Framework agreements have become the most prevalent route for public authorities to buy common goods and services, but the Government Commercial Function has not provided sufficient guidance to address the potential risks to competitive benefits. Framework agreements involve an initial competition for suppliers to gain access to a framework, followed by a shortened call-off process for contracts to be awarded to one of those framework suppliers. Government use of frameworks for large contract...

Framework agreements have become the most prevalent route for public authorities to buy common goods and services, but the Government Commercial Function has not provided sufficient guidance to address the potential risks to competitive benefits. Framework agreements involve an initial competition for suppliers to gain access to a framework, followed by a shortened call-off process for contracts to be awarded to one of those framework suppliers. Government use of frameworks for large contracts increased from 20% of contracts by value in 2018–19 to 68% in 2021–22. Inappropriate use of frameworks may lead to limiting competition either by not h Type: conclusion | Number: 3 | Response status: accepted Government response: The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation undertaken quickly and efficiently from capable suppliers, by multiple public sector organisations, in categories where there are common requirements and where it is important to avoid unnecessary duplication an