Framework agreements and Dynamic Markets are commercial purchasing tools available to all local authorities. They are agreements between one or multiple local authorities and one or multiple suppliers that simplify the process of procuring products or services by providing a list of pre-evaluated suppliers. This page outlines different mechanisms available to find and select an appropriate framework or DMs.

When developing your procurement strategy, it is worth considering whether there is an appropriate existing framework or DM which can meet your needs. If there is not a suitable framework or DPS available, it may then be worth considering an alternative procurement route.

There are 2 stages to choosing an appropriate framework:

1. Finding frameworks and DM
2. Selecting the appropriate framework or DM

Finding frameworks and dynamic market contracts

There are 2 main portals for finding frameworks and DPSs. All UK public procurement contract and tenders are listed on

From 24 February 2025, both above and below threshold notices about new UK procurements will be published on find-a-tender, except below threshold in Scotland. Above threshold notices outside Scotland now cover the full life cycle of contracts, from pipeline to termination. 

• Find a Tender service https://www.gov.uk/find-tender 

For procurements that started before that, only above threshold notices are published here, usually over £139,688 including VAT. Information on below threshold contracts over £12,000 including VAT (or £30,000 outside central government) is available from:

• Contracts Finder for England and other non-devolved territories
• Public Contracts Scotland for Scotland
• Sell2Wales for Wales
• eSourcing NI and eTendersNI for Northern Ireland

Using CPV codes

Common procurement vocabulary (CPV) codes are an effective method for finding appropriate contracts. The CPV code system establishes a single 9-digit classification system for public procurement to describe divisions, groups, classes and categories for supplies, works or services https://simap.ted.europa.eu/web/simap/cpv.

The following are examples of some CPV codes:

• 09000000-3 – Petroleum products, fuel, electricity and other sources of energy
• 31000000-6 – Electrical machinery, apparatus, equipment and consumables; lighting
• 34000000-7 – Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation
• 51000000-9 – Installation services (except software)

These codes are included in various sections of advertised procurement contracts. Typically, there is a main CPV for the entire contract as well as supplementary CPV codes. Each lot may also have its own CPV code.

Note that CPV codes are defined by EU procurement regulations. It is possible that as time goes on the UK will develop an alternative coding system for public procurements.

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