New consolidated DOS 7 agreement helps public sector organisations buy bespoke digital solutions and specialist capabilities

Published 31 March 2026

Last updated 26 March 2026

Our Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7 (DOS 7) agreement is now live. It replaces and consolidates 2 previous agreements: Digital Outcomes 6 (DOS 6) and Digital Specialists and Programmes (DSP).

DOS 7 provides a single procurement solution for public sector organisations to design, build, test and deliver digital projects and services. This new agreement:

  • brings together the best of both previous agreements
  • reduces supplier burden
  • creates a clearer customer journey

Benefits for buyers and suppliers using DOS 7

DOS 7 includes significant improvements based on extensive engagement with customers and suppliers. We conducted webinars, roundtable events, and one-to-one sessions with over 1,000 participants during development.

Benefits of DOS 7 include:

1. Open framework approach 

The Procurement Act 2023 enables the agreement to reopen every 18 months so new suppliers can join, and existing suppliers can refresh their services.

2. Competitive dialogue 

Buyers can discuss and refine requirements with selected suppliers before making a final decision.

3. Longer call-off terms 

Contracts of up to 4 years are available for Lot 1, providing stability for major digital transformation projects.

4. Improved supplier filtering 

A new filtering tool helps identify capable suppliers and speeds up procurement processes.

5. No supplier cap 

There is no limit on the number of suppliers awarded places on the agreement, increasing competition and choice.

6. Reduced insurance requirements 

Lots 1, 3 and 4 require only employers’ liability insurance from the framework start date.

7. Central Digital Platform 

The Procurement Act 2023 introduced this free platform, making it easier to find and bid for contracts. Suppliers can register once and store core business details for multiple bids.

Dr Philip Orumwense CBE, Chief Technology Procurement Officer and Commercial Director at Crown Commercial Service, explains:

We have worked with partners across the public sector including suppliers and public sector bodies to develop our DOS 7 agreement. This latest agreement continues to help public sector organisations find suppliers that can design, build, test and deliver digital solutions, supporting public services that meet the needs of citizens.

RM1043.9 Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7: lotting structure and scope

The agreement uses an agile approach, which means buyers have the flexibility to adapt projects as requirements evolve.

The agreement is structured to provide comprehensive digital services across 4 lots:

Lot 1: Digital Outcomes

Lot 2: Digital Capability and Delivery Partners

Lot 3: Digital Specialists

Lot 4: User Research Studios and Participants

How Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7 supports public sector organisations

DOS 7 helps organisations to access the digital expertise they need to transform vital services. For example:

  • central government departments can access complete digital delivery teams for major transformation programmes
  • local authorities can buy user research services and digital specialists to improve citizen-facing services
  • all public sector organisations can source agile digital teams through a simplified procurement process

Using Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7 to create user-centred digital services

DOS 7 supports the use of agile delivery approaches and user research. This helps organisations create digital services that meet the needs of citizens and supports government priorities for modernising public services.

Local councils

Local councils can use agile delivery teams to redesign planning and licensing services. Digital teams can help:

  • understand resident needs through user research
  • build digital services that reduce application processing times
  • support better service delivery
  • help meet Plan for Change goals for building homes and improving local services

NHS trusts

NHS trusts can buy user research services to understand patient and staff needs. These insights can help:

  • design digital health services that improve patient experience
  • reduce administrative burden
  • identify barriers to care
  • create more accessible digital health services

Government departments

Government departments can use digital specialists to build and test new services quickly. Specialists including user researchers, business analysts, and agile delivery managers can help departments:

  • understand policy impacts
  • create digital solutions
  • spend more time focusing on policy outcomes while digital experts handle service design and delivery

Supporting UK innovation and SMEs

The new agreement has over 1,700 suppliers and 89% of them are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). DOS 7 is designed with SME-friendly features that support UK digital innovation, including:

  • no cap on supplier numbers, creating opportunities for businesses of all sizes
  • reduced insurance requirements for most lots
  • simplified application process through the Digital Marketplace
  • support for organisations working together to bid

This approach boosts UK innovation and develops digital skills in the public sector while creating opportunities for UK technology businesses to grow.

Find out more

To learn more about DOS 7, visit the agreement page or contact the CCS Service Desk at info@crowncommercial.gov.uk.

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