What is a Dynamic Purchasing System?

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:

Changes to our agreements in March

Helping you stay informed and confident in your procurement decisions

This update provides a summary of which agreements were awarded, extended or expired during the previous month. It also outlines what is expiring in the next 3 months.

Discover all our live agreements in our interactive digital brochure – your complete overview at a glance.

Agreements awarded in March

Agreements that expired in March

Agreements due to expire in the next 3 months

We’re here to help

Have questions about any of these agreements? Our team is ready to support you.

Stay ahead of what is coming

Explore our upcoming agreement page to see the new procurements we are developing, so you can plan with confidence.

Never miss an update

And finally, subscribe to our monthly customer newsletter using this short form. Get these updates and more delivered straight to your inbox.

Glossary

Our glossary defines the key terms we use, helping you navigate our website and buy with confidence.

Buying goods and services: what Scottish public bodies need to know

We offer ready-made commercial agreements that let you buy goods and services without starting from scratch. Think of it like a catalogue, where the hard work of vetting suppliers has already been done. 

If you are based in Scotland, there are some extra steps when using agreements launched under the Procurement Act 2023. This guide explains what you need to do.

Check which rules apply

If you are using a Scottish national or sectoral collaborative framework, or running your own procurement exercise, Scottish procurement rules apply. These include: 

  • the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 
  • the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014

If you are using a commercial agreement awarded under UK legislation, you must follow either:

  • the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23), or 
  • the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR2015)

This depends on which legislative regime was used to award the agreement. 

You can use our website or the Central Digital Platform (CDP) to identify which rules apply.

Procurement Act 2023 or Public Contracts Regulations 2015?

PA23 simplifies some framework rules. For example, it removes restrictions on how a competitive selection process should work when awarding call-off contracts. These can now be either single stage or multiple stage.

PA23 also introduced open frameworks. These frameworks can be re-opened during the lifetime of the agreement so that new suppliers can join. 

It also replaces the dynamic purchasing system from PCR2015 with dynamic markets. Dynamic markets can be used for more than common goods and services.

Why does this matter?

 If you are using an agreement set up under the Procurement Act 2023, you will need to complete some additional steps that we explain below.

Buying goods and services under Procurement Act 2023 if you are based in Scotland

The following guidelines are for using Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) Government Commercial Agency frameworks and dynamic markets only.

When using a framework or dynamic market set up under the Procurement Act 2023, you need to:

  •  register on the Central Digital Platform
  •  check supplier exclusion status before awarding
  •  publish required notices at each stage
  •  keep records of your process for auditing purposes

Register on the Central Digital Platform

Before using agreements awarded under the Procurement Act 2023, you must register your organisation on the Central Digital Platform. This government website is where official notices about your purchases are published. 

To register follow these instructions:

Step 1

One person from your organisation creates a personal account on OneLogin. Use your own work email address, not a shared one.

Step 2

That person registers your organisation. Use a shared email, (like procurement@yourschool.gov.uk) for the organisation account so colleagues can access it.

Your organisation name must match exactly how it appears on official records, or it will be rejected.

Step 3

Invite colleagues who need access and give them appropriate permissions.

You are then ready to start buying GCA frameworks and dynamic markets.

Two ways to buy: frameworks and dynamic markets

We offer 2 main types of commercial agreement:

  • frameworks
  • dynamic markets

Frameworks 

Frameworks are like approved supplier lists. The rules for how you choose a supplier are set out in each framework’s guidance documents. Depending on the agreement, you may be able to: 

  • pick a supplier directly
  • run a competition, which could have multiple steps

Dynamic markets

Dynamic markets are more flexible lists where new suppliers can join at any point in the market’s lifetime. 

We onboard suppliers to our dynamic markets, so please allow 30 days for this process before you run a competition. This gives time for any new suppliers wanting to join to be assessed.

You must always run a competition when using a dynamic market, and assessment summaries are required.

