UK-wide

Join framework agreements and approved supplier lists

How to become an approved supplier on government framework agreements.

Guide summary

Apply to join framework agreements to sell goods and services to the public sector. Choose between closed frameworks (join only during initial competition) or open frameworks (join at regular intervals). Pay a small commission (0.5% to 2%) on sales made through the framework. Ensure you can pay invoices within 30 days – from October 2025, you must pay your own invoices within 45 days on average to bid for contracts over £5 million per year.

  • Apply to open frameworks at any time or closed frameworks during initial competition
  • Commission on GCA frameworks: 0.5% to 2% of sales
  • Payment from public buyers within 30 calendar days of valid invoice
  • Government target: 90% of SME invoices paid within 5 days
  • From Oct 2025: pay own invoices within 45 days average for contracts over £5m/year
  • Supply chain payment terms: 30 days must flow to subcontractors
  • G-Cloud framework for cloud, software, IT support services
  • Over 37% of G-Cloud sales go to small and medium businesses
  • No fee to join GCA frameworks – only commission on sales
On this page

Related guides in Growth & Strategy

Become a MOD Supplier

How to register on MOD procurement portals, meet security and quality requirements, and bid for defence contracts.

Framework agreements are pre-approved supplier lists that allow public sector buyers to purchase goods and services without running full tenders for each contract. Being on a framework gives you access to call-off contracts from multiple buyers.

The main types of framework include:

  • Government Commercial Agency (GCA, formerly Crown Commercial Service) frameworks - for central government and wider public sector
  • G-Cloud Digital Marketplace - for cloud and digital services
  • Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) - open frameworks you can join at any time

G-Cloud and the Digital Marketplace

If you provide cloud hosting, software, or IT support services, G-Cloud is a key route to public sector customers.

Framework types explained

Under the Procurement Act 2023, there are two main framework types:

Closed frameworks

Traditional frameworks where you can only join during the initial competition. Once awarded, no new suppliers can join until the framework expires and is re-tendered.

Open frameworks

New under the Procurement Act 2023, these allow new suppliers to join at regular intervals. They can last up to 8 years and must allow applications at least once in the first 3 years and again before expiry. This is better for SMEs who may have missed the initial competition.

Payment and commission

There is no fee to join GCA frameworks. Instead, suppliers pay a small commission (levy) based on sales made through the framework. Rates vary by framework but are typically 0.5-2%.

Framework and marketplace services