the old PCR 2015 rules, a DPS was an electronic system that remained open to new suppliers at any time for commonly used purchases. Many authorities used it to lower barriers to entry for SMEs and to keep competition live.
What is a dynamic market?
Under the Procurement Act 2023, dynamic markets are the new open-list tool: a list of qualified suppliers that remains open to joiners and leavers throughout its life, with no cap on the number of members. Contracts are then awarded via competitive flexible procedures run among the members. Dynamic markets conceptually replace DPS in the new regime and can cover a broader range of goods, services and works than DPS did. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
Why frameworks and dynamic markets exist side by side
The Act retains frameworks (and adds open frameworks) and introduces dynamic markets to give contracting authorities a genuine choice:
If you need stability and defined terms, and the market is fairly settled, a framework or open framework may be ideal.
If you need continuous entry and want to keep the door open to innovation and changing supplier landscapes, a dynamic market may be the better route.
The official Module 5 learning content explicitly contrasts frameworks/open frameworks and dynamic markets and provides process flows for establishing each and awarding call-offs. (GOV.UK)
Open frameworks in detail
What open frameworks do
Open frameworks solve a long-standing issue with closed frameworks: once awarded, you can’t add new suppliers until the framework ends. With an open framework, authorities re-open the scheme at prescribed points so new suppliers can join (and existing suppliers can be re-assessed or remain based on earlier tenders), while the overall scheme can last up to 8 years. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
Practical benefits for buyers
More competition over time: new suppliers can enter at re-opening points, keeping prices and quality under pressure. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
Access to emerging services: suppliers can expand their scope as markets evolve (e.g., AI-enabled services), so buyers aren’t stuck with a four-year specification that ages quickly. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
Familiarity: terms stay largely stable across the scheme, so buyer teams don’t have to learn a new agreement each time. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
Key rules to remember
Re-openings: at least once in the first 3 years, and at least every 5 years thereafter (the scheme cap is 8 years total). (GOV.UK)
Single-supplier exceptions: if an open framework becomes single-supplier, the maximum term shortens (complex but clearly explained in guidance with scenarios). (GOV.UK)
Awarding successive frameworks: existing suppliers may be re-assessed or re-admitted on earlier tenders, depending on the rules set in the open framework. (GOV.UK)
Will closed frameworks still be used?
Yes. Crown Commercial Services (CCS) makes clear both open and closed frameworks will continue to be used; choice depends on market conditions and delivery aims. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
Dynamic markets in detail
How they work
A dynamic market is a list of qualified suppliers who meet the “conditions for membership.” The list remains open - new suppliers can apply at any time - and there is no limit on the number of suppliers. To award a contract, authorities run a competition among members using the competitive flexible procedure and publish the relevant notices. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
Why they matter
Continuous admission: means your supplier base can keep pace with innovation and local market entry (ideal for categories with churn or rapid tech change). (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
Fair opportunity: every call-off can consider all capable members, which is good for value and for SME accessibility. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
What changed from DPS?
The Cabinet Office explains that dynamic markets are similar to DPS but offer greater flexibility: they can be set up for a wider range of goods, services and works than DPS were under PCR 2015. In plain English: dynamic markets are the modernised, broader successor to DPS. (GOV.UK)
Frequently asked questions
What are procurement frameworks?
They’re contracts that set terms for future call-offs from one or more suppliers. They can be closed (traditional) or open under the Act. (GOV.UK)
What are frameworks and open frameworks - and how do they differ?
Open frameworks are a scheme of successive frameworks under one banner. They must be re-opened periodically and can last up to 8 years in total, allowing new suppliers to join during the scheme. Closed frameworks don’t re-open. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
Is a dynamic purchasing system a framework?
No. A DPS (under PCR 2015) and its successor, the dynamic market (under the Procurement Act), are open lists with competitions for call-offs. A framework is a contract with a defined set of suppliers for its term. The Act’s dynamic market replaces DPS and is broader in scope. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
What is an open framework in procurement?
A framework that re-opens during its life to admit new suppliers, running as successive frameworks for up to 8 years. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
How will frameworks change under the 2023 Act?