Check your chosen supplier is not excluded

We can now remove excluded and excludable suppliers from live frameworks and dynamic markets. However, contracting authorities still have responsibilities when awarding contracts. 

PA23 does not allow a contracting authority to award a contract to an excluded supplier. This means that you will need to confirm that a supplier has not been excluded before awarding a contract to them under a framework or dynamic market. 

Scottish authorities should therefore be familiar with:

Publishing notices on the Central Digital Platform

You must publish notices on the CDP at important stages for transparency. Think of these as official announcements:

  • before using a dynamic market: publish a UK4 tender notice stating you intend to use it (this does not apply to awards made under frameworks)
  • before signing a contract (if it is above certain value thresholds): publish a UK6 contract award notice announcing who you are planning to award to
  • after signing: publish details of the contract within 30 days using a UK7 contract details notice

The CDP platform guides you through which forms to complete.

Exemptions for Scottish devolved authorities using our frameworks

PA23 introduces new procurement objectives and a National Procurement Policy Statement that we would have considered when designing frameworks for all customers.

It also introduces new requirements on the publication of key performance indicators using the new noticing regime. 

Part 6 of the Act sets out the rules for below-threshold contracts. 

Devolved Scottish Authorities can disapply these requirements when:

  • calling off under a framework
  • using one of our dynamic markets

For more information about devolved contracting authorities visit GOV.UK.

Need help?

Check the buyers guide for your specific agreement. It contains step-by-step instructions. 

You can also contact us directly by:

You can visit GOV.UK for more guidance on the Central Digital Platform.

Learn more

The Procurement Act 2023 brought in several other changes. Read more about:

Our new agreement to support digital transformation is now live

Our Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7 (DOS 7) agreement is now live. It replaces and consolidates 2 previous agreements: Digital Outcomes 6 (DOS 6) and Digital Specialists and Programmes (DSP).

DOS 7 provides a single procurement solution for public sector organisations to design, build, test and deliver digital projects and services. This new agreement:

  • brings together the best of both previous agreements
  • reduces supplier burden
  • creates a clearer customer journey

Benefits for buyers and suppliers using DOS 7

DOS 7 includes significant improvements based on extensive engagement with customers and suppliers. We conducted webinars, roundtable events, and one-to-one sessions with over 1,000 participants during development.

Benefits of DOS 7 include:

1. Open framework approach 

The Procurement Act 2023 enables the agreement to reopen every 18 months so new suppliers can join, and existing suppliers can refresh their services.

2. Competitive dialogue 

Buyers can discuss and refine requirements with selected suppliers before making a final decision.

3. Longer call-off terms 

Contracts of up to 4 years are available for Lot 1, providing stability for major digital transformation projects.

4. Improved supplier filtering 

A new filtering tool helps identify capable suppliers and speeds up procurement processes.

5. No supplier cap 

There is no limit on the number of suppliers awarded places on the agreement, increasing competition and choice.

6. Reduced insurance requirements 

Lots 1, 3 and 4 require only employers’ liability insurance from the framework start date.

7. Central Digital Platform 

The Procurement Act 2023 introduced this free platform, making it easier to find and bid for contracts. Suppliers can register once and store core business details for multiple bids.

Dr Philip Orumwense CBE, Chief Technology Procurement Officer and Commercial Director at Government Commercial Agency, explains:

We have worked with partners across the public sector including suppliers and public sector bodies to develop our DOS 7 agreement. This latest agreement continues to help public sector organisations find suppliers that can design, build, test and deliver digital solutions, supporting public services that meet the needs of citizens.

RM1043.9 Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7: lotting structure and scope

The agreement uses an agile approach, which means buyers have the flexibility to adapt projects as requirements evolve.

