Public sector frameworks are agreements that pre-approve suppliers to provide goods or services over a set period. For small businesses, frameworks can be a fantastic first step into public sector contracting. They offer access to regular opportunities, reduce the need to bid for every contract from scratch, and help build credibility with buyers. While getting onto a framework is competitive, the benefits make it a worthwhile investment for small firms looking to grow.
What is a Framework agreement?
A framework agreement is a list of approved suppliers selected by a public sector buyer (such as a council, NHS trust or government department) for a specific service, product, or works category. Once on a framework, you can be invited to bid for individual contracts, known as “call-offs” or “mini-competitions,” without having to go through the full tender process every time.
Frameworks are common in sectors like social care, property maintenance, cleaning, catering, construction, IT and professional services. They typically last anywhere from one to four years, depending on the buyer and the nature of the work.
Why Frameworks are a good first step for small businesses
For small businesses, frameworks can feel daunting at first, but they often provide an excellent way to break into public sector work. Here’s why:
1. Regular opportunities
Once you’re on a framework, you’ll be notified when work comes up, sometimes for multiple projects over several years. This saves you from constantly searching for new tenders.
2. Simplified bidding
The initial process to get onto a framework can be tough, but after that, bidding for call-offs is usually much simpler. The buyer already knows and trusts your company, so you won’t need to keep submitting the same company information over and over.
3. Credibility
Being accepted onto a framework is a sign that your business meets the buyer’s quality and compliance standards. This not only gives you an edge in public sector work, but also looks good to potential private clients.
4. Provides experience and case studies for single tenders
Whilst on the framework you will gain the experience needed to meet future requirements when and if you decide to bid on a direct award tender.
5. Networking and Growth
Frameworks often put you in contact with other suppliers and buyers, opening the door to partnerships and new contracts you might not have found otherwise.
How do you get onto a Framework?
To join a framework, you need to respond to a published opportunity, just like a standard tender. The buyer will ask for evidence of your experience, policies, insurances and sometimes accreditations. Some frameworks are designed specifically for small and medium businesses, and may even have “lots” (sub-categories) for different business sizes or specialties.
The key steps are:
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Find the opportunity: Look out for frameworks relevant to your services on sites like Contracts Finder, Find a Tender, specific procurement portals or our own Open Tenders account.
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Read the documents carefully: Make sure you understand what the framework covers and whether you can meet the requirements.
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Prepare your bid: This usually includes written responses, evidence of previous work, and sometimes a pricing schedule.
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Submit on time: Frameworks are only open for applications at certain times, so don’t miss the deadline.
What happens once you’re on a Framework?
After you’re accepted, you’ll become one of the framework’s approved suppliers. When work comes up, the buyer will invite you (and others on the list) to a mini-competition. These are shorter, less complicated tenders. You might be asked for a price and a short method statement, or simply to confirm you can do the work.
Contracts awarded via a framework can sometimes run for longer than the framework itself. For example, even if a framework is due to end in six months, a buyer might still award a four-year contract through it before it closes. This is an important consideration when assessing the long-term value of framework opportunities.
Importantly, being on a framework does also not guarantee work, it gives you a chance to compete for contracts more easily and often. However, many small businesses find that the relationships and experience gained through frameworks lead to more opportunities over time.
Are Frameworks right for you?
Frameworks are an excellent first step for small businesses keen to break into public sector contracting. They can seem competitive and complex, but once you’re in, the process becomes much more manageable and the opportunities multiply. If you’re serious about growing your business in the public sector, frameworks are well worth considering.
Frameworks offer small businesses a credible, practical route into public sector work. With regular opportunities and a streamlined bidding process, they’re often the smartest starting point for SMEs looking to win more contracts and grow sustainably.
If you need help finding a framework of writing your tender response, get in touch.
