How to choose the right procurement frameworks - and 40 top frameworks analysed

A successful public sector strategy requires a smart approach to frameworks. But with hundreds of frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPSs) to choose from, how do you know which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort?

At Tussell, we analysed 40 major public sector frameworks across sectors and buyers, using our comprehensive public sector data.

The goal? To help suppliers pick frameworks that actually drive growth.

In this blog, we share our top insights and tips for choosing the right frameworks to support your public sector strategy.

Alongside each of our 5 tips for finding the right framework, we've also included a downloadable PDF analysing several of the top frameworks in your sector.

Skip ahead to read about:

Why frameworks matter - but not all equally
5x things to keep in mind when finding the right frameworks
Conclusion - which frameworks are right for me?
Download Tussell's free 2025 analysis of 40 top frameworks

***

📊 Why frameworks matter - but not all equally

Tussell's market-leading public sector data shows that while some frameworks lead to hundreds of millions of pounds in call-off contracts, others result in little or no spend.

Signing up for the wrong ones can drain time and resources - and not joining the correct frameworks can be even more expensive.

Analysis from the Tussell platform shows that in 2024, public sector facing firms missed up to £43.3bn in opportunities by not being on the right ones.

To find out how you can discover the best frameworks and DPSs for your business, book a chat with the Tussell team.

Download the 2025 Public Sector Frameworks Report

✅ 5x tips to keep in mind when finding the right frameworks

We’ve crunched exclusive data from the Tussell platform - including average call-off values, SME win rates, and top buyer types - to analyse 40 frameworks across five key sectors: technology, FM, recruitment, construction & engineering, and consultancy.

The result? Five practical, data-backed tips to help you find the frameworks that will work for your business:

* Data as of May 2025

⚖️ SME access isn't equal across the board

Tussell's reports consistently show that larger, more successful firms consistently win a higher proportion of their contracts via framework agreements compared to SMEs.

For smaller firms, finding the right framework agreements and DPSs can be a way to address this disparity.

However, whilst certain frameworks can appear SME-friendly on paper, some frameworks are rarely - if ever - actually used to award contracts to small and medium-sized firms.

🖥️ Tech sector example

In the tech sector, G-Cloud 14 leads on accessibility, with a 54% SME win rate and lower average call-off values.

👉 A pipeline notice for G-Cloud 15 (an Open Framework) is now live (you can view it on Tussell today)

Other frameworks like Technology Services 3 and Cyber Security 3 offer higher-value contracts but lower SME participation.

Download Tussell's free analysis of 8 prominent technology frameworks.

Source: Tussell

🏛️ Different buyers use different frameworks

Some frameworks can only be used by one buyer type, like the NHS. Others are broader and can be used by the whole public sector.

However, it's important to remember that even those frameworks that can be used by all public sector procurement teams may, in reality, only be used by a handful of buyers.

That's why successful bidding teams use Tussell to discover which frameworks are actually being used by the types of buyers they're targeting. Join them - book a chat with the Tussell team.

🚿 Facilities Management sector example

Frameworks like Hard FM 2 and Total Cleaning Services are widely used by ICBs and NHS trusts.

Frameworks like RM6257 Security Services are popular with departments like the DWP, while others - like Responsive Repairs & Void Property Services - are not.

Download Tussell's free analysis of 8 prominent FM frameworks.

Source: Tussell

⚠️ Some frameworks only serve one buyer

If you're looking to target a specific public sector account, you may find that they use their own framework agreement to procure products or services in your niche.

Often, this framework will be run by the buyer itself - but not always! Sometimes the framework will be run by a third party.

In practice, this means that you can't automatically assume that your target buyer will be using the same frameworks as buyers of a similar sort.

💼 Recruitment sector example

The Framework Agreement for the Provision of Recruitment Services is used only by Thirteen Group.

The Secure Buildings Labour Resources DPS, by contrast, is used exclusively by the FCDO.

Download Tussell's free analysis of 8 prominent recruitment frameworks.

Source: Tussell

☝️ Use different frameworks for different services

Depending on what your firm offers, different frameworks will suit you.

If your firm offers a range of products and services, you may need to develop a framework strategy for each category or offering.

🏗️ Construction and engineering sector example

Some frameworks are self-explanatory. Others, like the National Contractor Framework, are more versatile than they sound - it's been used for construction, advisory, and surveying services.

Download Tussell's free analysis of 8 prominent engineering and construction frameworks.

Source: Tussell

🔮 You can predict upcoming renewals via framework agreements

If you're wondering whether the next iteration of a framework agreement is right for you, build a list of upcoming contract expiries that were awarded via prior framework iterations.

This way, you can create a pipeline of contracts likely to be reprocured via this framework agreement.

By predicting future procurements, you can find the frameworks that will unlock the contracts you want to win.

📈 Consulting sector example

Tussell data shows that 68 contracts called off from the RM6179 Legal Services Framework are set to expire in the next 12 months.

Download Tussell's free analysis of 8 prominent consulting frameworks.

Source: Tussell

🌄 Conclusion - which frameworks are right for me?

The best frameworks for your business are those that align closely with your target market and have a proven track record of delivering results for suppliers similar to yours.

In addition to the 5x tips above, you may also wish to consider:

Which frameworks your competitors are currently winning work through;
Which contracts have been used to award the highest value and/or volume of contracts;
Which frameworks are gaining momentum in your market.

To start using hard data to find the best frameworks for your firm, book a chat with the Tussell team.

By role

The platform

Key features

Our trusted insights

Get to know us

How to choose the right procurement frameworks - and 40 top frameworks analysed

📊 Why frameworks matter - but not all equally