The agreement is structured to provide comprehensive digital services across 4 lots:

Lot 1: Digital Outcomes

Lot 2: Digital Capability and Delivery Partners

Lot 3: Digital Specialists

Lot 4: User Research Studios and Participants

How Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7 supports public sector organisations

DOS 7 helps organisations to access the digital expertise they need to transform vital services. For example:

  • central government departments can access complete digital delivery teams for major transformation programmes
  • local authorities can buy user research services and digital specialists to improve citizen-facing services
  • all public sector organisations can source agile digital teams through a simplified procurement process

Using Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7 to create user-centred digital services

DOS 7 supports the use of agile delivery approaches and user research. This helps organisations create digital services that meet the needs of citizens and supports government priorities for modernising public services.

Local councils

Local councils can use agile delivery teams to redesign planning and licensing services. Digital teams can help:

  • understand resident needs through user research
  • build digital services that reduce application processing times
  • support better service delivery
  • help meet Plan for Change goals for building homes and improving local services

NHS trusts

NHS trusts can buy user research services to understand patient and staff needs. These insights can help:

  • design digital health services that improve patient experience
  • reduce administrative burden
  • identify barriers to care
  • create more accessible digital health services

Government departments

Government departments can use digital specialists to build and test new services quickly. Specialists including user researchers, business analysts, and agile delivery managers can help departments:

  • understand policy impacts
  • create digital solutions
  • spend more time focusing on policy outcomes while digital experts handle service design and delivery

Supporting UK innovation and SMEs

The new agreement has over 1,700 suppliers and 89% of them are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). DOS 7 is designed with SME-friendly features that support UK digital innovation, including:

  • no cap on supplier numbers, creating opportunities for businesses of all sizes
  • reduced insurance requirements for most lots
  • simplified application process through the Digital Marketplace
  • support for organisations working together to bid

This approach boosts UK innovation and develops digital skills in the public sector while creating opportunities for UK technology businesses to grow.

Find out more

To learn more about DOS 7, visit the agreement page or contact the GCA Service Desk at info@gca.gov.uk.

Freshwave uses CCS agreements to improve public sector mobile connectivity

Freshwave is a London-based small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) that supports public sector digital transformation through better connectivity. They provide neutral host services and essential connectivity solutions.

Through our Network Services 3 agreement, they have increased their visibility and secured significant public sector contracts. This article explores the benefits they experienced working with us, and the impact their work has had on local communities.

Improving mobile connectivity for the public sector

Consistent and reliable wireless mobile connectivity is an important consideration for most public services. Good connection allows the public sector to create infrastructure fit for the digital age.

However, maintaining consistent mobile coverage is a challenge in many public buildings, leaving people in them reliant on Wi-Fi connections and struggling to access mobile data services. One solution to this problem is using a neutral host provider, like Freshwave.

A neutral host service provides a single source for high-quality, consistent mobile phone signals inside a building. This source can be shared by different network operators including EE, Virgin Media O2 and VodafoneThree, who approve the design and operation of the system.

This network set-up means:

  • everyone in the building can get good mobile phone coverage, no matter which network they use
  • there is an essential backup if the Wi-Fi connectivity is lost
  • places like government offices, hospitals, schools and event spaces, can access reliable connection for crucial day-to-day activities

How Freshwave used our agreements to supply to the public sector

Simon Frumkin, CEO of Freshwave, explains the process of becoming a CCS supplier on the Network Services 3 agreement and how Freshwave were able to help Ulster University solve its connectivity problems.

The problem

As an SME, we have traditionally relied on avenues such as collective bids and working as a subcontractor to access bigger public sector contracts and opportunities. These arrangements can have their downsides though, like not being able to operate on our terms as we would like, and more complicated processes to issue invoices and raise purchase orders adding to our administrative burden.

In 2020, we were approached by a new-build hospital in South Wales about bringing all-operator mobile connectivity into the development. Because of the pandemic they wanted to open the hospital six months early, and we achieved this by working closely with them and the mobile network operators.

To enable us to work more easily with other public sector organisations who need multi-operator indoor mobile signal, we decided to explore a new approach to simplify our work. We also wanted to have direct ownership of our relationships with our customers.

