What Are Framework Agreements?
A framework agreement is an arrangement between one or more contracting authorities and one or more suppliers that establishes the terms — particularly pricing and quality — under which specific purchases (call-offs) can be made during a defined period. Think of it as a pre-approved supplier list with pre-negotiated terms: when a public body needs something covered by the framework, they can procure it quickly from listed suppliers without running a full tender process each time.
Framework agreements are one of the most important mechanisms in European public procurement, accounting for approximately 35% of above-threshold procurement value. They are governed by Article 33 of EU Directive 2014/24/EU and equivalent provisions in national legislation.
The maximum duration of a framework agreement is generally four years, though longer periods are permitted in exceptional, duly justified cases — particularly for contracts requiring significant supplier investment in equipment or infrastructure.
Types of Framework Agreements
Single-Supplier Frameworks
In a single-supplier framework, one supplier is appointed to deliver all requirements under the agreement. Call-offs are placed directly with that supplier at the pre-agreed terms.
When used: Standardized goods or services where requirements are well-defined, price stability is important, and there is no benefit from maintaining multiple suppliers. Common examples include office supplies, fuel, and standard IT hardware.
Advantages: Administrative simplicity, relationship consistency, volume pricing. Disadvantages: Supply chain risk from single-source dependency, limited flexibility, potential for complacency.
Multi-Supplier Frameworks
Multiple suppliers are appointed to the framework, and individual call-offs are awarded through one of several mechanisms. This is the more common type, particularly for services and complex supplies.
When used: Where requirements vary, competition on individual call-offs drives value, or supply security requires multiple sources. Common for IT services, consulting, construction, temporary staffing, and facilities management.
Typical framework size: 3–12 suppliers, though some large frameworks (particularly in IT and construction) may include 20–40+ suppliers organized into categories or lots.
How Framework Agreements Are Established
Setting up a framework agreement follows the same procurement procedures as any above-threshold contract:
- Prior Information Notice (optional): The contracting authority may publish an advance notice of the planned framework
- Contract notice: A formal notice is published on TED and/or national portals, specifying the framework’s scope, duration, estimated value, and selection/award criteria
- Procurement procedure: Usually open or restricted procedure. Suppliers submit tenders demonstrating technical capability, financial standing, and pricing
- Evaluation: Submissions are assessed against published criteria. In multi-supplier frameworks, all suppliers meeting the minimum quality threshold may be appointed (no maximum number required)
- Framework award: Selected suppliers are formally appointed and the framework terms are finalized
- Standstill period: A mandatory 10-day standstill period applies before the framework becomes operational, allowing unsuccessful bidders to challenge the decision
Call-Off Procedures
How individual contracts are awarded under a framework depends on the framework type and structure:
Direct Award
The contracting authority places an order directly with a framework supplier without further competition. This is permitted when:
- The framework is with a single supplier
- The framework terms are sufficiently precise to cover the specific requirement (all terms are fixed)
- The framework agreement specifies objective conditions for determining which supplier should deliver a particular call-off
Direct award is the fastest mechanism, often completing within days.
Mini-Competition
All framework suppliers (or those in the relevant lot/category) are invited to submit a proposal for the specific call-off. This is required when the framework terms are not sufficiently precise for direct award — for example, when scope, delivery timeline, or quality requirements need to be specified for each order.
Mini-competitions typically have shorter timescales than full procurement procedures (10–20 days for response is common) and simplified evaluation, since suppliers have already passed the main selection stage.
Cascade (Ranked) Award
Suppliers on the framework are ranked based on their original tender evaluation scores. For each call-off, the highest-ranked supplier is approached first. If they cannot deliver (capacity constraints, conflict of interest, etc.), the authority moves to the second-ranked supplier, and so on.
Cascade systems are common in professional services frameworks where the primary differentiator is quality/expertise, and pricing was fixed during framework establishment.
Advantages of Framework Agreements
For Contracting Authorities
- Speed: Call-offs can be completed in days or weeks rather than the months required for full procurement procedures
- Reduced administrative burden: The heavy procurement process is conducted once for the framework, with simplified procedures for individual purchases
- Pre-vetted suppliers: All framework suppliers have already demonstrated capability and financial standing
- Volume leverage: Aggregating demand across multiple contracting authorities achieves better pricing than individual procurements
- Compliance assurance: Using an established framework ensures procurement rule compliance for each purchase
For Suppliers
- Revenue pipeline: Framework appointment provides a stream of opportunities over 2–4 years without repeated full tender participation
- Reduced bid costs: Mini-competitions and call-offs require significantly less effort than full tenders
- Relationship building: Extended framework periods allow suppliers to develop understanding of client needs and demonstrate value
- Market position: Framework listing serves as a quality credential and can be referenced in other bids
Disadvantages and Risks
For Contracting Authorities
- Market lock-out: New suppliers or innovative solutions that emerge after framework establishment cannot participate until the framework is re-let
- Demand uncertainty: There is no obligation to purchase any minimum volume, making demand forecasting difficult for both parties
- Framework fatigue: Suppliers may become less competitive or responsive over time if they perceive limited competition on call-offs
For Suppliers
- No guaranteed revenue: Being on a framework does not guarantee any business — some suppliers are appointed but receive zero call-offs
- Price erosion: Mini-competitions can drive prices below sustainable levels, particularly in frameworks with many suppliers
- Resource commitment: Maintaining readiness to respond to call-offs across a large framework requires ongoing resource allocation
- Long exclusion periods: Missing a framework appointment means being locked out of that market for up to four years
Key Frameworks Across Europe
Some of the most significant framework agreements include:
- UK Crown Commercial Service (CCS): Operates major frameworks including G-Cloud (cloud services, £8B+ spend), Digital Outcomes and Specialists, and Technology Products & Services
- Netherlands Rijksoverheid frameworks: Central government frameworks for IT, consulting, temporary staffing, and facilities management
- France UGAP: Central purchasing body operating frameworks across all government sectors with €6B+ annual turnover
- Germany Kaufhaus des Bundes: Federal procurement center managing frameworks for standardized goods and services
- EU institutions: The European Commission and other EU institutions operate their own frameworks, often with significant contract values and international participation
- Nordic cooperation: Joint Nordic frameworks in areas including pharmaceuticals and defense equipment
Strategies for Getting Listed
Winning a place on a framework requires strategic preparation:
- Monitor framework renewal cycles: Frameworks are re-let every 2–4 years. Know when key frameworks in your sector are due for renewal and begin preparation 6–12 months in advance
- Build the right credentials: Study existing framework requirements to understand necessary certifications, accreditations, and experience thresholds well before the tender is published
- Understand lot structures: Large frameworks are often divided into lots by service type, geography, or contract value. Target lots that match your capabilities rather than bidding across all lots
- Demonstrate scalability: Contracting authorities want confidence that framework suppliers can handle variable demand. Evidence of scalable delivery capacity is essential
- Price strategically: Framework pricing must be competitive enough to win appointment but sustainable over the full agreement period. Unsustainably low pricing leads to performance issues and reputational damage
Managing Framework Performance
Winning a framework place is only the beginning. Successful framework management includes responding promptly and competitively to all relevant call-offs, maintaining service quality across all deliveries to build reputation for the next framework cycle, tracking spend and performance metrics proactively, building relationships with key contracting authority stakeholders, and investing in continuous improvement that can differentiate you in mini-competitions.
AI-powered tools like TenderRadar can help framework suppliers stay informed about upcoming framework renewals, monitor call-off opportunities across multiple frameworks, and track competitor activity — ensuring you maximize the value of your framework positions.