Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Framework agreement definition

What does Framework agreement mean? A framework agreement is an umbrella contract that sets standard terms and procedures for awarding future, individual contracts (call-off contracts) between the same parties, allowing repeat purchases or projects without re‑negotiating core terms. It is used across the private sector and, especially, in public procurement. In public procurement, the term is defined in legislation: in England and Wales and Northern Ireland by the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (and Utilities rules), in Scotland by the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, and in Ireland by the 2016 Regulations implementing Directive 2014/24/EU. The statutory concept is an arrangement to establish the terms...

Construction framework call-offs: private sector options and public sector rules (PCR 2015/UCR 2016; transition to PA 2023), including direct award, mini-competition, scope, duration and documentation

Published by a LexisNexis Construction expert

Practice notes

Stop Press :

From 24 February 2025, the core provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2023 (PA 2023) take effect. We are reviewing and refreshing our materials accordingly.

Please note that any procurement initiated on or after 24 February must proceed under PA 2023. Procurements commenced under the preceding regimes — the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015), the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016, the Concession Regulations 2016, and the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 — must continue to be run and administered under those rules.

For background, see Practice Note: Introduction to the Procurement Act 2023—PA 2023.

This Practice Note examines call-off mechanisms within framework agreements in the construction sector. It focuses mainly on how call-offs are made in the private market, while also addressing public sector framework call-off procedures and signposting to fuller guidance for that sphere.

Framework agreements are employed by public and private sector clients in construction to procure works, services and supplies (see Practice Note: Introduction to framework agreements for construction lawyers). The act of commissioning a provider (a contractor, consultant or supplier) who is a party to a framework agreement to...

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Andrew Millross

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Andrew is a Partner in Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP, specialising in all aspects of procurement and construction. He has been with the firm since 1997 and before then spent 7 years in-house in local government. Andrew also has a background in governance and public/private partnerships.Andrew wrote the National Housing Federation 'Guide to the EU procurement rules' (2nd edition published 2007) a practical guide for registered providers of social housing on what contracts are covered by the rules, what the rules require and what practical strategies can be adopted to comply with them. He was the editor and main author of the 'NHF Contract Management guide' (published January 2010) and was the legal author of the NHF book 'Procurement in Practice; avoiding the pitfalls and getting the best result' (published 2013). Andrew also led the team from Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP that was...

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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