Digital Specialists and Programmes

Hire digital, data and technology (DDaT) specialist roles or buy complete end-to-end digital transformation programmes.

Updates

09/01/2026: We are extending this agreement for 12 weeks, until 30 May 2026. This extension gives buyers time to complete procurements that are currently underway if they experience unexpected delays.

04/11/2024: We are extending this agreement for 12 months, until 7 March 2026. This makes sure you can keep buying the services you need. It also allows time to move to a replacement framework.

30/07/2024: We have started work on Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7. Find updates and events on the Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7 webpage.

19/10/2023: We are extending this agreement for 12 months, until 7 March 2025. This lets you continue buying services while we develop a replacement.

Description

This agreement works alongside RM1043.8 Digital Outcomes 6. Lot 2 for specialists is not available from RM1043.8.

Use this agreement to:

  • find people with the full range of Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) skills to help you complete digital transformation projects
  • hire DDaT staff to join existing or new teams

Digital transformation refers to the strategic integration of digital technologies into all areas of an organisation. It helps to improve how an organisation works and provides value to customers.

Digital transformation projects might include:

  • redesigning an existing digital service
  • creating a new service for users or internal teams
  • rethinking how your organisation uses technology, people, or processes
  • creating new business models or new revenue streams for your organisation
  • building new mobile apps or eCommerce online platforms

You might want to hire DDaT staff to integrate into your organisation and help achieve strategic objectives on one or many projects. DDaT staff can help with:

  • user research
  • platform design
  • building and supporting digital services

Under lot 1, you can also hire DDaT staff for projects where the scope of services does not have clearly defined outcomes or deliverables.

You can find teams of digital specialists based on DDaT role definitions. These meet the skills in the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA).

What you cannot buy through this agreement:

  • standalone hosting, support, or maintenance of live websites or apps
  • temporary staff cover with no clear deliverables
  • non-DDaT roles

This agreement is not for interim or contingent staff. Use these agreements instead:

Benefits

  • further competition provides best value for money
  • access to the latest services on the market
  • build strategic partnerships with suppliers to improve services
  • quicker and simpler buying using direct award (lot 2 only) or further competition (single or two-stage)

Carbon Reduction

All suppliers have committed to comply with Procurement Policy Note 006, 'Taking account of Carbon Reduction Plans in the procurement of major government contracts' as required. If a supplier is required to publish a carbon reduction plan, you can find it on their individual supplier details page.

Products and suppliers

There are 73 suppliers on this agreement

Lot 1: Digital Programmes

Expires:

51 suppliers

Lot 2: Digital Specialists

Expires:

51 suppliers

How to buy

Step 1: Identify your needs

Write a Statement of Requirements. Set out what you need from the contract and for how long.

Step 2: Finalise your needs

Be clear and detailed about what you need. This helps suppliers give accurate, good value bids. Include all details in your call-off documents.

Step 3: Decide what type of call-off you want to use

Lot 1 (Digital Programmes): Choose a one-stage or two-stage further competition.

  • one-stage further competition: Invite all suppliers to bid and assess all the bids that you receive
  • two-stage further competition: Use the capability assessment tool to shortlist suppliers – only shortlisted suppliers will bid

Lot 2 (Digital Specialists): Choose a one-stage or two-stage further competition, or a direct award.

  • direct award: If one supplier meets your needs, award directly to them after a capability assessment (CAM tool).

Step 4: Complete the call-off documents

When you are ready to let the market know what you need, read the Public Sector Contract schedules first. Then complete your bid pack:

  • about the procurement
  • how to bid
  • Statement of Requirements
  • Order Form Template and Call-Off Schedules

Step 5: Issue the call-off documents

For a one-stage competition, invite all suppliers in your lot. For two-stage, invite only shortlisted suppliers.

For direct award under Lot 2, use the CAM tool and pricing tool to help you find the best value supplier based on quality and price. Contact us by email to get the CAM and pricing tools. 

You can use the free CCS eSourcing portal or your own platform to start and complete either a further competition or direct award..

Step 6: Evaluation

Treat all suppliers equally and fairly:

  • use the criteria set out in your Call-Off documents to evaluate the bids
  • keep a clear record of your evaluation for audit purposes

Step 7: Award

Once you find the best value bid, we recommend you apply a stand still period and wait at least 10 calendar days before awarding. You must tell all suppliers the outcome by email or letter.

After the standstill period, place your order using the completed order form (Framework Schedule 6).

Give unsuccessful suppliers written feedback on their bid’s strengths and weaknesses.

Documents

Updates

Case study

How Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is tackling their digital skills gap

Documents