Framework agreements are a method of central purchasing
In the Act on Public Contracts, a framework agreement is defined as a combination of agreements, which has been put out to tender as a whole and is signed by one or more contracting authorities and one or more suppliers. The purpose of framework agreements is to establish the general terms governing contracts, such as the subject matter of procurement, prices, and the responsibilities and obligations of the contracting parties.
We select the framework agreement suppliers through a competitive tendering process and sign a framework agreement with each supplier, establishing the procurement terms. Customers who have signed the agreement must also comply with the terms, which can be further defined by a customer-specific agreement.
Framework agreements follow one of three procedures:
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A single supplier model, where all products and services are supplied by a single supplier.
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Indicative ranking, where the supplier is selected by a predictive calculation model. Customers enter their procurement conditions to the calculator, which then provides them with the most suitable supplier.
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Light tendering, where an internal competitive tendering process is carried out among the framework agreement suppliers. Customers send out a written invitation for tenders, compare the tenders and select the best offer that meets the selection and comparison criteria.
A framework agreement is a turnkey solution
Framework agreements establish the terms for a number of procurement aspects:
• Subject matter of procurement
• Agreement period
• Procedure: single supplier model, indicative ranking or light tendering
• Responsibilities and obligations of parties
• Prices and price adjustments
• Ordering methods
• Delivery times and terms
• Approval and receipt inspection
• Definition of fault
• Warranty terms
• Immaterial rights
• Information security, precautions and confidentiality
• Delays, rebates and contractual penalties
• Compensation for damages
• Supplier's obligation to provide assistance at the end of the agreement
• Service-level agreement (SLA) in special cases
• Aspects of liability
By joining a framework agreement you ensure compliance of procurement
A registration notice is the customer's decision to use a framework agreement and it must be signed before procurement.
A registration notice indicates that the customer will use the framework agreement in procurement. Among other benefits, this helps avoid doubts related to direct procurement. The customer will also commit to complying with the procurement procedure agreed in the framework agreement.
The registration notice provides Hansel with the customer's contact information for communication about the framework agreement, such as changes to the agreement, termination of the agreement and new competitive tenders.
We forward information about new customers to the suppliers so that they can contact you about the products and services covered by the framework agreement.
Find out more about our framework agreements.
Obligation to use framework agreements
Customers can choose whether they want to use our framework agreements. The only exceptions to this are the framework agreements that are subject to the obligation to use a joint procurement procedure, as defined by the Ministry of Finance under section 22 of the State Budget Act.
In practice, this means that the products and services covered by the joint procurement procedure must be purchased using framework agreements. These include, for example, ordinary information technology equipment and software intended for extensive use, and information systems intended for shared central government use.
The obligation to use a joint procurement procedure applies to some 15 framework agreements.
We provide procurement support
We offer a comprehensive range of specialist support services that help our customers to make procurement decisions.
Customer service
Our customer service will always provide you with personal service. Our customer advisors answer your questions or help you to find the right person who can give you the most accurate information.
Account managers
Our account managers guide and advise customers in their own administrative branches, while helping to develop procurement. They also provide customers with contacts in a range of industries and access to our specialists in competitive tendering.
Support team for simplified tendering processes
Framework agreement customers are entitled to use the support team's services free of charge. This support team offers help for the light tendering process in:
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Reviewing and commenting on the customer's documents during the final stage
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Planning the scoring and pricing models
Our objective is to ensure legality and compliance with the agreement during the light tendering process, minimise risks, and reduce conflicts between documents with regard to the industry and procurement legislation.