The approach

We decided to submit an application to become a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) Network Services 3 agreement. As an SME that historically had a very small footprint in the public sector, this commitment posed some new challenges for us in terms of resource and capability.

Regular engagement with CCS helped make the process achievable for us. We took advantage of CCS’s extensive supplier engagement process.

They helped us by:

  • letting us understand what we needed to do and by when
  • guiding us through the process by demonstrating the importance of achieving credentials like Cyber Essentials Certification and having a robust Carbon Reduction Plan in place
  • helping us understand the additional value we would gain from investing in industry standards like ISO accreditations

CCS’s supplier criteria requirements also helped us to make improvements within our organisation. For example, we had to develop streamlined, repeatable sets of processes to provide solid evidence about aspects of our business such as cyber security, environmental work and social value. These new processes ultimately improved our own ways of working.

The outcome

After a quick and easy application process we achieved supplier status on two Lots of the agreement:

  • Lot 1a (Inter Site Connectivity (Wider Area Network) / Data Access Services)
  • Lot 2a (Intra Site Connectivity (Local Area Network) / Local Connectivity Services)

Since achieving supplier status, we’re delighted to have been awarded contracts to bring all-operator connectivity to several NHS hospitals, as well as other public sector buildings.

Becoming a supplier on a CCS agreement has:

  • given us a clear and transparent mechanism to engage with customers and bid for public sector contracts
  • allowed contracts to move from award to signature with greater speed, enabling work on these contracts to begin in a timelier way
  • significantly reduced the resource burden on us as an SME supplier, such as by providing a more efficient contracting process and through standard terms and conditions under Network Services 3

Using Crown Commercial Service’s market knowledge and commercial expertise to improve our service

We also tapped into CCS’s expertise in the mobile connectivity market. The Network Services category team supported us with answering queries from potential customers around what we offered and making sure it was the right fit for them.

Refining our service description for the agreement helped us produce a better-defined proposition and positioning of our services. Compliance and transparency are at the foundation which results in an improved offering for public sector buyers.

Watch the video about Freshwave’s journey as a CCS supplier.

How Freshwave improved mobile connectivity for Ulster University and the local community

Ulster University’s new Belfast campus is both an educational facility and a public building serving the wider Belfast community. The campus hosts many public events, ranging from small events to university open days, which are attended by thousands of potential students and their families.

Two blocks of buildings on the campus were purpose-built to high environmental standards. However, this meant mobile signal in these blocks was limited, leading to poor 4G and 5G signals and connectivity issues for staff and visitors.

Whilst there is public Wi-Fi throughout the campus, they needed a way to get visitors and staff a better mobile network connection. Not every visitor wants to connect to a public network, and there needed to be a backup in case of Wi-Fi problems or outages.

As a CCS supplier on the Network Services 3 agreement, Freshwave were awarded the contract in March 2024.

They now provide the campus with a solution to its connectivity problem. Freshwave installed the new in-building service and continues to fully monitor the entire system remotely day-to-day.

All visitors can now connect their mobile devices to any mobile network with high quality 4G connectivity.

Donna O’Kane, Unified Communications Manager at Ulster University, said:

The University is pleased to have selected Freshwave through the Network Services 3 framework. The system designed and implemented by Freshwave brings mobile connectivity from all the UK network operators into our new campus buildings. 

The project has been a great success with coverage throughout the blocks enabling staff to make and receive calls and texts without having to leave the buildings or find small pockets of signal by the window. Everyone working, visiting, or studying in the new blocks at the University can now stay connected.

Find out more about becoming a supplier

If you’re a public sector organisation looking to improve mobile network connectivity, learn more about our Network Services 3 agreement.

Changes to our agreements in February

Helping you stay informed and confident in your procurement decisions

This update provides a summary of which agreements were awarded, extended or expired during the previous month. It also outlines what is expiring in the next 3 months.

Discover all our live agreements in our interactive digital brochure – your complete overview at a glance.

