What is a framework?

A framework agreement is an agreement or other arrangement between one or more buying authorities and one or more suppliers which establishes the terms (in particular the terms relating to price and, where appropriate, quantity) under which the supplier will enter into one or more contracts with the contracting authority in the period during which the framework agreement applies (normally a maximum of four years).

The NHS procurement process is subject to strict rules laid down by the EU, and you can find out more in this Office of Government Commerce Guidance on Framework Agreements in the Procurement Regulations.

Once an agreement has gone live, no new suppliers can be added to the framework. Would-be suppliers must wait for tenders for new frameworks to be published - find out more in the Suppliers section of our website.