What is a framework agreement?

A framework agreement is an agreement between a Contracting Authority (e.g. NHS SBS, an NHS Trust, or a Local Authority) and one or more suppliers. The purpose of the agreement is to establish the terms governing contracts to be awarded during a given period, in particular with regard to price and quality, and where appropriate, the quantity. All NHS SBS procurement frameworks are OJEU compliant, which removes the need to complete an individual European Union (OJEU) procurement process - this saves both valuable time and resource. NHS SBS framework contracts cover health and corporate services including IT, legal, estates & facilities and business services amongst others. Framework agreements from NHS SBS typically run for a period of four years and allow for both a mini-competition and, where appropriate, a direct award.

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