Mini-competition

A short competition among the suppliers on a framework for a specific contract. It is much faster than a full tender and only framework members can bid.

Also called: Further competition, Second-stage competition

Related terms

Framework agreement

An umbrella agreement with a set of approved suppliers, under which public buyers later award contracts without a full tender each time. Getting on a framework is often the only way into recurring IT work.

Call-off contract

A contract awarded under a framework agreement or standing offer for a specific job. The framework sets the terms; each call-off sets the work and price.