As preparations for the new DES contract intensify, NDS encourages members to revisit the previous DES grant agreement in 2018 to guide them in their planning. 

Thorough preparation is essential, because stakeholders have not been informed of the approach the government will take on DES procurement for the new contract. Past approaches have included an Invitation to Treat, or a full or partial Request for Tender. While a draft Performance Framework has recently been released for consultation and a new Quality Framework implemented, other important details, such as the funding and market models, remain unknown.