How suppliers apply to a framework

Here’s what suppliers can do at each stage of a framework.

For more information about framework stages, see Framework lifecycle for Developers.

Note

This is intended as a developer reference.

Suppliers should follow the GOV.UK guidance when applying for G-Cloud and Digital Outcomes and Specialists frameworks.

0 - at any time

New suppliers can sign up to the Mailchimp mailing list for notifications about when a framework application window is about to open.

Existing suppliers will be emailed about new frameworks by default.

1 - coming

Suppliers can create an account. To do this they will need a DUNS number that is:

  • valid (exists in the Dun & Bradstreet API)

  • not in use by an existing supplier

Suppliers from large organisations with multiple DUNS numbers should ensure they are using the correct number for the organisation that is intending to sell services.

2 - open

Suppliers need to:

  • log in

  • start the application (all users on the supplier account will receive an automated email receipt)

  • confirm their company details

  • make their declaration

  • submit services

Suppliers can also submit clarification questions up until the clarification question deadline. They will receive an email receipt with a reference number, so that when answers are published they can search by the reference number.

Suppliers receive emails when:
  • new clarification questions and answers have been posted

  • it’s the last day for clarification questions

  • it’s the last day of applications

  • when applications have closed

One week before applications close, suppliers with incomplete applications receive an email listing the steps they have left to do.

Re-using declaration answers

Suppliers can re-use declaration answers if they had made a previous application to any valid framework.

Only answers from the most recent framework iteration can be re-used, for example, a supplier on both G11 and DOS4 could only re-use their DOS4 declaration answers for a G12 application.

Copying services

Suppliers can copy services from the previous iteration of the same framework, e.g. G11 services can be copied to G12. Services cannot be copied from older iterations (e.g. G10 services cannot be copied to G12).

Services that have been suspended or removed cannot be copied for a framework application.

A service can only be copied once. For example, if a G11 service has been copied for a G12 application, it is will no longer show on the list of copiable G11 services. However if the supplier deletes the G12 service, it will reappear on the G11 list.

Only a limited number of fields can be edited on a copied service. If the service has changed significantly, the supplier should create a new service instead of copying.

3 - pending

Suppliers can no longer edit their declaration or services. They can view their application answers in read-only format.

Suppliers receive an email stating whether they have submitted a complete application, or if it was incomplete.

If the category team evaluate the supplier as ‘failed’, the supplier will receive a ‘failure letter’ via email directly from the category team during the pending period.

4 - standstill

Suppliers are able to challenge CCS’s decision during standstill.

If the category team evaluate the supplier as ‘passed’, the Digital Marketplace team send an Intention To Award email just prior to standstill. This includes a link to the framework agreement signing journey.

A supplier user with legal authority must log in, agree to the terms of the framework and electronically sign the agreement (G12 onwards) or upload a signed signature page (DOS4 and earlier).

If the supplier does not sign the framework agreement, they will not be allowed to sell services.

5 - live

G-Cloud

Once a G-Cloud framework is live, the supplier can edit a limited number of fields on their G-Cloud services:

  • Service name

  • Service description

  • Service features and benefits

  • Service definition document

Any changes made by suppliers are applied immediately, but are also visible to Admins.

Suppliers can also remove a service, for example if they are no longer able to offer it.

DOS

Once a DOS framework is live, the supplier can apply for DOS opportunities if they have a service on the appropriate lot. For a Digital Specialist opportunity, the supplier must have stated they can provide the correct specialist role for the opportunity.

If the supplier wishes to add a new specialist role or change details of a role (e.g. day rate), they must contact support.

We send suppliers a daily email for each lot listing the new opportunities from the past day. They can also find new opportunities on the website, or via people who scrape the Digital Marketplace. We don’t expose open opportunities via a public API or other machine readable format.

Suppliers can see their applications for opportunities on the previous iteration of the framework, as these procurements will still be ongoing.

6 - expired

Suppliers can no longer edit services for expired frameworks.