Agreements awarded in February

Agreements extended in February

Agreements that expired in February

Agreements due to expire in the next 3 months

We’re here to help

Have questions about any of these agreements? Our team is ready to support you.

Stay ahead of what is coming

Explore our upcoming agreement page to see the new procurements we are developing, so you can plan with confidence.

Never miss an update

And finally, subscribe to our monthly customer newsletter using this short form. Get these updates and more delivered straight to your inbox.

Glossary

Our glossary defines the key terms we use, helping you navigate our website and buy with confidence.

What is the Public Sector Contract and how does it support SMEs?

This article provides guidance on the Public Sector Contract (PSC), specifically tailored to help smaller businesses confidently bid for opportunities.

CCS’s SME Action Plan

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) published its latest Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) action plan in October 2025, reaffirming our commitment to helping smaller businesses bid for government contracts. The plan outlines 7 improvements to be achieved within 12 to 18 months:

The actions address the need for early consultation with SMEs, even before market engagement for a commercial agreement. This helps SMEs to understand the opportunities available to them; how they can get onto CCS commercial agreements, and what guidance and support is available.

The actions are as follows:

  1. Encourage early networking opportunities.
  2. Publish Supplier Specifics articles and guidance.
  3. Increase transparency of upcoming CCS agreements.
  4. Provide Public Sector Contract (PSC) guidance.
  5. Increase signposting to Central Digital Platform.
  6. Provide buyers with up to date spend data.
  7. Continuously improve internal processes to consistently consider SMEs throughout the procurement lifecycle.

What is the Public Sector Contract?

The PSC is our standardised template for framework contracts used by public sector bodies to buy common goods and services. 

Originally developed under the Procurement Contract Regulations 2015, it has since been updated to align with the Procurement Act 2023. 

The PSC establishes terms and conditions governing both the relationship between CCS and each supplier, and the relationship between buyers and suppliers at the call-off level.

It is a modular contract – which means it is broken down into smaller, manageable, and standardised units (modules). To meet individual procurement needs, buyers have the flexibility to tailor the content to their specific requirements by applying, removing, or adding supplementary terms. This approach is intended to minimise the necessity of drafting entirely new terms and conditions for each procurement.

The PSC-developed agreement typically includes these main areas:

  • liabilities and insurances 
  • data processing relationships 
  • intellectual property rights
  • prompt payment terms  

The PSC has been used to support agreements ranging from basic office supplies to complex technology projects. CCS agreements that are developed with the PSC are used across the entire UK public sector, including:

  • central government departments
  • local authorities
  • NHS trusts
  • emergency services (blue light organisations)

Benefits for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

We’ve designed the PSC with SMEs in mind. It offers significant advantages to help provide a fairer playing field for smaller, more agile businesses. For example:

  • reduced administrative burden: the PSC provides a consistent approach to doing business with government across CCS agreements, in turn making bidding for government work simpler 
  • clearer expectations: the standardised nature of the PSC provides clarity on the responsibilities and liabilities of all parties 
  • faster contracting: with predefined agreed terms and conditions, the time it takes to place a contract can be significantly reduced with no prolonged negotiations
  • alignment: the PSC is designed to create a more consistent and familiar contracting environment for SMEs across government by aligning, wherever possible, with the Cabinet Office Standard Contracts.

Finding support and further information

Feedback

We always welcome feedback, suggestions or queries. Submit your feedback to smefeedback@crowncommercial.gov.uk.

Barts Health NHS Trust ditches single-use surgical gowns with CCS help

Barts Health NHS Trust provides healthcare services to over 2.5 million people across 5 hospitals in north east London.

Up until February 2025, clinical teams, including those at Whipps Cross Hospital, used single-use, disposable gowns during surgery.

Switching to reusable gowns would reduce waste, save costs and lower carbon emissions.

Ending the single-use cycle for surgical gowns

Single use gowns are worn once, disposed of in clinical waste bins, and sent for incineration. The Barts Health clinical teams knew this level of waste was unsustainable.

