Glossary

We understand that procurement can be confusing and organisations often use different terms to describe the same thing. We designed this glossary to make buying with us and navigating our website easier. It is not designed to be an extensive list of all procurement terms.

Containing

• Framework

C

Closed framework

A type of framework introduced under the Procurement Act 2023 where suppliers can only join at the start. After the initial competition:

• no new suppliers can join
• the agreement lasts for a maximum of 4 years
• for defence and utilities, they can last up to 8 years
  (longer periods may be allowed in certain markets if properly justified)

Learn how to buy through a closed framework.

Learn how to supply through a closed framework. 

F

Frameworks

Provides a compliant way to buy products or services from pre-approved suppliers. We complete checks to ensure suppliers can provide the products and services listed before they join the framework.

Each framework has its own set of terms and conditions, schedules and order forms. It may also contain further information where an agreement offers more complex goods and services.

Under the PCR 2015 regulations this is known as a framework agreement.

Take a look at our current frameworks.

Become a supplier on a framework.

Under the Procurement Act 2023 a framework refers to open frameworks and closed frameworks.

Framework agreement

Frameworks provide public and third sector buyers with a way to buy goods and services from a list of pre-approved suppliers. They have agreed terms and conditions and legal protections.

PCR 2015 regulations

You can buy from a PCR 2015 regulations framework through:

• direct award
• further competition

Procurement Act 2023

Under the Procurement Act 2023 a framework refers to both:

• closed frameworks
• open frameworks

Framework schedules

Framework schedules are a set of contractual documents, which a supplier agrees to, before they are added to an agreement to supply products and services.

Other documents forming the procurement contract include:

• joint schedules
• call-off schedules

O

Open framework

A type of framework introduced under the Procurement Act 2023 that allow new suppliers to join at different times throughout the agreement’s life.

They can last up to 8 years (or 4 years if only one supplier is on the agreement). The framework must be reopened for new suppliers to join:

• at least once during the first 3 years
• at least once during the following 5 years before the agreement ends

This keeps the agreements competitive and up-to-date while providing long-term stability.