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What we buyÌý

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)Ìýis responsible forÌýwelfare,ÌýpensionsÌý²¹²Ô»å child maintenance policy. As the UK’s biggest public service department, it administers the State Pension and a range of working age,ÌýdisabilityÌý²¹²Ô»å ill health benefits to around 20 million claimants and customers.Ìý

As aÌýresult,ÌýweÌýprocureÌýa varied range of goods and services including, but not limited to, Welfare to Work and Health Provision, digital goods and services, resources, estates and facility management, contact centre services and training.Ìý

Our procurement strategyÌý

In common with other government departments, DWP procurements are conducted in line with the UK Public Contracts Regulations, theÌýNational Procurement Policy StatementÌý²¹²Ô»å UK Cabinet Office Guidelines and Codes of Practice, including those relating to transparency, open competition, equal opportunity and ensuring value for money.Ìý

The DWP Commissioning Strategy sets out the Employment Provision key themes which will define our relationship with providers and our overall approach right across theÌýmarketplaceÌý– from the largest programmes to smallest contracts.

Code of practiceÌý

DWP follows an ethical approach toÌýpurchasingÌýthe range of goods and services needed to meet the requirements of our customers.Ìý

We are committed to public sector best practice. In all commercial activity, DWP pursues the highest standards of professionalism, ethicalÌýconductÌý²¹²Ô»å impartiality. Competitive processes are governed by UK legislation and conductedÌýin accordance withÌýthe National Procurement Policy Statement.

Supplier Code of ConductÌý

The Supplier Code of Conduct reiterates the government’s approach to acting together with trusted suppliers to deliver better public services.Ìý

The code exists to help suppliers understand the standards and behaviours that are expected of them when working with the government, and how they can help the government deliver value for money for taxpayers.Ìý

Contract opportunitiesÌý

Refer to the sell goods or services to the public sector guidance for general information about tendering for public sector contracts.

DWP contract opportunities for high value public sector contracts in the UK (usually above £139,688), including tender timetables and tender documents, can be found on the Find a Tender Service.

All organisations wishing to participate in procurement opportunities need to register their details on the Find a Tender service.

Guidance on how to access and register on the FindÌýa Tender Service hosted on the Central Digital Platform (CDP) can be found on theÌýProcurement Act 2023 short guides pageÌý²¹²Ô»å theÌýsupplier information guidance page.

DWP will publish a UK1 Pipeline Notice for opportunities to support and 18 months forward look of DWP sourcing activity.ÌýThese notices can be viewed on theÌýFind a Tender service.Ìý

DWP also uses the . Registration is free and there is no limit on the number of suppliers who can join this Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) marketplace.Ìý

Details on how to register your interest can be found on theÌý.ÌýÌý

Welfare to Work – DWP employment category provider guidance

The DWP Employment Category provider guidance gives information about the role of organisations contracted to deliver Welfare to Work provision for DWP.

°Õ³ó±ð Provider Referrals and Payments system (PRaP) enables secure, automated exchanges of information about customers referred to providers, and payments from DWP  to Prime Providers. All Welfare to Work contracted provision is supported by PRaP.

Flexible Support Fund Dynamic Purchasing System 2

Flexible Support Fund Dynamic Purchasing System 2 (FSF DPS 2)ÌýalsoÌýknown as the Flexible Support Fund (FSF) DPS supports work-focused activities for customers withinÌýJCP. This DPS vehicle will end in 2028; further information on a replacement will be shared nearer the time.Ìý

To become accredited to deliver services underÌýFSF DPS 2Ìýrefer to the Flexible Support Fund Dynamic Purchasing System 2 (DPS) opportunity notices.

As of 1 January 2021, the internationally comparable regional geography for the UK is the International Territorial Levels (ITLs) geography.

This has replaced the Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) geographies for the UK that were operational when the UK was a member of the European Union. Please refer to the to see how the NUTS Code correspond to the ITL Codes at Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.

Find out more information about how to register and apply to theÌýFSF DPSÌýon theÌýDWPÌýFlexible Support Fund Dynamic Purchasing System 2 page.

Welfare to Work Test and Learn Dynamic Purchasing SystemÌý

The Welfare to Work Test and Learn Purchasing System presents opportunities for suppliers to apply for tender opportunities, with a focus on innovation and local specialist Welfare to Work support, and to support and test the development ofÌýnew approachesÌýfor employment support.Ìý

Find out how to register and apply for tender opportunities through the Test and Learn Dynamic Purchasing System.Ìý

Low Value Provision opportunitiesÌý

Low Value Provision (LVP) provides opportunities for relevant training that will help claimants into work, where no other suitable DWP contracted or non-contracted training is available.Ìý

To bid for and supply LVP opportunities, you need to complete an online application form.Ìý

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DWP uses anÌýeSourcingÌýPortal to electronically transactÌýitsÌýendÌýto end procurements and contract management, accessed via the Internet.Ìý

It provides an efficient, simple, security accredited and compliant means for managing tendering activities, reducing the time and effortÌýrequiredÌýfor both buyers and suppliers.Ìý

TheÌýeSourcingÌýportal enables users to:Ìý

• register and express an interest in a procurement opportunityÌý

• participate in tendering activities, downloading, completing and submitting proposals

• conduct in life management activities during the contract periodÌý

DWP uses anÌýeSourcingÌýportal provided byÌýAtamisÌý

All futureÌýDWPÌýopportunities subject to Find a Tender Service publication will only be accessible through the newÌýeSourcingÌýPortal.Ìý

See separate information on registering on the Central Digital Platform which is now a mandatory requirement to tender for public procurement.Ìý

Additional new guidance can also be accessed in this helpful user guide.