They approached Wayne Yeboah, Procurement Specialist at Barts Health NHS Trust, with an ambitious goal. They wanted to find reusable gowns that were:

  • cost effective and reliable without negotiating on quality
  • easy to use in healthcare settings and maximised infection control
  • made from lightweight, breathable materials that could be easily laundered
  • more comfortable with consistent sizing cost-effective, more reliable, and more comfortable than current options, with consistent sizing and non-negotiable quality.

Building sustainability in healthcare through competitive procurement

Dawn Hare, Account Manager for Barts Health NHS Trust at Crown Commercial Service (CCS), met with Wayne on site at the Trust and identified an opportunity to help through our Healthcare Soft FM framework.

We worked closely with Wayne and his team to create a procurement approach that would meet all the clinical team’s goals. Dawn explains:

“We began the process with pre-market engagement. Working with Wayne, we talked to the market first to understand what solutions were available and to develop suppliers’ interest in the project. Working closely with the clinical teams, they created detailed specifications to ensure quality and sustainability standards would be met.”

Rather than a direct award, we advised running a mini-competition through the framework. Our experience shows this approach consistently provides the best possible outcomes and value. While it does require more planning, it made sure the NHS Trust could invite suppliers to compete on price, quality, sustainability and social value. 

The comprehensive contract terms also protected the Trust from post-award price hikes. This meant suppliers could not raise the price post-contract, keeping tax payer money safe.

Working together to create sustainable change for surgical teams

Dr Natasha Kennedy, Consultant Anaesthetist at Whipps Cross Hospital, led the clinical side of the project. She worked closely with Wayne and the CCS team to make sure the solution would work for surgical teams across all sites.

Dr Kennedy understood that the transition would affect tens of thousands of patients and thousands of staff, meaning the procurement had to be thorough and trustworthy. Dr Kennedy said:

“Working with CCS gave us a pathway to succeed. It allowed us to move forward safely and achieve all the required regulations.”

Significant benefits for Barts Health NHS Trust 

In February 2025, Barts Health NHS Trust awarded a 3-year contract for sustainable reusable theatre gowns. Within 6 months, they had replaced single-use gowns across 6 sites. This change was a huge step that created significant benefits, including:

Reducing clinical waste

Clinical teams at Barts Health NHS Trust will now use about 400,000 gowns a year across their theatres. The Trust expects this will reduce 90 tonnes of clinical waste from its surgical environment annually.

Improving theatre waste management

The project has helped to achieve up to a 60% reduction in total waste from the Trust’s most resource-intensive area. Dr Kennedy explains:

“Theatres typically produce up to 70% of our hospital’s total waste. Now, 50% to 60% of what would have gone to waste from our theatres is being eliminated through reusable gowns.”

Carbon savings

Barts Health NHS Trust will also save an estimated 375,000 kg of CO2. This is equivalent to what 1 of their smaller hospital sites would emit in 3 months.

Comfortable working environments for surgical teams

The new surgical gowns are made from breathable, softer fabrics. This improves staff comfort which helps to support focus during operations. More consistent sizing also makes it easier for surgical teams to quickly select the right gown from the shelf. Dr Kennedy explains:

“One of the absolute highlights of this project has been having people come up saying, ‘I’m so glad we have these gowns. I’ve used them at other hospitals. I’m glad you now have them here.’ “

Improving capability amongst NHS staff

The partnership also focused on more than the procurement process. Our ongoing support helped to strengthen internal commercial skills for future procurement projects.

Wayne describes Dawn’s support:

“Having Dawn on site in the hospital was invaluable. She put me in touch with the right people at each stage.”

We continue to provide this hands-on support to NHS trusts, ensuring they can access our expertise throughout their procurement journey.

 Creating an NHS fit for the future

The Barts’ greener gowns initiative supports the government’s mission to build an NHS fit for the future. By reducing waste and improving working environments for surgical staff, it shows how innovative procurement can help to create a more sustainable NHS.

