Framework Agreements and how to use them Florence Gregg figpc ltd E:

Framework Agreements [FA] What are they?  Arrangements between one (or more) contracting authorities and one (or more) suppliers  Contract is formed when the FA is used What “types” are there?  Single supplier, or  Multiple (at least 3) suppliers © figpc ltd May 2010

To use a framework agreement: The Contracting Authority (eg College) must have been named in the original contract notice (advertisement) Suppliers must be party to the FA  Cannot add new suppliers during its life © figpc ltd May 2010

Single Supplier FAs Award any specific contract within the limits of the terms laid down in the FA  Example – Stationery and Office supplies May consult in writing the named supplier requesting it to provide further information when necessary  Example – A painting FA where costs for individual jobs need to be obtained before creating an order © figpc ltd May 2010

Multiple Supplier FAs Must be at least 3 suppliers By application of the terms laid down in the FA without re-opening the competition, or Where not all the terms of the proposed contract are laid down in the FA  Re-open competition between the suppliers which are party to the FA and which are capable of performing the proposed contract © figpc ltd May 2010

Mini-competitions Consult in writing the suppliers capable of performing the contract Submit a written tender within stated timeframe that reflects the complexity etc of the requirement Maintain confidentiality until after closing date Award to the tender on basis of FA’s original award criteria © figpc ltd May 2010

What does this mean to you? You need to know How set up and the published award criteria How it is intended to work, eg, do you  Single supplier – price list format – simply place orders. Example - stationery  Run a mini-competition to select a single supplier for your institution? Example - insurance  Run a mini-competition every time you want to use the FA? Example – Bulk purchase of PCs © figpc ltd May 2010

Over threshold call-offs Supplies / Services over £156k and Works £3.9m New penalty of ineffectiveness  Awarded contract could be cancelled by Courts  Use voluntary standstill period no minimise period of risk  Send to suppliers listed on the FA © figpc ltd May 2010

Benefits of using FAs If FA set up under EU-compliant process by a contracting authority the  College deemed to be EU compliant Shorter process  Suppliers listed are capable of meeting your needs Purchasing power  Aggregation of needs of many colleges © figpc ltd May 2010

Any Questions? © figpc ltd May 2010

Using CPC’s Frameworks © figpc ltd May 2010 EU compliant tender competed