Procurement transparencyÌý

Transparency is a fundamental, broad-reaching aspect of the Procurement Act 2023. The need to share information, enable others to understand theÌýdecision-makingÌýprocess, and act with integrity are all set out in the National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS). Transparency is embedded into every part of the procurement lifecycle, from planning to procurement, contractÌýmanagementÌý²¹²Ô»å termination, by sharing information through the publication of notices.Ìý

Suppliers and those organisations looking to bid for public sector contracts should be aware that if they are awarded a new government contract, the resulting contract between the supplier and government will be published. In some circumstances, limited redactions will be made to some contracts before they are publishedÌýin order toÌýcomply withÌýexisting law and for the protection of national security and personal privacy.Ìý

Spend dataÌý

From the end of July 2026, DWP will publish quarterly information about any payment exceeding £30,000 (including VAT) made against public contracts for procurements undertaken under the Procurement Act 2023 starting from that date.

Historical monthly data for DWP on payments of £25,000 is freely available at .

Transactions may be redacted for reasons of national security or personal privacy.

Key performance indicators for government’s most important contractsÌý

For contracts let under the Procurement Act 2023,ÌýDWP publishes the 3 Key performance indicators (KPIs) most material to performance of the contract obligationsÌýin theÌýcontract details notice (UK7),Ìýas well as the 3 most material to performance over the lifetime of the contract, where these are different.ÌýÌýThis is for contracts over £5 million, unless exempt.

DWP willÌýalsoÌýpublish a Contract performance notice (UK9) againstÌýtheseÌýKPIs. This notice willÌýbe publishedÌýat least annually and within 30 days of supplier poorÌýperformanceÌýorÌýbreach of contract.ÌýÌý

DWP willÌýalsoÌýpublish a Contract termination notice (UK11) which will also provide detail about supplier performance against KPIs when the contract isÌýterminatedÌýin full forÌýpoor performance.Ìý

To ensure that all performance isÌýmonitoredÌýDWPÌýwill continue to publish a list of its most importantÌýcontractsÌýshowing up to 4 relevant KPIsÌý²¹²Ô»å the performance against those KPIs.Ìý

Opportunities for small and medium enterprises

The government recognises theÌýimportant roleÌýof new businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) and mutuals in delivering against the government’s industrial and civil society strategies.Ìý

°Â³ó±ð°ù±ðÌý´Ú±ð²¹²õ¾±²ú±ô±ð, DWP also wants to trade with SMEs to support economic growth and sustainability within this important business sector.Ìý

In the DWP, we support and encourage a diverse range of suppliers to bid for departmentalÌýcontracts,Ìý²¹²Ô»å weÌýmonitorÌýthe level of business SMEs receive from us directly (by winning contracts) or indirectly (by winning contracts with prime contractors or further down supply chains).Ìý

The Small Business Hub provides support for SMEs on bidding for government contracts.Ìý

Find out more about bidding for government contracts.Ìý

Crown Representative for  SMEs and VCSEsÌý

In addition to the Crown Representatives for government’s strategic suppliers, there is a Crown Representative whose focus is removing barriers to SMEs across government.Ìý

There is also a Crown Representative who champions the role that VCSEs can play in delivering public services. VCSEs: A guide to working with government provides support for VCSEs on bidding for government contracts.Ìý

DWP will take all steps it can to welcome andÌýfacilitateÌýbids from these sectors either directly or as part of a group.Ìý

DUNS numberÌý

DUNS are a globally recognised way ofÌýidentifyingÌýsuppliers. A unique DUNS number is required by all government departments.Ìý

To improve the experience of dealing with DWP and in support of on-boarding new suppliers, DWP requires all suppliers to provide their DUNS number.Ìý

If youÌýdon’tÌýhave aÌýDUNSÌýnumber, you can . This is a free process and should take no more than 5 to 10 minutes.Ìý

The DUNS number ensures DWP maintains a consistent and standardised database of suppliers that are being transacted with. This requirement also supports DWP’s commitment to the government digital agenda.Ìý

Terms and conditionsÌý

DWP uses the model Cabinet Office set of contracts according to complexity and value, to ensure proportionality and remove barriers to SMEs or VCSEs in bidding for contracts.Ìý

Government Standard Contracts for ProcurementÌý

Suppliers should always refer to the specific terms and conditions issued as part of a procurement tender exercise.Ìý

The DWP  general terms and conditions (PS1 and PS2) are applied to low value andÌýlow riskÌýrequirements below £10,000.Ìý

The Public Sector Contract (PSC) core terms and conditions are used for contracts called off the Government Commercial Agency (GCA) Framework agreements. The core terms are GCA’s standard commercial terms. They govern the supplier’s relationship with GCA and every buyer who has a call-off contract. These opportunities are advertised through existing GCA framework agreements. You would need to be accepted onto the framework to hear about them. To access theseÌýagreements,Ìýyou need to register on the .

