Top 10 tips for buying from Framework Agreements

1. Undertake careful strategic planning to identify the most appropriate delivery options for meeting your requirements- Familiarise yourself with the procurement rules, and consider whether the use of a framework agreement is appropriate in the circumstances.

2. Identify the framework agreement that best fits your need.

3. Undertake your own due diligence on the proposed Framework offering in terms of how it was advertised i.e. does the OJEU cover: 

• Your sector - educational establishments if it is a university for instance. 
• Your region: is it national or regional specific? - the NUTs code and any narrative is important. 
• What is the Framework value and how much has gone through to date?

4. Contact the Contracting Authority to familiarise yourself with the structure of the framework agreement and any obligations or restrictions on accessing the framework agreement.

5. Develop your detailed specification and apply a recognised project management technique to your procurement if required. 

6. Follow the appropriate process for calling off, taking into account any amendments/additions to the Terms and Conditions or the evaluation criteria.

7. Allow a suitable amount of time for the suppliers to formulate and submit bids - if conducting a mini competition.

8. Evaluate the bids or place an order with the supplier.

9. Manage transition of the contract.

10. Manage the contract.

Contents

• A guide to buying through framework agreements
• The case for using framework agreements
• Identify Need
• Checking for existing deals - which framework agreement is right for you?
• Comparing Deals
• Calling off
• Post Award
• Top 10 tips for buying from Framework Agreements
• Ten common mistakes when buying through a Framework Agreement