Source: https://tendernation.io/glossary/framework Glossary # Framework An agreement between a buyer and one or more suppliers that sets the terms for awarding future contracts, without committing to any spend. Updated 14 Oct 2026 A framework (often called a framework agreement) is an arrangement between a buyer and one or more suppliers that sets out how future contracts will be awarded. It usually fixes the scope, prices or pricing method and core terms, but does not guarantee the suppliers any work. ## What it means [Section 45 of the Procurement Act 2023](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/section/45) defines a framework as "a contract between a contracting authority and one or more suppliers that provides for the future award of contracts". Contracts awarded under it are [call-off contracts](/glossary/call-off-contract), normally after a competitive selection process, or [mini-competition](/glossary/mini-competition), between framework suppliers. [Section 47](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/section/47) limits a framework's term to four years, or eight years for defence and security or utilities frameworks, unless the buyer gives reasons why the nature of the work needs longer. [Section 49](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/section/49) introduces "open frameworks", a scheme of successive frameworks on substantially the same terms. A new framework must be awarded at least once in the first three years and then at least once in each five-year period, which gives new suppliers a chance to join, and the whole scheme can last up to eight years. Many frameworks are run by central purchasing bodies for use by a wide range of public sector organisations. The government's [frameworks guidance](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-act-2023-guidance-documents-define-phase/guidance-frameworks-html) covers how they work. ## Why it matters for SMEs Frameworks can lock a market for years. If the main framework for your service closes and you are not on it, buyers who rely on it may be unable to buy from you until it reopens. Getting on one is often a full tender in itself, frequently split into [lots](/glossary/lots) that SMEs can target. ## Practical tip Find out which frameworks your target buyers actually use and when they expire, then prepare for the re-tender early. Bid for the lots that match your strengths rather than every lot. The [framework finder](/tools/framework-finder) and our list of [frameworks](/frameworks) show what is live and what is coming up. 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)324 - [Architecture, engineering & surveying](https://tendernation.io/sectors/architecture-engineering-surveying)115 - [IT services](https://tendernation.io/sectors/it-services)48 - [Business services](https://tendernation.io/sectors/business-services)161 - [Health and social work](https://tendernation.io/sectors/health-social-work)249 - [Sewage, refuse, cleaning & environmental](https://tendernation.io/sectors/sewage-refuse-cleaning-environmental)73 [All sectors ](/sectors) ## Nearby terms [Evaluation weightingThe share of the total score given to each award criterion, showing bidders which parts of their tender matter most.](https://tendernation.io/glossary/evaluation-weighting)[Exclusion grounds and the debarment listThe legal reasons a supplier can or must be barred from public contracts, and the central list of suppliers that Ministers have debarred.](https://tendernation.io/glossary/exclusion-grounds-debarment-list)[Find a TenderThe UK government's procurement notice service, which hosts the Central Digital Platform for notices and supplier registration under the Procurement Act 2023.](https://tendernation.io/glossary/find-a-tender)[Incumbent supplierThe supplier currently delivering a contract, usually bidding to keep it when the buyer runs a new procurement.](https://tendernation.io/glossary/incumbent-supplier)[Light touch contractA contract mainly for certain social, health, education and other people-focused services, which follows a more flexible set of procurement rules.](https://tendernation.io/glossary/light-touch-contract)[LotsSeparate parts of a procurement, divided by type of work or geography, that suppliers can bid for individually.](https://tendernation.io/glossary/lots) [Read our procurement guides ](/guides)