Digital Outcomes and Specialists (DOS)

Digital Outcomes and Specialists (DOS) is a UK framework agreement managed by Crown Commercial Service (CCS) that sits alongside the G-Cloud framework as one of the primary procurement routes for digital and technology services in the UK public sector. Where G-Cloud is a catalogue from which buyers call off pre-priced services directly, DOS requires a mini-competition: buyers publish an opportunity, shortlist suppliers from the framework, invite them to apply, and select the best response. The framework is now succeeded by the Digital and Technology Outcomes (DTO) framework but remains widely referenced in procurement guidance and contract registers.

What is Digital Outcomes and Specialists (DOS)?

DOS was structured around four lots: Digital Outcomes (teams delivering a defined output, such as building a service), Digital Specialists (individual roles such as developers, designers, business analysts, and security architects), User Research Studios (physical research facilities), and User Research Participants (recruitment of research participants). The framework applied to central government, NHS, local authorities, and other contracting authorities.

Unlike G-Cloud, which is catalogue-based, DOS operates through an open mini-competition. Any supplier listed on the relevant lot can respond to an opportunity. Buyers must publish their requirements on the Digital Marketplace, allow at least two weeks for applications (or one week for lower-value individual specialist roles), shortlist using essential and nice-to-have criteria, and then evaluate responses from shortlisted suppliers against pre-published assessment criteria.

DOS call-offs sit within the framework's overarching agreement, which was competed under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (implementing EU Directive 2014/24/EU). Individual call-offs do not require a separate OJEU notice, but buyers are expected to record their evaluation rationale and follow the technology code of practice principles.

Why it matters for bidders

DOS provides a structured route for digital services procurement suppliers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, to compete for public sector work without the overhead of a full open procedure. Because the framework is open for supplier applications periodically, being listed is the first requirement. Once listed, suppliers can respond to any published opportunity on their lot.

The mini-competition format means that winning is driven by the quality of written responses and, for some procurements, a presentation or demonstration. Buyers assess responses against criteria published with the opportunity, typically covering technical approach, team structure, relevant experience, and price. Suppliers should ensure their Digital Marketplace profile accurately reflects their capabilities, as buyers often use profile information when shortlisting.

Open standards in procurement and interoperability requirements are increasingly prominent in DOS requirements, especially for outcomes work that integrates with existing government systems. Buyers following the technology code of practice will expect suppliers to demonstrate compliance as part of their technical approach.

Example

A central government department needs a multidisciplinary team to design and build a new citizen-facing service. It publishes a Digital Outcomes opportunity on the Digital Marketplace, receives applications from twelve listed suppliers, shortlists five that meet the essential criteria, and invites them to provide a written proposal covering their delivery approach, team composition, and indicative pricing. The winning supplier is selected on a 70% quality and 30% price split.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a supplier apply to DOS opportunities without being on the framework?

No. Only suppliers who have been accepted onto the relevant DOS lot may respond to opportunities published under that framework. Buyers must also confirm they are purchasing through the framework rather than running a standalone open procedure.

How is DOS different from the G-Cloud framework?

G-Cloud is a direct call-off catalogue for pre-priced cloud services. DOS requires a mini-competition for each requirement. G-Cloud suits clearly defined, commodity-like services. DOS suits bespoke delivery work where requirements vary and the best response cannot be determined by a catalogue entry alone.

What replaced DOS?

Crown Commercial Service launched the Digital and Technology Outcomes (DTO) framework as the successor to DOS. The structure and approach are similar, but DTO includes updated lot definitions and revised standard terms. Buyers and suppliers should check the CCS Digital Marketplace for the current live framework.