Dynamic Purchasing Systems

A Dynamic Purchasing System is a fully electronic procurement tool that allows new suppliers to apply and join at any time during its lifespan. It creates a live marketplace for goods, works and services, ensuring ongoing competition and flexibility while maintaining compliance with UK procurement law.

PfH’s DPS routes give members immediate access to pre-qualified suppliers across multiple categories, helping reduce procurement timescales and administrative effort.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, Dynamic Markets will gradually replace traditional Dynamic Purchasing System models, offering even greater flexibility and accessibility.

While PfH’s existing DPS routes remain fully compliant and operational, we are preparing for the transition to Dynamic Markets to ensure our members continue to benefit from the most modern and efficient procurement tools.

Frameworks establish a closed list of suppliers for a fixed period, while a Dynamic Purchasing System remains open throughout its term. This means new suppliers can join whenever they meet the qualification criteria, creating continuous competition and access to emerging expertise. Frameworks are best suited to stable, recurring requirements; DPS routes work well for areas where flexibility and supplier diversity are key.

PfH’s Dynamic Purchasing System routes are free to use for housing associations, local authorities and other public sector bodies. Each system is fully compliant with UK procurement legislation and designed to help members achieve efficiency, value and transparency in every purchase.

PfH operates DPS routes across a wide range of categories, including construction, building works, maintenance, professional services, decarbonisation, compliance, and workplace solutions. Each DPS is tailored to housing and public sector needs, providing members with a flexible, compliant way to access qualified suppliers.

Because suppliers can apply to join at any point, smaller businesses and social enterprises are not excluded by fixed deadlines. This encourages local participation, supplier diversity and social value creation while keeping competition active throughout the DPS term.

Once suppliers are qualified and added to a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) or Dynamic Market, members can issue mini-competitions for specific contracts under the relevant DPS lot. All qualified suppliers are invited to tender, ensuring a fair and transparent process that meets public procurement requirements while promoting best value.

Yes. Many members use frameworks for defined, recurring services and DPS routes for more flexible or project-specific needs. PfH helps members choose the most appropriate route or combination to achieve compliance and efficiency.

A Dynamic Purchasing System offers flexibility, continuous competition and inclusion. It reduces procurement timescales, allows easy supplier access, and ensures compliance through electronic processes. The result is faster purchasing, better value and stronger market engagement.

The new legislation introduces Dynamic Markets as a successor to the DPS model, simplifying supplier entry and administration. PfH’s currentDynamic Purchasing System routes remain compliant under existing regulations and will evolve seamlessly into Dynamic Markets as they are implemented.

Because suppliers can join at any point, Dynamic Purchasing System routes encourage fresh entrants bringing new ideas, technologies and methods. This continual refresh helps members access the most current solutions available in the market, driving performance and innovation.

PfH offers end-to-end support from identifying the right DPS route and running competitions to managing supplier performance and demonstrating social impact. Our specialists ensure members achieve efficient, compliant and value-driven outcomes.