Direct award

Overview

Where there is only one supplier on the framework, or if there is an option for direct award in the agreement guidance notes, you can place an order directly with the supplier. Check the agreement and its guidance notes to see if direct award is possible and, if so, how to proceed.

How to buy

Ways to purchase by direct award vary depending on the agreement:

• evaluation processes – a catalogue process where you evaluate pre-populated product or service descriptions against predefined criteria before making a selection
• restricted elements – a catalogue which has a list of suppliers against each product. But it includes an automated supplier selection based on criteria such as price, which restricts you to buying from the supplier that meets the selection criteria
• unrestricted but advisory – a recommendation is made by the catalogue to choose a supplier by a set criteria, such as cheapest price, but this is not mandatory and you can choose to override the recommendation.

Best for:

• low value, urgent requirements
• low volume commodity goods.

Not appropriate for:

• complex requirements for solutions or services
• bundled commodity items where you may expect a discount from the retail price due to the volume of items you’re purchasing

Payment methods

• raise a purchase order with your organisation, which is followed by the supplier’s invoice when you’ve received the goods or services.

Who can use

Eligible customers of the relevant framework

Time to supply

• depends on the type of goods or services required. Common goods held in stock should have short lead times
• pre-engagement with the supplier to clarify specifications would usually take 2-3 days if required.

Pros

• quick
• straightforward
• off the shelf

Cons

• catalogue may not offer suitable products or services
• you may find higher prices than those offered by running a competition.