What is a framework agreement in EU public procurement?

Frameworks let public bodies buy common IT services repeatedly without running a full tender each time. Much European public IT is bought through frameworks set up by national central purchasing bodies, such as UGAP in France or Consip in Italy, and by regions, cities, hospitals and universities.

How a framework works

• It is tendered like any other contract, on TED above the EU thresholds, often split into lots.
• It lasts up to four years in most cases, unless there's a good reason for longer. Utilities frameworks can run up to eight years.
• With several suppliers, call-off contracts are awarded directly or through a mini-competition.
• Being on a framework doesn't guarantee any work. It gives you the right to be chosen or to compete.

Framework or DPS?

A dynamic purchasing system differs in one key way: any supplier that meets the criteria can join at any time during its life. For a new or foreign firm, it's often the quickest way onto a buyer's list.

Next step

Look at award notices on TED for the buyers you want, to see which frameworks they buy through. Then watch for prior information notices announcing the next round, bid for a lot rather than the whole framework, and use the ESPD to declare eligibility. See public sector IT frameworks in Europe.