The project’s impact reaches beyond one Trust. Dr Kennedy describes it as “the headline for the Trust for our greener plans going forward.”

More departments are now asking to join the gown supply, and the team is already working on the next phase: reusable surgical drapes – sterile sheets used in surgery to protect the patient.

This approach to health procurement has won 2 Healthcare Supply Chain Association (HCSA) awards for the London and South region, with further national award nominations.

 Find out more

Account managers and specialist category teams can help your organisation create procurement approaches that provide environmental, quality and financial benefits at the same time.

Changes to our agreements in January

Helping you stay informed and confident in your procurement decisions

This update provides a summary of which agreements were awarded, extended or expired during the previous month. It also outlines what is expiring in the next 3 months.

Discover all our live agreements in our interactive digital brochure – your complete overview at a glance.

Agreements awarded in January

Agreements extended in January

Agreements that expired in January

Agreements due to expire in the next 3 months

 We’re here to help

Have questions about any of these agreements? Our team is ready to support you.

Stay ahead of what is coming

Explore our upcoming agreement page to see the new procurements we are developing, so you can plan with confidence.

Never miss an update

And finally, subscribe to our monthly customer newsletter using this short form. Get these updates and more delivered straight to your inbox.

Glossary

Our glossary defines the key terms we use, helping you navigate our website and buy with confidence.

Introducing Government Commercial Agency

Each year, the public sector spends more than £400 billion buying the goods and services that keep the country running. The ambulance that arrives in an emergency. The energy that powers the lights in your street. Every one of these depends on public procurement.

Getting procurement right matters. When it works well, hospitals get the equipment they need faster, small businesses win contracts that sustain local jobs, and taxpayers see their money stretched further.

As the Government Commercial Agency (GCA), we will improve how the public sector buys everything from school laptops to emergency vehicles, creating greater value for the nation.

What this means for you

For now, everything stays the same. Our frameworks are unchanged, as are any call-offs and contracts that have been let within that framework.

Your usual contacts will continue to support you as before. If anything changes, we’ll provide clear guidance on how to work with us and access the support you need.

As GCA, we will:

  • combine collective purchasing power and commercial expertise to negotiate better deals
  • maintain diverse and resilient supply chains
  • guide you through complex procurements

For example, a local authority procuring IT equipment will benefit from pre-negotiated frameworks offering better prices.

Similarly, an NHS trust managing a major construction project can access specialist advice from initial planning through to contract delivery.

As GCA, there will be practical improvements:

  • streamlined processes and clearer routes to market
  • consistent standards across the public sector
  • specialist commercial advice when you need it
  • stronger supplier relationships that benefit everyone

Our commitment to serving the entire public sector, regardless of organisation size or location, remains at the heart of what we do.

We’re using our combined expertise and scale to achieve better outcomes for all public sector customers, for suppliers, and ultimately for citizens.

Connecting public and private sectors

Suppliers are vital partners in providing public services. Through GCA, businesses of all sizes will have a clear gateway to the UK public sector.

We’ll work to create more opportunities for small businesses and voluntary organisations, and help shape supplier markets that are diverse, competitive and local.

Supporting the government’s priorities

GCA will support the government’s Plan for Change by positioning commercial expertise where it can have the greatest impact. Operating as a self-sustaining trading fund, GCA will reinvest in continuous improvements – enhanced procurement frameworks, improved digital tools, and specialist capabilities.

We’ll help support national and local priorities, including economic growth and maximising the benefits of the Procurement Act.

Sam Ulyatt will lead GCA as Chief Executive Officer, with oversight from Government Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Forzani.

Andrew Forzani said:

Government Commercial Agency will centralise commercial activity, set best practices, and promote innovation. I am tremendously excited about working with Sam Ulyatt to build GCA to ensure it becomes the centre for commercial expertise and delivery across the public sector.

Sam Ulyatt added:

We are confident that this enhanced commercial agency, working alongside public sector colleagues, will harness the significant expertise across government and achieve greater value for the nation.