Definition
Dynamic Purchasing System(DPS)
An open list of qualified suppliers that new entrants can join at any time.
A Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) is an electronic, wholly online list of pre-approved suppliers that remains open for new suppliers to join at any time throughout its life, used by public buyers under PCR 2015 to run repeated purchases in a category of goods, works or services. Under the Procurement Act 2023, new versions are called dynamic markets.
How a DPS differs from a framework
Unlike a closed framework agreement, which has a fixed membership list set at the outset, a DPS remains open to any supplier meeting the selection criteria for the entire duration of the DPS. Suppliers can apply to join at any point, and the buyer must admit any applicant who passes the suitability assessment.
Individual purchases (call-offs) are still made through a further, often lighter-touch mini-competition among suppliers admitted to the DPS at the time, rather than a direct award, distinguishing it from some framework arrangements.
- Open to new suppliers throughout its life, not just at set-up
- Runs entirely electronically
- Purchases made via mini-competitions among DPS members
- Commonly used for categories such as temporary staff, care services, and standard supplies
Joining and bidding through a DPS
Suppliers apply to join by submitting a selection questionnaire response against published suitability criteria; there is no quality or price competition at this admission stage. Once admitted, the supplier is notified of relevant call-off opportunities and can bid in each mini-competition as it arises.
Because admission is ongoing, a supplier that misses the DPS launch has not missed the opportunity — they can typically apply to join months or years into its operation and still compete for future call-offs.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I join a Dynamic Purchasing System after it has already started?
- Yes. A key feature of a DPS is that it stays open to new suppliers for its entire duration under PCR 2015. You can apply at any time by submitting the required selection questionnaire responses, and once admitted you become eligible to bid in future mini-competitions.
- Is a DPS the same as a dynamic market?
- They serve the same purpose, but a dynamic market is the version introduced by the Procurement Act 2023 for procurements run from February 2025 onwards, with some updated rules. A DPS is the equivalent structure under the older Public Contracts Regulations 2015 for legacy procurements.
- How does a buyer choose a winner from DPS members?
- The buyer runs a mini-competition each time it needs to buy, inviting all relevant suppliers admitted to that category of the DPS (or a subset if the DPS is divided into lots) to submit a bid against the specific requirement, then evaluates and awards based on published award criteria.
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