Diversity and equalityÌý

All contractors and sub-contractors must be aware of DWP’s commitment to Equality and Diversity including the .Ìý

The Public Sector Equality Duty applies across Great Britain to public bodies listed in Schedule 19 to the Equality Act 2010 and to other organisations when they areÌýcarrying out public functions. This will mean for DWP that those organisations which carry out and provide services on our behalfÌýare required toÌýcomply withÌýthe legislation.Ìý

Find out more about DWPs commitment to providing services which embrace diversity and that promote equality of opportunity.Ìý

ContractorsÌýexpenses policyÌý

DWP will reimburse necessary and reasonable business travel and accommodation costs incurred whilst undertaking duties on behalf of DWP and delivering requirements to DWP, where this is agreed as part of the contractual terms.Ìý

Find out about DWP policy on expenses for business travel and accommodation for Contractors, Interim Managers and Consultants.Ìý

Prompt payment to suppliersÌý

DWP recognises that regular cashflow is important for suppliers to effectively deliver the terms of their contracts and are fully supportive of the central government requirement for departments to pay 90% of undisputed invoices within 5 days. Suppliers need to be aware of the correct procedures involved to achieve this.Ìý

DWP follows all the policies on prompt payment as set out in the prompt payment policy.

Suppliers should familiarise themselves with the policy to understand all the requirements to participate in bidding for public contracts.

DWP operates a ‘No Purchase Order, No Pay’ policy, which applies to suppliers and contractors who provide goods, services and works to the department.Ìý

Full details and guidance can be found on the no purchase order, no pay policy page.Ìý

DWP follows the Procurement Act 2023 prompt payment policy.

Prompt payment to sub-contractorsÌý

Where the supplier lets a subcontract in connection with a DWP contract, they must include similar prompt payment terms to the above in respect of payments to the subcontractor. SuppliersÌýare now required toÌýpay the sub-contractor invoicesÌýwithin 45Ìýdays.Ìý

Concerns from suppliers on theÌýlate paymentÌýof valid and undisputed invoices can be made to the DWP Contract Manager or the  .

Data protection and information securityÌý

DWP takes data protection and information security very seriously and isÌýrequiredÌýto give assurance that personal data is being appropriately protected throughout its supply chain.Ìý

Read about data protection and information security for DWP suppliers and contractors.Ìý

Offshoring of DWP data by suppliers without contracts

Suppliers handling DWP data must comply with the DWP offshoring policy.

The policy outlines the process for identifying, assessing, mitigating, and monitoring additional security risks associated with offshoring. It also reflects relevant legal and regulatory obligations, including the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK GDPR. Further detail is available in the offshoring policy for DWP contractors.

Sustainable procurementÌý

Sustainable procurement is a process whereby organisations meet their needs for goods, services, works and utilities in a way that achieves value for money and generates benefits not only to DWP, but also to society and the economy too, while minimising damage to the environment.Ìý

DWP  is committed to supporting sustainable procurement.Ìý

Bidders for our major contracts (current threshold £5 million) nowÌýhave toÌýdemonstrateÌýthey have Carbon Reduction Plans in place to achieve the government target of achieving Net Zero by 2050.Ìý

Contracts may alsoÌýcontainÌýthe requirement for our suppliers to develop a Sustainable Development Plan toÌýdemonstrateÌýcommitment to overarching sustainably requirements during the life of the contract.Ìý

To supportÌýitsÌýaims the departmentÌýseeksÌýto minimise its own environmental impact and reports its progress against targets on the Greening Government Commitments (GGC) page.Ìý

Government Buying StandardsÌý

DWP adheres to the National Procurement Policy Statement and allÌýinternal DWPÌýpolicies will be updated in line with the currentÌýnationalÌýpolicies.Ìý

The Government Buying Standards (GBS) are a set of sustainable specifications for a range of commonlyÌýpurchasedÌýproducts.

Commercial complaints processÌý

If you are making a complaintÌýregardingÌýour competitive processes, provide as much detail as you can.Ìý

We are fully committed toÌýmaintainingÌýconfidentiality and willÌýtake appropriate measuresÌýto ensure it. If you are currently involved in tendering for work with DWP  you can be assured that your comments will not be allowed to prejudice the fair treatment of your tender.Ìý

How to complainÌý

Make your complaint in writing to the procurement manager shown in the tender documentation.Ìý

What happens when I make a complaint?Ìý

We will take seriously any complaint and undertakeÌýappropriate investigations. Where mistakes have been made, we will take suitable corrective action and put in place any necessary remedial measures to prevent any future incidences.Ìý

Public Procurement Review ServiceÌý

Concerns from suppliers (and potential suppliers) about public procurement practice and theÌýlate paymentÌýof valid and undisputed invoices can also be made to the Procurement Review Unit (PRU) which will have responsibility for oversight of the new Procurement Act 2023.