Dynamic markets explained: what they are and how to join one
A dynamic market is a list of approved suppliers that a public buyer can award contracts to, and it stays open for new suppliers to join at any time. That makes it one of the friendlier routes into public work for a small business: if you miss the start, you can still apply later. Here's how dynamic markets work under the Procurement Act 2023 and how to get on one.
What a dynamic market is
GOV.UK's guidance says the Act replaces dynamic purchasing systems (DPS) and qualification systems with a single new tool, the dynamic market. Dynamic markets must remain open to new suppliers to join at any time, and they can be used for goods, services or works.
Some dynamic purchasing systems set up under the old rules are still running. GOV.UK's guide for health sector suppliers notes that some frameworks and DPS pre-date February 2025, so some contracts are still awarded under the older rules.
How joining works
To join, you apply and show you meet the conditions for membership. Section 36 of the Act sets the main rules:
- Applications at any time. The buyer must accept applications at any time during the life of the market, consider them within a reasonable period, and tell you its decision with reasons.
- Proportionate conditions. GOV.UK's guidance says conditions for membership are similar to conditions of participation. They must be a proportionate way of checking your legal and financial capacity or technical ability. Buyers can't ask for audited accounts unless you're required by law to have them audited, or require insurance for performing the contract before award.
- No cap on numbers. The number of suppliers on a dynamic market can't be limited, and the conditions for membership can't be changed during its life.
You'll need your Central Digital Platform record and share code ready, as for any tender.
How work is awarded
Once you're a member, the buyer runs a competition for each contract among members, using the competitive flexible procedure for above-threshold contracts, as Find a Tender explains. Under section 54, the minimum tendering period for a contract awarded under a dynamic market is 10 days, so be ready to move quickly.
If a tender is published and you're not yet a member, you can still apply. GOV.UK's guidance says the buyer must consider your application before turning your tender down for not being a member, except in exceptional cases where a complex procurement leaves it too little time. The buyer may set a date by which applications must be in, so check the notice.
The notices to watch
- UK13 dynamic market intention notice. Published before the market is set up, to tell suppliers they can apply to join.
- UK14 dynamic market establishment notice. Published once it's set up. Find a Tender says further suppliers can still apply.
Find a Tender's commercial tools search lists frameworks and dynamic markets, and you can filter for upcoming or active ones.
Smaller contracts
Dynamic markets can also be used below threshold. Find a Tender says conditions for membership aren't allowed below threshold, except for works contracts above certain values, for schools, or if Welsh or Northern Irish rules apply. See our guides to council tenders and low-value council contracts.
Where you might meet one in our sectors
- Construction (minor works). If a buyer runs a dynamic market for smaller building jobs, you join once and bid for jobs as they come up. See how to find construction tenders.
- Transport (school transport). If a council awards routes through a dynamic market, you join first and bid for routes later. See home to school transport contracts and transport tenders in the UK.
- Care. If a council runs a dynamic market for home care, providers join it first and then bid for packages or lots as they come up.
- Cleaning. If a buyer runs one for cleaning, check the lots by site or area.
Questions
What is the difference between a dynamic market and a framework?
A dynamic market stays open for new suppliers to join at any time. A standard framework is closed once it's awarded, and an open framework only takes new suppliers when it's re-opened.
Can I join a dynamic market at any time?
Yes. Under section 36 of the Procurement Act 2023, the buyer must accept applications at any time during the life of the market and consider them within a reasonable period.
What replaced dynamic purchasing systems?
Dynamic markets. The Procurement Act 2023 replaced dynamic purchasing systems and qualification systems with them, although some systems set up under the old rules are still in use.
Get 3 live tenders for your trade, free
UK Tender Desk, from Your Evenings Ltd (that's us), works with small businesses in construction trades, training, transport, care, cleaning and catering. Tell us your trade and we'll email you 3 live public sector tenders in it, free. If fewer than 3 fit, we'll say so. We aim to send them by email within 2 working days. Send me 3 live tenders
Want the full check? UK Tender Desk is £149 once: a readiness report and up to 5 live tenders that fit a business your size, by email within 5 working days of your answers to a short form.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Guidance: Dynamic Markets (read 31 October 2026) (paragraphs 2, 7, 11, 12, 15, 17 and 23)
- Procurement Act 2023, section 36 and section 54 (read 31 October 2026)
- Find a Tender: notice types (read 31 October 2026)
- GOV.UK: How SMEs can work effectively with the NHS (read 31 October 2026)
- GOV.UK: Guidance: Frameworks (read 31 October 2026)
This guide summarises the official sources above. It isn't legal advice. Check the notice and tender documents for each contract.
Written with AI assistance by the Your Evenings team at Your Evenings Ltd. Last updated 31 October 2026.