What’s happening with DOS5?
Covid-19 has caused some frameworks to be delayed or extended - so what's going on with DOS5 and when can we expect it?
Digital Outcomes and Specialists 5 was due to open up for supplier applications this month, July 2020. However, due to Covid-19 many frameworks have been moved and put back. For example, G-Cloud 12 will now go Live in September!
DOS5 isn’t disappearing complete, don’t worry. There’s just a few changes to Crown Commercial Service’s lineup this year, so we wanted to fill you in on what’s going on.
When do applications open for DOS5?
Applications for DOS usually arrive after G-Cloud is sorted. So, we usually see it open in last July or August. DOS4 for example had its application window open from 8th July until 15th August 2019. However, due to G-Cloud being pushed, the Digital Marketplace isn’t getting a refresh until the Autumn.
G-Cloud is due to go live on 28th September 2020, so expect to see applications for DOS5 open around the end of September or early October!
This means that the framework will go Live around December time.
What’s happening with DOS4?
Digital Outcomes and Specialists 4 is still ongoing and as CCS confirmed, will close officially on 31st March 2021.
With DOS5 expected to go Live in December, this means that there will be an overlap. This is for any unfinished call-offs to get over the line for DOS4 and was put in place due to delays caused by Covid-19. After DOS5 goes Live, buyers will only be able to post new opportunities to those suppliers that got on to the fifth iteration of the framework – so don’t forget to apply.
What should I do now?
If you’re already on DOS4, then carry on as usual. Due to Covid-19 we’re perhaps not seeing as much opportunities go through the framework – however we do expect this to rise when things settle down a bit (£234m has still been spent through the framework in 2020, so it’s not being forgotten about!). Do keep applying for relevant opportunities and make sure you’re maximizing your strategy with the framework. This means making sure you know how to bid successfully, you’re marketing your public sector presence well and you’re teams are fully aware of how it all works.
If you’re new to Digital Outcomes and Specialists, or looking to get listed again when DOS5 does open, then you’ve got plenty of time to work on your public sector strategy and get to grips with how DOS5 can fit in to it. As we always say, getting listed on DOS is easy but winning business through it is not. So, make sure you get a handle on how it all works and what you can do to increase your chances of getting contracts.
Share
