Agreements

CCS publishes agreements for common public sector requirements, for example, buying a fleet of vehicles, or legal advice.

Agreements comprise a description of the requirements, a list of suppliers who have been evaluated as capable of delivering against the requirements, and standard contract terms.

Agreements can be divided into lots by product or service type.

You can buy from an agreement in various ways, such as direct award, or a further competition among the suppliers who will bid for the business.

An agreement contains suppliers’ maximum prices for the goods or services described in the lots. You can reduce prices by running a further competition.

  • Further competitions

    What you can buy
    • High-value or complex goods and services: anything from stationary to complex facility management contracts.
    Time to supply
    From a few weeks to several months depending on complexity of requirements
    Pros
    Thorough, open and fair way to compare suppliers. Lower prices possible by committing to spend
    Cons
    Can create longer administration time than some other buying methods
    Links
  • Direct award

    What you can buy
    • Anything you can buy through an agreement that permits direct award
    Time to supply
    Depends on the type of goods or services required. Common stock items could be delivered in 1 or 2 days.
    Pros
    Quick for off-the-shelf goods and services
    Cons
    Does not demonstrate competition
    Links
  • Dynamic Purchasing System

    What you can buy
    • Research, fleet vehicle conversions and health and social care network connectivity services
    Time to supply
    Depends on complexity of requirements. Simple requirements can be quoted within 10 days
    Pros
    Suppliers can join at any time, unlimited number of suppliers
    Cons
    Buyers have to check supplier credentials
    Links
  • eAuctions

    What you can buy
    • Items which benefit from bulk buying
    Time to supply
    Depends on the complexity of requirements, evaluation process and number of customers aggregated
    Pros
    Maximises commercial advantages
    Cons
    Requires upfront commitment from customers
    Links

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Glossary

Find explanations for common terms and abbreviations used in public procurement.

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