Understanding the Pakistan Budgeting Process: Basics and Key Insights
Framework agreements in EU Public Procurement
1. Framework agreements
Application of framework contracts. Benefits
for the supplier and the contracting authority
November 9, 2009. Lovech, Bulgaria
ANDRIUS ŠIAUDINIS, M. A. JUR.
PPP ASSOCIATION - LITHUANIA
Public Private Partnership Association - Lithuania
2. Framework agreements
Is it a new thing?
Legal framework
General rules
Benefits and risks
Models of the framework agreements
Case study of the centralized purchasing under the
framework agreements
3. Is it a new thing?
The “old” procurement regime had no provisions on
framework agreements
The “grey” area gave a chance for uncertainty
It was used in practice!
Much uncertainty in regard to agreements with more
than one supplier
Different practices in the EU MS
6. Legal framework (EU level)
Directive 2004/18/EC:
“an agreement between one or more contracting authorities and one or
more economic operators, the purpose of which is to establish the
terms governing contracts to be awarded during a given period, in
particular with regard to price and, where appropriate, the quantity
envisaged”
Directive 2004/17/EC:
“an agreement between one or more contracting entities referred to in
Article 2(2) and one or more economic operators, the purpose of which
is to establish the terms governing contracts to be awarded during a
given period, in particular with regard to price and, where appropriate,
the quantities envisaged”
7. Legal framework (national level)
Bulgarian Public Procurement Law:
Article 93a. (1) A “framework agreement” shall be an agreement
concluded between one or more contracting authority and one or more
potential suppliers, contractors or service providers of public
procurement contracts, whereof the purpose is to pre-establish the
terms, governing the contracts which the parties intend to conclude
during a given period not longer than four years, including with regard
to the prices and, where possible, the quantity envisaged.
8. Basic general rules
Setting up of a framework agreement must not hinder or
distort competition
Framework agreement may be used only by original
parties
Maximum duration is 4 years (exceptional cases allow
longer term)
“Call offs” may extend beyond the life of the framework
The establishment of the framework agreement follows the
normal procurement procedures (e.g. open or
restricted procedure)
9. Benefits
Benefits for contracting authority:
Time saving tool (just one procedure)
Greater quantity (better price)
Bigger contracts and share of risks (security of supply)
Flexibility (adaptation to markets technical and financial evolution):
possibility to buy products as the need appears and possibility to re-
open competition in order to award orders or contracts
Benefits for the supplier:
No need to prepare numerous proposals
Reacting to the market changes (renewed proposal)
10. Risks
Problems:
bigger contracts
some centralisation
risk of captive contracts
more complicated for contracting authorities
reduced access of SMEs
12. Single Supplier Framework Agreement
When all terms are established:
Conclusion of the framework agreement follows the normal procedures
Parties MUST stick to the terms of the original agreement
The proposal for winning the framework agreement cannot be changed
When not all terms are established:
Conclusion of the framework agreement follows the normal procedures
Parties CAN agree the concrete terms for the special “order” following
the rules described in the framework agreement
Possibility to make necessary supplements to the initial proposal after
consultation in writing
13. Multiple Framework Agreement
When all terms are established (without reopening competition):
All terms are fixed
No need or possibility to reopen competition
The award procedure must be described in the agreement and follow
general principles (i.e. cascade model)
When not all terms are established (reopening competition):
The suppliers are notified of the additional conditions
Reopening competition must be done in writing
Suppliers send new offer
Award takes place according to the award criteria stated in the
framework agreement
14. Lithuanian case study
Framework agreements
in centralized purchasing
Central Project Management
Agency, Lithuania www.cpo.lt
Purchased products under
the multiple framework
agreements with
reopening competition:
Computer and office equipment
Stationery and office supplies
Fuel in filling stations
Mobile telecommunication services
15. Lithuanian case study
Framework agreement (FA)
for computers:
Open procedure
FA signed with 12 suppliers
E-catalogue
E-ordering
Reopening mini competition
Lowest renewed price wins