Check which rules apply
This guide covers arrangements under the Procurement Act 2023, which came into force on 24 February 2025. Older procurements and frameworks can continue under previous regulations, including their subsequent call-offs. A dynamic purchasing system established under those rules does not simply become a dynamic market. Check the notice and the transitional guidance before applying.
The Act applies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland with devolved differences. Devolved Scottish authorities generally follow Scottish procurement legislation, while cross-border arrangements need separate consideration. Utilities, defence and light-touch procurement can also have different provisions. The devolved-authority guidance explains the jurisdictional distinctions. This is general supplier guidance, not advice on a particular procurement.
What is a framework agreement?
A framework sets the terms for future contracts between specified buyers and appointed suppliers. Those later contracts are commonly called call-offs. Winning a place is different from winning an order for work.
For a standard framework, suppliers normally compete during the advertised establishment process. Once awarded, it does not offer routine admission for new suppliers during its term. Buyers use the framework’s stated selection process for call-offs, which may involve further competition or an award without further competition where permitted. Check the relevant lot, eligible buyers and award mechanism in the documents. The Cabinet Office framework guidance covers both frameworks and call-offs.
What is an open framework?
An open framework is a scheme of successive frameworks on substantially the same terms. New suppliers can compete when it reopens. It is not continuously open: each round has its own process and deadline.
Under section 49, the general scheme provides for reopening within the first three years and at least every five years thereafter, with an eight-year maximum. A single-supplier scheme has a different maximum of four years. Check the actual timetable rather than treating those limits as application dates. Existing suppliers must check how their position will be reassessed at each round. The Act’s open-framework provisions set out these rules.
What is a dynamic market?
A dynamic market is a list of qualified suppliers eligible for relevant future competitions. Applications must be accepted throughout its life and considered within a reasonable period. Suppliers may qualify for particular parts rather than the whole market.
Admission is not a contract award. A supplier still competes for the work through the competitive flexible procedure. There is no guaranteed turnover simply because its name is on the list.
If you apply when a competition is already underway, section 34 generally requires consideration of your membership application before excluding you for non-membership. There is an exception where the procurement’s complexity leaves insufficient time before the relevant deadline. Do not assume every application can be processed in time: check the stated membership dates and apply early. See the dynamic markets guidance.
Compare the routes into work
The table summarises the ordinary routes under the Act. The specific notice and documents remain essential.
Scroll horizontally to read all three arrangements.
| Question | Standard framework | Open framework | Dynamic market |
|---|---|---|---|
| When can I join? | During the framework award process. | At establishment and subsequent reopening rounds. | Applications accepted throughout its life. |
| Can I join after it starts? | No routine new-supplier admission during the awarded framework. | At the next advertised round, not whenever you choose. | Yes, subject to membership assessment and exclusions. |
| What comes next? | Call-offs using the stated selection process. | Call-offs under the applicable framework in the scheme. | Separate competitions for relevant contracts. |
| Is work guaranteed? | No automatic guarantee; check any specific commitment. | No automatic guarantee; check the terms. | No. Membership is not a contract award. |
| Where do I look? | Framework notice and instructions to appointed suppliers. | Reopening notices and framework call-off instructions. | Market notices and relevant tender notices, subject to utilities exceptions. |
How are opportunities advertised?
A competitive framework procurement is advertised through a tender notice, and open-framework rounds provide further entry opportunities. Framework call-offs do not require a fresh public tender notice under the Act: follow the buyer’s invitations and the framework’s instructions instead. Do not mistake an award notice for an invitation to bid.
A dynamic market has its own establishment and membership notices. Contract competitions normally have public tender notices on Find a Tender. Qualifying utilities dynamic markets are an exception: tender notices are provided to members rather than published publicly. Check the market type and relevant part before deciding where to monitor.
A supplier who missed the first deadline
A fictional training provider
A small training business finds three routes used by councils. It missed the standard framework’s original application deadline, the open framework’s first round has closed, and the dynamic market is already operating.
For the standard framework, it records the next replacement procurement and checks other routes. For the open framework, it prepares evidence for the next reopening. For the dynamic market, it submits a membership application now, while checking whether there is enough time to qualify for a particular competition.
The business has three different next actions. None gives it a contract automatically, and “applications open” is not the same as “ready to tender today”.
What to check before applying
- Scope: the services, geography, lot or market part, and which buyers can use it.
- Entry dates: the application deadline, reopening schedule and any date needed for a live competition.
- Evidence: required financial information, experience, certifications and permitted equivalents.
- Commercial terms: pricing rules, charges, insurance, liabilities and delivery obligations.
- Route to work: how competitions are issued, how suppliers are selected and what response effort follows admission.
Ask questions through the authorised channel while clarification is still available. Record the answer with its source and date. A large headline framework value is not your revenue forecast.
If you missed a framework deadline
First establish whether the process is still open, already awarded or part of an open-framework scheme. Ask the administrator about published reopening or replacement plans; do not assume a late application can be accepted.
Look for other suitable arrangements and standalone tenders. A permitted subcontracting or consortium route may be worth exploring, but it is not a shortcut to framework membership. Check the terms and responsibilities before relying on it. Use the bid/no-bid decision guide to assess a live opportunity before committing response time.
TenderSNAP Opportunity Discovery helps businesses research public-sector opportunities and review relevance against a Company Profile. It does not manage framework applications or dynamic-market membership. Those steps remain with your team and the arrangement’s administrator.
Sources and review date
Reviewed 13 October 2026 against the following official sources. Framework and dynamic-market guidance was updated on 13 July 2026. Check current rules and the procurement documents for your arrangement.