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A Framework Agreement sets up the ground rules for future contracts between organizations, like a master playbook for ongoing business relationships. It spells out key terms, prices, and quality standards that will apply to all subsequent orders or "call-offs" without having to negotiate everything from scratch each time.

Common in UK public sector procurement, these agreements typically run for 2-4 years and help streamline purchasing while ensuring compliance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. Instead of running full tender processes repeatedly, buyers can simply place orders under the pre-agreed framework terms, saving time and money while maintaining fair competition and transparency.

Framework Agreements work best when you need to make repeated purchases from suppliers over time but can't predict exact quantities or timing upfront. They're particularly valuable for public sector organizations buying common goods or services like office supplies, IT equipment, or consulting work.

Use them when you want to avoid running full procurement processes for each purchase while still meeting UK public procurement rules. They're also ideal when you need flexibility to adjust volumes based on demand, want to maintain consistent pricing and terms across multiple orders, or need to manage relationships with a pre-approved pool of suppliers efficiently.

• Framework Supply Agreement: Used for ongoing product or material purchases, setting standard pricing and delivery terms
• Cooperation Framework Agreement: Establishes broader business partnerships with shared objectives and resource commitments
• Framework Partnership Agreement: Structures long-term strategic alliances with profit-sharing and joint venture elements
• Collaboration Framework Agreement: Focuses on joint projects or research initiatives with shared intellectual property terms
• Subcontractor Framework Agreement: Manages relationships with multiple subcontractors, setting quality standards and work allocation processes

• Public Sector Buyers: Government departments, local authorities, and NHS trusts who set up Framework Agreements to streamline their procurement processes
• Procurement Officers: Key decision-makers who design and manage the framework terms, evaluate suppliers, and oversee compliance
• Approved Suppliers: Companies that qualify to provide goods or services under the framework's terms and conditions
• Legal Teams: In-house or external solicitors who draft and review framework terms to ensure compliance with UK procurement laws
• Contract Managers: Staff who handle day-to-day administration of call-offs and supplier relationships under the framework

• Initial Planning: Define scope, duration, and estimated value of goods or services needed over the framework period
• Supplier Details: Gather evaluation criteria, minimum requirements, and how many suppliers you'll need on the framework
• Core Terms: List key commercial terms, pricing mechanisms, and quality standards that will apply to all call-offs
• Compliance Check: Review Public Contracts Regulations 2015 requirements and any sector-specific rules
• Template Selection: Use our platform to generate a legally-sound Framework Agreement that includes all required elements and minimizes drafting errors
• Internal Review: Get sign-off from procurement, finance, and operational teams before finalizing

• Framework Scope: Clear description of goods/services covered, estimated quantities, and geographical areas
• Duration Terms: Start date, end date, and any extension options available to parties
• Pricing Structure: Detailed pricing mechanisms, payment terms, and price adjustment provisions
• Call-off Procedure: Step-by-step process for placing orders under the framework
• Performance Standards: Quality requirements, KPIs, and service levels
• Liability Provisions: Insurance requirements, indemnities, and limitation of liability clauses
• Termination Rights: Grounds for ending the agreement and consequences of termination
• Dispute Resolution: Process for handling disagreements and applicable jurisdiction

Framework Agreements are often confused with Agency Agreements, but they serve distinctly different purposes in UK commercial law. While both create ongoing business relationships, their core functions and legal implications differ significantly.

• Scope and Purpose: Framework Agreements establish terms for multiple future purchases, while Agency Agreements authorize one party to act on behalf of another
• Commitment Level: Framework Agreements don't guarantee any minimum purchase volume but set conditions for potential orders. Agency Agreements create specific authority and obligations between principal and agent
• Legal Structure: Framework Agreements function as umbrella contracts with separate call-off orders, while Agency Agreements create direct representative relationships
• Procurement Rules: Framework Agreements must comply with public procurement regulations when used by public bodies. Agency Agreements focus more on commercial law and fiduciary duties