A Framework Agreement is a Procurement arrangement between one or more contracting authorities and one or more suppliers that sets out the terms under which specific purchases (called “call-off contracts”) can be made during the lifetime of the Framework Agreement. 

It typically sets out the scope of goods, services or works; the pricing or pricing mechanisms; the required quality standards and specifications; the terms and conditions and the maximum duration of the Framework Agreement (usually limited to four years unless a longer period can be objectively justified). 

However, a Framework Agreement does not itself guarantee any purchase. Instead, it creates a preapproved structure that enables a faster, compliant, and more streamlined procurement process when placing a call-off contract. 

APUC’s members have access to an extensive portfolio of professionally tendered, regulatory compliant, and commercially advantageous Framework Agreements covering a range of goods and services.