Three headline shifts commonly discussed: open frameworks, updates to call-off mechanics and noticing (e.g., transparency around agreements and awards). See Module 5 and CCS materials for official descriptions and process flows. (GOV.UK)
Changes to the call-off process
The Act retains mini-competitions and direct awards (where the framework terms allow). Authorities should follow the process flows in the official guidance and ensure notices are published as required. (GOV.UK)
Call-off information & framework notices
Guidance explains what must be in tender notices for frameworks, how values are treated, and the role of contract award notices and standstill. (GOV.UK)
What are the benefits of open frameworks to public sector buyers?
Ongoing competition, access to new suppliers and new capabilities, and the ability to keep terms steady while refreshing the supplier list. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
Will closed frameworks still be used?
Yes. Where markets are stable or where buyers prioritise fixed supplier sets and faster direct awards. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
What is a dynamic market and how do they work?
An open list of qualified suppliers with competitions for each call-off, that is always open to new members, and with no cap on member numbers. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
What benefits do dynamic markets offer to buyers?
They expand competition, keep supply bases current, and improve access for niche providers and SMEs while maintaining eligibility checks. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
How are dynamic markets different from DPS?
They replace DPS under the Act and can be set up for a wider set of procurements than DPS permitted. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
When is a dynamic market used?
When the category is fast-moving, supplier entry matters, or innovation is important. Frameworks (including open frameworks) may still be preferred where the market is stable or where award without further competition is necessary. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
Direct award under the Procurement Act 2023 (and how it interacts with frameworks and dynamic markets)
The new Procurement Act permits direct award in specific, limited circumstances, as set out in Section 41 (Direct award in special cases) and related provisions. The Cabinet Office guidance emphasises that competitive procedures remain the default; direct awards require justification (e.g., a single supplier for technical reasons, extreme urgency, user-choice services), and transparency notices must be published before a direct award. Contract award notices and standstill rules then apply (with specific exceptions). (GOV.UK)
Two practical clarifications:
You can directly award a framework (but not an open framework) only in unusual cases and only where the statutory conditions are met. See guidance for details. (GOV.UK)
Direct awards under a framework are different: they depend on the framework’s own selection mechanism and the Act’s framework rules (e.g., section 45(4) objective criteria), not on the Section 41 justifications, which govern direct awards outside competitive procedures. (procurementportal.com)
Frameworks vs Open Frameworks vs Dynamic Markets - which tool should you use?
The Procurement Act 2023 introduces a more flexible approach to public sector procurement, built around three main commercial tools: frameworks, open frameworks, and dynamic markets. Each is designed to suit different buying scenarios - from stable, long-term supplier arrangements to markets that evolve rapidly or require ongoing competition. The table below summarises how they compare and when each is most appropriate.
Aspect | Framework | Open Framework | Dynamic Market |
|---|---|---|---|
Core concept | A contract with one or more suppliers setting the terms for future call-offs; closed to new suppliers once awarded. | A scheme of successive frameworks under one banner; allows re-opening for new suppliers at defined intervals. | An open list of qualified suppliers; always open for new members; contracts awarded via competitions among members. |
Admission of suppliers | Only at initial award; no new entrants during the term. | At initial award and at mandatory re-opening points (at least once in first 3 years, and at least every 5 years). | Continuous - suppliers can apply to join at any time if they meet the membership conditions. |
Duration | Up to 4 years (unless justified for longer). | Up to 8 years total (with re-openings within that period). | No fixed cap; remains open throughout its life. |
Call-off mechanism | Mini-competition or direct award, depending on framework terms. | Mini-competition or direct award within each successive framework. | Competitive flexible procedure among members for each requirement. |
When to use | Stable markets with known suppliers and consistent requirements. | Markets that evolve over time but benefit from familiar framework terms. | Fast-changing or innovation-driven markets needing continuous supplier entry. |
Supplier flexibility | None until framework expires. | Periodic refresh of supplier base at re-opening points. | Continuous flexibility; suppliers join or leave at any time. |
Key benefits for buyers | Certainty of supplier base; easier contract management. | Balance between stability and competition; supports longer planning horizons. | Maximum openness and agility; maintains constant competition. |
Key benefits for suppliers | Predictability and long-term relationships. | Regular opportunities to join without waiting for framework expiry. | Continuous access to opportunities and fewer barriers to entry. |
(Sources for the table cells are expanded in the reference list at the end of this article.) (GOV.UK)
How call-offs, notices and transparency work
Under both frameworks and dynamic markets, notices matter. Authorities must publish the correct notice at the correct stage (tender, transparency, award, contract details) and observe any applicable standstill. The official Module 5 learning content includes end-to-end process flows for awarding under frameworks (including without competition where permitted) and for awarding under dynamic markets. If your teams are building internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) start with those flows and then contextualise for your category and threshold mix. (GOV.UK)
For direct awards, the transparency notice must be published before the contract award notice, and a voluntary standstill usually follows (with exceptions for certain user-choice services). This sequencing is one of the more visible changes authorities will want to embed into playbooks and checklists. (GOV.UK)
Benefits for buyers and suppliers
Benefits of open frameworks to public sector buyers
Competition stays live over a longer horizon (up to 8 years) because you re-open at defined points and can readmit or add suppliers.
