Employment and Health Related Test and Learn Provision DPS
Framework Description
The Employment and Health Related Test and Learn Provision DPS is a Department for Work and Pensions dynamic purchasing system for proof-of-concept and pilot projects in employment and health support. It was set up on 9 November 2018 under the light-touch regime and is open-ended, with a nominal end date of 23 February 2029. Expected total value of call-offs is about £20 million. DWP can end it on 20 working days' notice.
Context & Use Case
DWP uses the DPS to test new approaches to employment and health support and build evidence for future national and local provision. Other permitted users include the Ministry of Justice, DHSC, DfE, MHCLG, the Home Office, the Scottish and Welsh Governments and local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales. DWP states it expects a limited number of test and learn projects and cannot guarantee any business.
Scope of Services
Employment and health related test and learn projects Proof-of-concept and pilot programmes Education and training services (CPV 80000000) Training services (CPV 80500000) Delivery across England, Scotland and Wales
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
Suits employment support providers, health and wellbeing organisations, training providers, charities and specialist local organisations with innovative approaches. The DPS is Live and open, so suppliers can apply to join at any time before it closes. Joining puts you in line for pilot competitions, not guaranteed work.
Buyer Benefits
Departments and councils can commission small, fast pilots without running a full procurement each time, and reach local specialists and innovators as well as larger providers. Price is not the only award criterion, so buyers weigh quality and approach. They value delivery models with clear evidence-gathering built in, since the purpose is to learn what works.
Next Steps
Read DWP's 'Test and Learn DPS: how to register and apply' guidance on GOV.UK, then apply through DWP's e-sourcing portal named in Find a Tender notice 006494-2025. Prepare examples of innovative employment or health support you have delivered and how you measured results. Questions can go to the DPS mailbox named in the notice. Apply well before 23 February 2029, as DWP can close the DPS on 20 working days' notice.
How Athena Can Help
Getting onto the Test and Learn DPS is straightforward compared with winning a pilot, so Athena treats both. Our frameworks and DPS service would complete the DPS application and check it against DWP's selection criteria. When pilots are competed, Athena's bid writing support can sharpen your answers around innovation, evidence and outcomes, and build a price that holds up for a short pilot. Our public sector bid advice helps you decide which pilots fit your organisation.
