Learn what a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) is and how public sector buyers can benefit from using them.

Published 5 August 2022

Last updated 20 April 2026

What is a Dynamic Purchasing System in procurement?

A Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) is a type of commercial agreement that operates through an online marketplace. DPSs offer customers a quick, easy and flexible way to buy commonly used goods and services.

Public sector buyers can procure from a list of pre-approved suppliers. They also benefit from standard terms and conditions and legal protections. Within the DPS marketplace, they can easily find and engage with suitable suppliers. Buyers can then make purchases on largely preset contract terms. This makes the procurement process more efficient. 

What is the difference between a Dynamic Purchasing System and a framework?

As a procurement tool, a Dynamic Purchasing System is similar to a framework, another type of agreement. However, the biggest difference is that suppliers can join a DPS at any time. This increases competition and choice. It also ensures the DPS remains open to innovations, emerging technologies and new businesses.

This means that DPSs can keep up with evolving technology and markets. This benefits the public sector by enabling organisations to quickly access new capabilities. This is a quicker process than under frameworks, which suppliers can only join during a limited application window.

This is why DPSs are especially suitable for buying goods and services in fast-changing industries such as:

How does a DPS work? 

DPSs typically run in two stages.

In the first stage, suppliers who meet the preset criteria apply to join the DPS. When they are approved, they may be categorised within the DPS according to things like their:

  • specialism
  • credentials
  • capability
  • geographical location

In the second stage, contracts are awarded. During this process, public or third sector buyers use the DPS marketplace to shortlist suppliers that meet their needs. They then invite these shortlisted suppliers to bid for their contract. This process is known as buying through further competition. All DPS contacts must go out to competition. It is not possible to purchase through direct award.

What can I buy through a DPS?

You can buy almost anything through a DPS, from school supplies to NHS equipment. 

DPSs work best for public sector organisations who are looking for standard goods and services or innovative solutions in new and emerging markets. 

DPSs do not work for anyone looking to make a direct award or order a specific product or service from a catalogue, where there is no need for further competition. 

Some goods and services you can buy through a DPS include:

  • IT equipment and software
  • cyber security and AI services
  • building repair and maintenance services
  • project management
  • architectural design
  • temporary and permanent staffing
  • adult skills training
  • market research
  • food and drinks
  • office supplies
  • transport and accommodation bookings
  • specialised services such as carbon net zero solutions or specialised healthcare products

How long can a Dynamic Purchasing System run?

Unlike frameworks, which usually last for a maximum of 4 years, a Dynamic Purchasing System has no fixed length. This means that DPSs can run for any duration. The organisation that sets up the DPS determines its maximum length, and communicates this in the tender documents. 

For example, some DPSs available through Government Commercial Agency have a maximum duration of 4 years, while others last as long as 10 years or more.

DPSs and dynamic markets

It is worth noting that DPSs are slowly being replaced by a new type of flexible agreement known as dynamic markets. 

The Procurement Act 2023 introduced dynamic markets as a replacement for DPSs when it took effect in February 2025. 

However, many DPSs that were established by Crown Commercial Service before 2025 are still open for you to buy through. These agreements continue to be governed by the Public Contract Regulations 2015 instead of the Procurement Act.

Read our dedicated article about dynamic markets to learn how they differ from DPSs. 

How do Dynamic Purchasing Systems benefit public sector buyers?

Dynamic Purchasing Systems offer many benefits:

  • speed and ease of use: DPSs are easy to use and can cut procurement times to as little as 10 days
  • wider range of suppliers: since new suppliers can join at any time, DPSs give buyers access to a larger, more diverse pool of suppliers
  • competitive pricing: DPSs use ongoing competitions to drive innovation and cut prices
  • flexibility: buyers can filter suppliers according to their specific needs, for instance by targeting specialists or suppliers in specific areas

Our GCA DPSs are designed to support businesses of all disciplines, sizes and regional locations. By matching up public sector buyers with local suppliers, they help small and medium sized enterprises take part in public procurement. This levels the playing field for smaller businesses and provides value to both buyers and suppliers.

How to buy through DPSs: The Dynamic Purchasing System Marketplace 

You can visit our agreements page to see all of the open Dynamic Purchasing Systems available through GCA.

Once you have found a DPS that suits your needs, the DPS Marketplace provides access to all GCA DPS agreements. It can be used to shortlist suppliers to invite to tender and to request evidence from the winning supplier as part of your compliance checks, such as:

  • customer references
  • contract examples
  • insurance certificates

You should always read the customer guidance document for the DPS that you are using before commencing your further competition.

To register for the DPS Marketplace, you must be authorised as a public or third sector buyer. You can find more information on how to do this in our guide to buying through Dynamic Purchasing Systems.

Find out more

Ready to get buying with Dynamic Purchasing Systems? You can:

Procurement Essentials