The fastest route to consistent work
Become a Preferred Supplier
Get on a framework and buyers can award you contracts directly — no open competition, no tender process, no starting from zero every time.
Every business wants to become a preferred supplier.
It is the holy grail — buyers who already know you, trust you, and come back to you with work.
In public sector procurement, preferred supplier status has a specific name.
It is called becoming a framework supplier.
And unlike an informal preferred supplier relationship in the private sector — this one is governed by rules, protected by law, and when you get it right, it means buyers can award you contracts directly without putting the work out to open competition.
This page explains exactly what that means, how it works, and how to get there.
Framework windows open and close. Miss one and you are locked out for years.
Most frameworks run for 4 years under PA23 closed framework rules — some up to 8 years. Once the window closes no new suppliers can join until the next procurement cycle. The suppliers inside get direct call-offs. The suppliers outside get nothing.
"The suppliers winning consistent public sector work are not necessarily better than you — they got on the framework when the window was open."
Plain English explanation
What is a framework — and why does it matter to your business?
A framework is a long-term agreement between one or more public sector buyers and a group of pre-approved suppliers. Once you are on a framework, buyers can award you contracts directly from that list — without running a full open tender every time.
Think of it as being on the approved shortlist. Buyers come to you. You do not have to find them every time.
Getting onto a framework requires winning a competitive application when the window opens. But once you are on, the work flows differently. Call-offs can be awarded directly or via a lighter mini-competition — far less effort than a full tender from scratch.
The four types — and what they mean for you as a supplier
| Type | What it means | PA23 status |
|---|---|---|
| Closed Framework | A fixed list of suppliers awarded at the start. Once closed, no new suppliers can join. Runs up to 4 years (up to 8 in some cases). Most common type. Miss the window — you wait for the next cycle. | Continues under PA23 |
| Open Framework | New under PA23. Can run up to 8 years and must open at least once during its lifetime to let new suppliers join. Better for suppliers — more opportunities to get on board. | New under PA23 |
| Dynamic Purchasing System | Suppliers can apply to join at any time during its lifetime. No closed window. More flexible but also more competition inside. | Continues under PA23 |
| Dynamic Market | Brand new under PA23. Similar to a DPS but can cover a wider range of goods and services. Can be used for more complex requirements. | New under PA23 |
All frameworks awarded from 24 February 2025 onwards are governed by the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23). Frameworks established before that date continue under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR2015) rules.
Why the best suppliers prioritise framework status
Repeat business without repeat tendering
Once on a framework buyers call you off directly. You spend less time bidding and more time delivering.
PA23 compliant by default
Framework call-offs are fully compliant under PA23. Being on the right frameworks makes you the path of least resistance for buyers.
Higher contract values lower competition
Framework lots are often segmented by size and sector. SMEs regularly win alongside large suppliers when they are on the right framework.
Find frameworks in your sector
Tell us your sector and we will show you the most relevant active frameworks to pursue right now.
Not sure which frameworks to target?
The Discovery Report includes a full framework eligibility assessment
Which frameworks are open now, which are coming, how to position your application to win a place — and a Framework Application Review to check your submission before you send it.