Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS): Flexible Procurement with Continuous Entry

What is a Dynamic Purchasing System?

A DPS is a fully electronic procurement process for commonly available purchases that remains open to new participants throughout its duration. Any operator meeting the suitability requirements can join at any time.

When to use a DPS?

Suitable for commonly available products/services, recurring needs, markets with many suppliers, and dynamic markets. Typical applications: personnel hiring, ICT hardware/software, office supplies, transport, construction materials.

How it works

Phase 1: Setup

Publish on TenderNed/TED with description, suitability requirements, and categories. Operators apply and are assessed within 10 working days.

Phase 2: Call-offs (mini-competitions)

For each specific need: invite all admitted participants in the relevant category, receive offers (minimum 10 days), evaluate against criteria, award to best offer.

Phase 3: Continuous admission

New operators can join throughout the DPS lifetime. Assessment within 10 working days.

Advantages

For contracting authorities

• Always access to current market
• No supplier exclusion
• Maximum competition
• No 4-year limit (unlike framework agreements)

For operators

• Join at any time
• SME-friendly
• Equal opportunities for new entrants
• Only bid on relevant opportunities

Key differences from framework agreements

DPS has continuous admission (vs closed), unlimited participants (vs fixed), and no maximum duration (vs 4 years).