In Scotland, the procurement landscape delivers Framework Agreements across three distinct levels: national (Category A), sectoral (Category B), and local (Category C). Each level differs in terms of its scope, how information is shared, where responsibilities sit, and the extent to which the Framework Agreement is implemented. 

• Category A (National) Framework Agreements apply across the entire Scottish public sector and are centrally created and managed by Scottish Procurement. 

• Category B (Sectoral) Framework Agreements support the needs of specific sectors, each coordinated through an appropriate centre of expertise. For the Higher and Further Education (HE/FE) sector, APUC fulfils this role, which develops and manages Cat B Framework Agreements on behalf of universities and colleges in Scotland. 

• Category C (Local) Framework Agreements are created and managed by individual public bodies to address organisation specific requirements at a local level. 

These categories ensure that procurement activity is aligned with the appropriate level of demand  and collaboration across Scotland’s public sector.