Access to evolving capability: suppliers can broaden their scope when the market moves, without waiting years for a new agreement.
Consistency of terms across successive frameworks within the scheme keeps buying familiar for teams. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
Benefits of dynamic markets to public sector buyers
Continuous admission and no cap on members, which helps the supplier base reflect the market as it is today (and tomorrow).
SME access and niche providers gain a route to compete, while authorities retain assurance via membership conditions.
It provides a category fit for rapidly changing sectors where innovation and new entrants are the norm. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
What suppliers should know
Eligibility and membership: in a dynamic market, you can apply any time; in an open framework, watch for re-opening windows and prepare to bid or be re-assessed. (GOV.UK)
Visibility: dynamic markets use tender notices for each call-off, letting non-members see opportunities and apply for membership to compete. (GOV.UK)
Using the tools: which route when?
1) Choose an open framework when:
You want fixed terms and conditions across a long horizon but still want periodic refresh of the supplier pool.
The market is not changing monthly, but you do expect meaningful new entrants or evolving propositions over a multi-year period.
2) Choose a dynamic market when:
The market is fast-moving or you want the widest, most current competition for every call-off.
You want to ease entry for SMEs or specialist providers and avoid supplier caps that could exclude strong contenders.
3) Direct award is not a “third route” for convenience:
It’s a narrow path permitted only where the statutory justifications apply, with notices and (usually) standstill. Use the Cabinet Office guidance to validate each case. (GOV.UK)
Governance, transparency and auditability
The Act’s emphasis on notices and standardised information raises the bar on traceability. A few implications for your operating model:
Policy-to-process alignment: update playbooks to map when to publish each notice (tender, transparency, award, contract details), under which tool, and how standstill interacts with internal gateways. (GOV.UK)
Supplier status checks: frameworks imply a duty to verify excluded/excludable status at call-off, not just at framework award. Make this a documented step in your call-off procedure. (GOV.UK)
Data retention and audit: capture the rationale for tool selection (framework vs open framework vs dynamic market), choice of competition or direct award, and full notice trail.
Dynamic purchasing systems (legacy context) and transition
Authorities with existing DPS arrangements under PCR 2015 are likely to phase them out over time in favour of dynamic markets. The Cabinet Office material is explicit that dynamic markets replace DPS under the Act as the modern open-list tool and with a broader scope than DPS. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
Category examples (housing, property, local authority services)
Repairs & maintenance: Where supplier availability changes and local capability matters, a dynamic market can maximise competition and local SME access.
Professional services: If you need consistent terms and performance management across multiple years but want to capture new entrants periodically, an open framework often fits.
