Source: https://tendernation.io/glossary/call-off-contract Glossary # Call-off contract A contract awarded to a supplier under an existing framework, either directly or after a further competition between framework suppliers. Updated 14 Oct 2026 A call-off contract is an individual contract awarded under a [framework](/glossary/framework). The framework sets the ground rules and the list of approved suppliers; each call-off is the actual job, with its own scope, price and dates. ## What it means [Section 45 of the Procurement Act 2023](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/section/45) lets a buyer award a public contract "in accordance with a framework". Under section 45(3), that normally means a competitive selection process between the suppliers on the framework, often called a [mini-competition](/glossary/mini-competition). Section 45(4) allows an award without competition where only one supplier is on the framework, or where the framework sets out the core contract terms and an objective way of choosing the supplier. The government's [frameworks guidance](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-act-2023-guidance-documents-define-phase/guidance-frameworks-html) uses the term "call-off contracts" for these awards. It also points out a change from the old rules: buyers must now publish a contract award notice after awarding a call-off contract, so call-off awards are far more visible than they used to be. ## Why it matters for SMEs A lot of public spending flows through frameworks, and the money is in the call-offs rather than in the framework award itself. Getting onto a framework is only step one. A supplier can sit on a framework for years and never win a call-off if buyers do not know it exists. ## Practical tip Once you are on a framework, treat it as a licence to sell, not a sale. Tell the buyers who use it that you are there, what you are good at and which lots you cover. If you are not yet on one, use the [framework finder](/tools/framework-finder) to see which frameworks cover your work and when they reopen, and browse live [frameworks](/frameworks) to see who already holds places. Find tenders that fit your business Search UK, EU and World Bank tenders in one place, get AI summaries and a fit score for each one, and track bids in a pipeline. Professional comes with a 14-day free trial, no card needed. [Browse live tenders](/opportunities)[Start free trial ](/register) 14-day free trial, no card required Browse by sector - [Construction work](https://tendernation.io/sectors/construction-work)906 - [Architecture, engineering & surveying](https://tendernation.io/sectors/architecture-engineering-surveying)393 - [IT services](https://tendernation.io/sectors/it-services)175 - [Business services](https://tendernation.io/sectors/business-services)520 - [Health and social work](https://tendernation.io/sectors/health-social-work)338 - [Sewage, refuse, cleaning & environmental](https://tendernation.io/sectors/sewage-refuse-cleaning-environmental)265 [All sectors ](/sectors) ## Nearby terms - [AAssessment summaryThe written feedback a buyer must give every assessed bidder before announcing the winner, showing your scores and the winning tender's scores.](https://tendernation.io/glossary/assessment-summary) - [AAward criteriaThe published factors, such as quality, price and social value, that a buyer uses to score tenders and pick the most advantageous one.](https://tendernation.io/glossary/award-criteria) - [BBelow-threshold contractA public contract worth less than the relevant procurement threshold, covered by lighter rules in Part 6 of the Procurement Act 2023.](https://tendernation.io/glossary/below-threshold-contract) - [CCarbon Reduction Plan (PPN 006)A published plan confirming a supplier's commitment to net zero by 2050 and reporting its emissions, required for major central government contracts.](https://tendernation.io/glossary/carbon-reduction-plan) - [CCentral Digital PlatformThe government's online system, run through Find a Tender, where buyers publish Procurement Act notices and suppliers register their details once.](https://tendernation.io/glossary/central-digital-platform) - [CClarification questionsQuestions a bidder sends the buyer during a tender to resolve ambiguity, with answers usually shared with every bidder.](https://tendernation.io/glossary/clarification-questions) [Read our procurement guides ](/guides)