This article will explain:
What Direct Award means on an Open Framework lead
What the client is doing when they send you a Direct Award lead
How Direct Award works for you as a contractor
What you should do when you receive a Direct Award lead
For contractors admitted to Open Framework who receive Direct Award leads on Plentific.
What does Direct Award mean?
Direct Award is one of two ways clients can tender Open Framework jobs on Plentific (the other is Mini Competition).
On Direct Award, the client does not open the job to every eligible contractor. Instead, they search the Open Framework contractor list and specifically choose who to engage. If you receive a Direct Award lead, the client has invited you (or started a hire with you) for that job.
In practical terms: the client has picked you. They most likely want to hire you for this work.
What is the client doing?
When a client uses Direct Award, they typically:
Create an Open Framework work order and choose Direct Award as the tendering route
Select a standard price list for the job
Search eligible Open Framework contractors
Invite one or more contractors to engage, and/or start a direct hire with a preferred contractor
You only see the lead if the client has engaged you. Other eligible contractors do not automatically receive the same lead.
That is different from Mini Competition, where the job is broadcast to the eligible Open Framework pool and contractors compete by quoting before a deadline.
How does Direct Award work for you?
1. You receive a lead
Direct Award leads appear in your Leads tab with Open Framework and Direct Award tags. Open the lead to review the job details, then accept or decline.
Accepting the lead lets you communicate with the client and progress the opportunity.
2. You engage with the client
Once accepted, you can message the client, clarify scope, and arrange next steps. Direct Award is often used when the client already has a preferred contractor in mind, so responding promptly matters.
3. Quoting and pricing
Direct Award jobs use Plentific-managed standard price lists. When you quote:
Your uplift (percentage adjustment) is typically pre-filled from the adjustment you provided when you applied to Open Framework
You cannot go higher than that verified uplift
You can go lower, or keep the same value
For more detail on building and editing quotes, see the quote guidance in the Help Centre.
4. Hire
The client can hire you from Direct Award once their requirements are met (for example quote and insurance rules for that job). Until you are hired, treat the lead as an active opportunity to stay in conversation with the client.
What should you do on a Direct Award lead?
Treat it as high priority. The client chose you specifically.
Accept the lead so you can message them and move the job forward.
Review the job details carefully, including any expected award date if shown.
Quote using the price list and uplift rules for Open Framework Direct Award.
Keep communication clear and timely. Direct Award often moves towards hire without a wide competition.
If you decline, the client can invite or hire someone else (including inviting you again later).
Direct Award vs Mini Competition at a glance
| Direct Award | Mini Competition |
Who gets the lead? | Contractors the client specifically invites or starts to hire | Eligible Open Framework contractors (broadcast) |
Client intent | Most likely wants to hire a chosen contractor | Comparing quotes from multiple contractors |
Deadline to engage | Follow the job dates shown; no mandatory competition deadline in the same way | Application / respond-by deadline is critical |
Your best move | Accept promptly and engage the client | Accept and quote before the deadline |
For more information, please contact us at [email protected].