Specialist compliance work: If your market has a small, stable set of capable suppliers, a closed framework may still be appropriate for speed of call-offs (subject to your organisation’s strategy). (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
Technology considerations: making the new tools work, day to day
To get the benefits of the Act’s tools, authorities need systems that can:
Manage eligibility and membership (dynamic markets) and re-opening cycles (open frameworks) without manual workarounds. (GOV.UK)
Automate notices: draft, approve and publish the correct notice at the correct time, including transparency notices for direct awards. (GOV.UK)
Evidence compliance: produce verifiable audit trails for membership checks, competition summaries, award decisions, and contract details. (GOV.UK)
The bottom line
Open frameworks: best when you want stable terms over several years but need controlled refresh points to keep the supplier base up to date. Up to 8-year schemes; re-open at least once in the first three years, and at least every five thereafter. (GOV.UK)
Dynamic markets: best when you want continuous admission and maximum competition for every call-off; the open-list model that replaces DPS under the Act and works across a wider range of categories. (crowncommercial.gov.uk)
Direct award: available only in specific circumstances with transparency obligations and (usually) standstill but is not a substitute for competition. (GOV.UK)
How Plentific powers Open Frameworks under the Procurement Act 2023
The Open Framework powered and managed by Plentific, sponsored by CDS, is the first solution in the UK housing and public sector to combine compliant procurement and work order management within a single digital platform.
Built specifically to align with the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23), it provides a fully compliant, ready-to-use route to market that lets housing providers and local authorities call off works and services quickly, confidently, and transparently.
A new model for compliant, digital procurement
Traditional frameworks have long been effective but rigid. They close off supplier entry and demand heavy administrative effort to maintain compliance.
Plentific’s Open Framework software solution addresses these challenges head-on by bringing procurement, contractor management, and delivery tracking together in one place. Through the Plentific platform, buyers can:
Call off contracts at package level rather than managing individual jobs, agreeing pricing and scope upfront for complete price certainty.
Choose between direct award or mini-competition, depending on what best demonstrates value for money.
Manage contractor mobilisation, delivery, invoicing, and payment all within the same digital environment.
Monitor contractor performance in real time, swap underperforming suppliers when necessary, and maintain a transparent audit trail for every decision.
It’s a system designed to make Open Frameworks work in practice, giving buyers the flexibility and competition the Procurement Act intended, but without the administrative burden.
Enhanced supplier quality and assurance
Every supplier admitted to Plentific’s Open Framework undergoes enhanced onboarding and verification in line with PA23’s SQ. That means:
Mandatory SSIP accreditation and CIS verification.
Assessment of experience, capacity, and pricing, ensuring transparency before admission.
Continuous re-enrolment windows to keep the supplier pool competitive and of a high-quality.
All of this supports a pre-vetted, best-in-class supply chain that supports both compliance and service quality while reducing the internal resource burden typically associated with supplier due diligence. The result is faster mobilisation, greater consistency in delivery, and stronger governance across every transaction.
The bridge between procurement and delivery
Where traditional frameworks often stop at contract award, Plentific’s Open Framework continues through to delivery management, unifying procurement and operational performance. It’s a closed-loop system: from scoping and supplier selection, through delivery tracking, to invoicing and performance analysis - all underpinned by full auditability and compliance.
Why this matters for social housing
For housing providers, the Plentific Open Framework represents more than a compliant route to procurement - it’s a way to accelerate repairs, support local economies, and uphold resident safety. Providers can engage trusted contractors quickly, ensure all suppliers meet mandatory safety and competence standards, and manage call-offs in a fully digital environment that aligns with new regulatory expectations under Awaab’s Law and the Decent Homes Standard.
By combining speed, compliance, and transparency, Plentific enables housing organisations to meet their obligations under the new procurement regime while keeping their focus on service delivery and resident outcomes.
This research note has been prepared by the Plentific Marketing Team for general information purposes only. It is intended to provide a summary of certain aspects of the new Procurement Act and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal, financial, or other professional advice.
The information contained in this note is based on sources believed to be reliable as at the date of publication; however, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to its accuracy, completeness, or current relevance.
Readers should not act, or refrain from acting, on the basis of the content of this note without seeking specific professional advice appropriate to their particular circumstances. Neither Plentific nor any of its officers, employees, or agents accepts any liability or responsibility for any loss which may arise from reliance on information contained in this publication.
Share
