Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Framework Agreement
I need a framework agreement to establish a collaborative partnership between two companies for a joint venture, outlining the roles, responsibilities, and contributions of each party, with provisions for dispute resolution and a termination clause. The agreement should include confidentiality terms and a timeline for achieving key milestones.
What is a Framework Agreement?
A Framework Agreement sets up the ground rules for future contracts between parties, much like creating a master playbook for ongoing business relationships. It establishes key terms, pricing structures, and delivery requirements that will apply to all subsequent deals, without committing to specific quantities or timing upfront.
In Australian commercial practice, these agreements help streamline procurement processes and are especially common in government contracting under the Commonwealth Procurement Rules. They save time and money by avoiding repeated negotiations, while giving organizations the flexibility to place orders as needed through simplified 'call-off' contracts that reference back to the main framework terms.
When should you use a Framework Agreement?
Framework Agreements work best when you need to maintain ongoing relationships with suppliers while keeping flexibility in your purchasing. They're particularly valuable for Australian government agencies and large organizations that make regular purchases of similar goods or services but can't predict exact quantities or timing.
Use these agreements when managing multiple suppliers for the same category, streamlining procurement processes, or securing consistent pricing over time. They're especially useful in construction projects, IT services, and consulting arrangements where you need a mix of stable terms and ordering flexibility. The agreement creates efficiency by establishing standard terms upfront while allowing for variable delivery schedules.
What are the different types of Framework Agreement?
- Framework Supply Agreement: Basic structure for ongoing product purchases, setting standard terms and pricing mechanisms
- Multi Supplier Framework Agreement: Manages multiple vendors under one framework, enabling competitive mini-tenders
- Subcontractor Framework Agreement: Governs recurring subcontractor relationships, particularly useful in construction and IT sectors
- Contract Framework Agreement: Broader commercial template adaptable across various industries and service types
- Cooperation Framework Agreement: Focuses on strategic partnerships and joint ventures with shared objectives
Who should typically use a Framework Agreement?
- Government Departments: Use Framework Agreements extensively for procurement, especially under Commonwealth and State purchasing guidelines
- Procurement Teams: Manage the tender process and negotiate core terms with suppliers, often working with legal counsel
- Corporate Legal Teams: Draft and review agreements, ensure compliance with Australian Competition Law
- Suppliers and Vendors: Provide goods or services under the framework's terms, participating in mini-competitions for specific contracts
- Contract Managers: Oversee day-to-day operations, monitor performance, and manage relationships between parties
- Finance Directors: Review pricing structures and approve budgetary commitments within the agreement's scope
How do you write a Framework Agreement?
- Scope Definition: Clearly outline the types of goods or services covered, expected volumes, and duration of the framework
- Supplier Details: Gather ABNs, company details, and necessary licenses or certifications from all participating vendors
- Pricing Structure: Document base rates, volume discounts, and price review mechanisms that comply with Australian Consumer Law
- Performance Metrics: Define KPIs, service levels, and quality standards for measuring supplier performance
- Ordering Process: Establish clear procedures for placing orders, including minimum quantities and lead times
- Risk Management: Consider insurance requirements, liability caps, and dispute resolution procedures
- Template Selection: Use our platform to generate a legally-sound Framework Agreement tailored to your specific needs
What should be included in a Framework Agreement?
- Party Details: Full legal names, ABNs, registered addresses, and authorized signatories of all participating entities
- Term and Scope: Clear definition of agreement duration, renewal options, and covered goods/services
- Ordering Process: Detailed procedures for call-off contracts, including mini-competition rules under Australian procurement law
- Pricing Mechanism: Base rates, variation formulas, and payment terms that comply with Australian Consumer Law
- Performance Standards: KPIs, quality requirements, and delivery specifications
- Termination Rights: Clear grounds for ending the agreement and managing ongoing call-offs
- Dispute Resolution: Australian jurisdiction choice, mediation procedures, and governing law clauses
- Data Protection: Privacy compliance measures aligned with Australian Privacy Principles
What's the difference between a Framework Agreement and a Consortium Agreement?
Framework Agreements differ significantly from Consortium Agreements in their structure and purpose. While both manage complex business relationships, they serve distinct needs in Australian commercial law.
- Duration and Flexibility: Framework Agreements establish ongoing terms for future transactions, allowing multiple call-offs over time. Consortium Agreements typically cover a single project or defined collaboration period.
- Party Relationships: Framework Agreements create a buyer-supplier dynamic with potential multiple suppliers. Consortium Agreements join partners as equals working toward shared objectives.
- Commercial Focus: Framework Agreements primarily handle procurement and supply arrangements. Consortium Agreements manage joint ventures, research projects, or shared resource allocation.
- Risk Distribution: Framework Agreements maintain clear supplier-customer responsibilities. Consortium Agreements share risks and rewards among all participating members.
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.