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Care Framework vs Dynamic Market: What Is the Difference?

A current comparison of frameworks, open frameworks and dynamic markets for care providers under the Procurement Act 2023.

Editorial collage of care-provider questions, procurement documents and evaluator evidence

Direct answer

A framework is a public contract that sets terms for future call-offs and normally fixes the appointed suppliers for its term. An open framework is a scheme of frameworks that reopens at stated points. A dynamic market is a list of qualified suppliers that must remain open to new applicants; membership makes suppliers eligible for later procurements but is not itself a public contract award.

01

Framework

Suppliers compete for a place under the published procedure. The framework then controls how future contracts are awarded, with or without further competition according to its terms. A traditional framework normally does not add new suppliers during its life.

02

Open framework

The Procurement Act 2023 introduced open frameworks. They reopen through successive frameworks at the published intervals, allowing new suppliers to compete at those points while retaining framework-style call-offs.

03

Dynamic market

A dynamic market must accept applications throughout its life and cannot limit supplier numbers. Suppliers must meet the conditions for membership. A later tender notice advertises contracts awarded by reference to the market, and membership may be required to participate.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about care framework vs dynamic market: what is the difference?.

01Is a DPS the same as a dynamic market?

The Procurement Act 2023 replaced DPSs for new procurements with dynamic markets. Older DPS arrangements can continue under the rules that apply to them, so check the notice and date.

02Does membership guarantee a contract?

No. Dynamic market membership is qualification for later procurements. A framework place may itself be a public contract award, but actual call-off work still follows the framework terms.