UK public sector frameworks: status and next milestones

What is a framework?

A framework is a pre-agreed route that lets public sector buyers purchase from approved suppliers without running a full tender each time. Many of the technology frameworks used across central government, the NHS and local authorities are run by the Government Commercial Agency (GCA), formerly Crown Commercial Service. Others, such as the NHS Shared Business Services agreements, are run by different bodies.

Who this page is for

It is for suppliers deciding which frameworks to pursue, and when. A framework you are not on can only be joined when it opens or reopens to new suppliers, so the status and next milestone matter more than anything else in the table.

How to read the statuses

• Applications open accepting applications from new suppliers now.
• Opening soon a tender notice has a published or confirmed expected date.
• Pre-tender announced by the buyer organisation, with no confirmed date yet.
• Awaiting award the tender has closed and the framework has not yet been awarded.
• Live, closed buyers can use it, but new suppliers cannot join until it reopens.

Any fact we have not verified from a primary source shows as "Not confirmed". Each figure is checked separately, so a row's date is its oldest check.