Understanding framework agreements

Framework agreements help schools to buy goods and services from a list of pre-approved suppliers, with agreed terms and conditions and legal protections.

Framework agreements are provided by third parties. They run a tender to select the right suppliers to provide specific goods and services.

They can have:

• details of the products and services available

• details of the suppliers

• instructions on how to buy
• an agreed set of terms and conditions

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and services compliantly.

Depending on the type of procurement, this may be quicker and easier than running a bespoke procurement. The framework provider will often give you help and support.

In some cases, the framework provider may charge you for this service, so check this with the provider.

DfE are impartial and do not receive a fee from the framework provider for recommending or using their framework agreement.

How suppliers fit into a framework agreement

Each framework agreement has a list of suppliers who have demonstrated they meet the requirements.

It’s the framework provider’s role to select suppliers for the period of the frameworkframework. (usuallyThis nocould morebe thanbetween 4 years),and using8 years, depending on the type of framework. Framework providers use specific criteria based on:

• price
• quality
• service

This means you can trust that you’ll receive quality goods or services that give value for money.

You’ll need to choose a framework agreement to be able to access its list of suppliers.

Benefits

You can use some framework agreements without having to run a full buying process. You should check the requirements with the framework provider.

Buying from a framework can be quicker and easier than getting bids or quotes because the agreements:

• have already been through a full competitive tender process
• have been quality checked
• are checked to make sure they comply with the law
• may have draft specifications and help available
• may have an agreed pricing structure

You should read the user guide provided by the framework provider, to make sure it is the right framework for you and is used in the right way.

Using a framework agreement

A framework agreement allows schools to complete purchases using ‘call-off’ contracts, from a list of pre-approved suppliers. This means that your school can award a contract from a pre-tendered list of suppliers without having to complete a full procurement process. This is usually quicker for your school to award a contract.

Each framework agreement tells you how to choose a supplier and complete your buying process.

Depending on your type of procurement you could have the following options:

• direct award, which allows you to select the supplier from a list and buy according to agreed prices
• mini-competition, where you ask all suppliers on the list to send you a bid and you choose the best one that meets your requirements

As long as you use a framework agreement approved by DfE,DfE, as specified by the framework providerprovider, you will be buying through a compliant route. This means that you don’tdo not need 3 quotes from the framework suppliers or elsewhere to complete the procurement.

You will need to check if the framework was procured under the The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 or the Procurement Act 2023 to ensure that your procurement is compliant. From February 2025, there are new responsibilities for schools to consider including:

• checking the debarment list
• transparency
• conflict of interest

The framework provider or Get help buying for schools can help you with this.

Find a DfE approved framework agreement

Use our tool to find framework agreements and dynamic purchasing systems (DPS)(DPSs) for the goods or service that you’re buying.

Find a framework

How DfE selects framework agreements

A range of framework agreements are reviewed and assessed for:

• compliance with procurement regulations
• ease of use
• suitability
• value for money

Feedback from schools is also considered when selecting framework agreements.

The approved list is continually being reviewed and added to.

Dynamic purchasing systemssystem (DPS)(DPS)

DfE may sometimes recommend a DPS as part of the find a framework service. These are different to framework agreements.

With a DPS agreementsagreement, suppliers can join or leave during its lifetime.

Any suppliers can apply to join the DPS,DPS, including local suppliers.

You can identify a DPS by looking at the framework title.

DPSs may continue to run until around 2030 under The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 legislation. They will no longer be procured under the Procurement Act 2023.

Dynamic markets

Dynamic markets are a way of calling off requirements under the Procurement Act 2023. You cannot use these for procurements under the public procurement threshold or to make direct awards.

Get training on the Procurement Act 2023

The free DfE-approved transforming public sector procurement course:

• aims to give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage your procurement under the legislation
• is suitable for anyone within a school or multi-academy trust (MAT) responsible for running procurements, not just those in a specific commercial role

How to access the training

1. Go to Government Commercial College – schools should already be registered on the site or can register for an account.

2. Log in and select Find Learning at the top of page.

3. Search for transforming public procurement (TPP).

Register on the central digital platform

As part of the Procurement Act 2023 there will be a central digital platform to allow notices and documents to be published.

This platform will be an enhancement of the existing Find a Tender service. It will make it easier for suppliers to find and bid for contracts, and for you to meet your transparency responsibilities.

Use the instructions on Government Commercial College to register. Your request should be approved within 48 hours.

Find out more from the Update for schools and trusts on the Procurement Act 2023 – Buying for Schools blog post.

Get specialist procurement advice

Use the Get help buying for schools service for free and impartial advice, help and support from our team of DfE procurement specialists on buying goods and services.

Our procurement specialists can give advice at any stage of your procurement process.