RM6263: Digital Specialists and Programmes (DSP)

01/04/2026: The Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7 agreement is now live which has replaced this agreement. For any new tenders please use DOS7.

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.

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:

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)

Please read the 'How to buy' tab below for detailed instructions on how to find out which suppliers are on this framework.

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.

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) became Government Commercial Agency (GCA) on 1 April 2026. Documents published before this date may still refer to CCS. All contract documents remain valid for existing and new contracts, and there are no changes to how you work with us.

Case study

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

Digital Specialists and Programmes

Updates

Description

Benefits

Products and suppliers

How to buy