Advice Cloud has supported suppliers with the Digital Outcomes & Specialists framework (or DOS, as it’s often called) since its early days, through to DOS6 and now DOS7. We understand the framework inside and out — from both the supplier and buyer perspectives — and help suppliers apply, qualify for opportunities, and bid successfully for contracts.
What is the Digital Outcomes & Specialists 7 framework?
The Digital Outcomes & Specialists 7 (DOS7) framework is part of the Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) Digital Strategy for the UK Government. It serves as a primary procurement route for suppliers offering outcome-based digital, data, and technology (DDaT) services. These services encompass design, performance analysis, data, security, service delivery, software development, support and operations, testing and auditing, user research, and user experience design. DOS7 enables providers to supply both teams and individual specialists to execute projects for UK government entities.
When does Digital Outcomes & Specialists 7 open for applications?
DOS7 (RM1043.9) is GCA’s primary procurement route for suppliers offering outcome-based digital, data and technology (DDaT) services. These include design, performance analysis, data, security, service delivery, software development, support and operations, testing and auditing, user research and user experience design.
DOS7 consolidates what were previously two separate frameworks – Digital Outcomes 6 (RM1043.8, which expired June 2026) and Digital Specialists and Programmes (RM6263, which expired May 2026) – into a single route to market.
What are the Lots for Digital Outcomes & Specialists 7?
The DOS7 framework is structured into four distinct Lots:
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Digital Outcomes: Suppliers provide teams to deliver digital projects through various stages, including discovery, alpha, beta, live, and retirement phases.
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Digital Capability and Delivery Partners: This Lot is designed for suppliers who can build capacity within public sector organisations, especially when there’s a need to deliver multiple pieces of work without the overhead of running numerous procurements.
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Digital Specialists: Suppliers offer individual specialists to deliver specific outcomes on services, programmes, or projects, addressing urgent needs..
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User Research Studios and Participants: This Lot covers the provision of venues for conducting user research activities, such as interviews and focus groups, as well as recruiting participants with the appropriate characteristics to test digital services.
The number of places available for award is unlimited across all 4 lots.
How does DOS7 work as an open framework?
DOS7 is structured as an open framework under the Procurement Act 2023. Rather than running a single fixed competition, it reopens periodically for new supplier applications across its six-year lifespan.
Framework 1 opened for applications in May 2025 and was awarded in January 2026. It is currently active. Buyers across central government, local authorities, the NHS, education, blue light services and devolved administrations are using it now.
Framework 2 is the next window. GCA has indicated it may reopen as early as November 2026, though no formal notice has been published yet. We will update this page when that changes.
If you already hold a Framework 1 listing and want to continue, you will need to monitor Find a Tender for the Framework 2 notice and reapply. If you missed Framework 1, Framework 2 is your next opportunity — there is no route onto DOS7 outside of a published application window.
When did DOS7 open for applications?
Framework 1 applications opened on 12th May 2025 with a submission deadline of 20th June 2025. It was awarded in January 2026 and is now live.
Framework 2 is expected to open later in 2026. GCA has signalled a possible November 2026 reopening as part of the open framework process, though no confirmed date has been published.
What documents and certifications do I need?
All public sector procurement frameworks require certifications and proof of insurance. However, exactly what you need will be dependent on the route to market.
For DOS7, suppliers must have the following:
- For Lots 1, 3 and 4:
- Employer’s (Compulsory) Liability Insurance = £5,000,000
- For Lot 2
- Cyber Essentials Plus certificate.
- Employer’s (Compulsory) Liability Insurance = £5,000,000
- Professional Indemnity Insurance = £5,000,000
- Public and Products Liability Insurance = £5,000,000.
- Technical Ability Certificate (TAC) demonstrating delivery of two different service manual agile phases and delivery of four unique service capabilities. You can submit a maximum of two TACs.
- Carbon Reduction Plan template – only if there is no public copy available on your website
There are more documents to complete as part of the application process, but those we have detailed above are required certifications and documents you must collect yourself.
How do I apply?
The Framework 2 application process will follow a similar structure to Framework 1. Suppliers will need to meet standard pass/fail checks, with Lot 2 carrying additional criteria including Cyber Essentials Plus and a Technical Ability Certificate.
Application windows open and close, and there is no route onto DOS7 outside of a published competition. When the Framework 2 notice goes live on Find a Tender, you will need to act promptly.
If you want support with your Framework 2 application, we can help. We supported clients through Framework 1 and understand what a strong submission looks like across all four lots.
What can I do now?
You can also catch up with our webinar replay, Digital Outcomes 7: What’s Next?, which covers the open framework mechanic, the lot structure, and what buyers are looking for.
If you held a DOS6 or DSP listing and have not yet applied to DOS7, Framework 2 is your route back to the market. Now is a good time to review your lot selection, refresh your case studies, and check your certifications are in order. Get in touch to talk through your plans and discover how we can support you through our framework listing services.
If you are already listed on Framework 1 and want to make the most of your DOS7 presence in the meantime, book a call to talk through our bid support services.
We also recommend having a look at what your target buyers and competitors are doing on the framework. You can do this easily by checking out our Spend Data tool.
