CCS makes second framework U-turn

Digital Outcomes and Specialists 3 framework to open for bids in July

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) will open the third iteration of the Digital Outcomes and Specialists (DOS) framework in July, after initial extending DOS 2 for up to 12 months.

The announcement comes after CCS made a similar turnaround with the G-Cloud framework earlier this month.

The DOS framework originally launched in 2016 to replace the Digital Services framework, which came in for criticism from suppliers.

DOS 3 will open for bids in July and is expected to go live in September.

Niall Quinn, director at CCS said: "We have listened to feedback from suppliers and customers and decided to go ahead with re-letting Digital Outcomes and Specialists in line with our original timescales.

"This will give customers access to the very latest services, and ensures that current suppliers and new bidders, including smaller businesses, have the chance to work with the public sector."

Almost £280m has been spent through DOS since its launch, according to CCS, with the current version of the framework boasting over 2,000 - 94 per cent of which are SMEs.