Digital Documents Solutions Framework (DDS)
Framework Description
The Digital Documents Solutions (DDS) framework is a single-lot call-off agreement run by NHS London Procurement Partnership, hosted by Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. It is organised by nine solution types covering print, mail, scanning, storage, document management, dictation and workflow. It runs until 31 March 2027 with no extension. It is closed to new applications, but existing suppliers can add products through a catalogue approach.
Context & Use Case
NHS trusts, foundation trusts, GP federations and other health and care providers in the UK and Northern Ireland use DDS, as can local councils and third sector organisations. Typical needs are moving from paper to digital records, outsourcing print and post, setting up a digital mail room, or buying an electronic document and records management system. Buyers call off against the appointed suppliers rather than running their own tender.
Scope of Services
Internal print and external print Digital mail room Scanning Document storage Electronic Document Record Management Solutions (EDRMS) Digital dictation Workflow processes Contract centre
Lots
Single lot (organised by solution types: Internal Print, External Print, Digital Mail Room, Scanning, Document Storage, Electronic Document Record Management Solutions, Digital Dictation, Workflow Processes, Contract Centre)
Who Can Apply
Suits print, scanning, records management and document software providers with public sector, especially health, experience. Applications for DDS are closed, so new suppliers cannot join. Existing suppliers can widen their offer through the catalogue. With the framework ending on 31 March 2027, a re-tender or successor is the next way in.
Buyer Benefits
Paper records cost money to store and slow clinicians down. DDS lets a buyer source scanning, storage and records management from one route, and combine services such as a digital mail room with workflow, without separate tenders. The catalogue keeps product choice current over the term.
Next Steps
With the end date under six months away, suppliers outside DDS should watch the LPP digital pipeline closely for a successor and prepare case studies, information governance evidence and accreditations now. Current suppliers should make the most of the remaining call-offs and keep catalogue entries current while preparing to re-qualify.
How Athena Can Help
DDS ends on 31 March 2027, so its successor is the opportunity to plan for now. Athena's framework submission support prepares your selection answers, case studies and certificates in advance, so you can respond quickly when LPP publishes the tender.
Our document solutions bid team writes and quality-checks responses against the scoring criteria, and our help with compliant public bids covers the Procurement Act 2023 rules a new tender will follow.
