How open frameworks benefit public sector buyers

What is an open framework?

Open frameworks are a new kind of buying agreement introduced by the Procurement Act 2023. They build on the familiar idea of a CCS framework, which is simply a list of prechecked suppliers that public bodies can call on when they need a service. Traditional or “closed” frameworks stay fixed for up to four years; once the list is set, no one else can join. An open framework lasts for as long as eight years, but it is reopened at least twice during that period, so fresh suppliers can come in, existing ones can update their offer and everyone has the chance to sharpen their prices. Think of it as a framework that deliberately makes room for change rather than freezing the market.

How can an open framework benefit a planning team?

For a planning team looking to buy digital tools this matters because the software landscape shifts quickly. New mapping plugins, AI powered validation tools or citizen-facing consultation platforms appear every year and many are built by small or specialist firms. An open framework keeps those firms in play throughout the life of the agreement, giving you more choice, newer functionality and competitive pricing without waiting four years for the next framework refresh. The commercial terms stay the same each time the framework reopens, so once your council is comfortable with the paperwork you can keep buying under familiar conditions while still tapping into the latest technology.

How to take advantage of open frameworks

You will not decide on your own whether CCS (or another uses an open or closed model when it sets up a framework, but you can influence the decision by taking part in early market engagement and by telling CCS if a fastmoving software market needs more flexibility. When the time comes to place a call off contract you will follow your normal corporate procurement route and involve your commercial colleagues, who will check that the framework and the chosen lot meet internal rules. Understanding how open frameworks work means you can hold informed conversations with them and with suppliers, plan for future technology shifts and make sure your service is ready to take advantage of the next reopening window.