You can find out all about our framework offering here.
A framework is an agreement between your public sector organisation, ESPO and external suppliers that can be used to procure goods and services.
You can browse our full framework range here. To fully access and use our frameworks, you will need to be a registered ESPO customer.
We have lots of useful guidance for using our frameworks.
At ESPO, we try to make the procurement process as easy as possible whilst ensuring full compliance with UK public procurement regulations. Our frameworks have been designed for ease of use, offering our customers access to a list of products and services through pre-approved and vetted suppliers so all the hard work has been done for you.
An Access & Confidentiality Agreement allows customers to view our official framework documentation. By completing the form, customers are making ESPO aware of their intent to potentially use the framework and therefore allows us to identify the ...
Both the Procurement Act 2023 and the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 permit contracting authorities, such as ESPO, to establish frameworks in order to set the terms for any contracts that might be agreed going forward.  
Contracting authorities...
Frameworks are an effective way for public sector organisations to buy goods and services, whether on a periodic or regular basis. They can considerably reduce the amount of time it takes to run a procurement exercise, while also ensuring that you stay...
Through our frameworks, you can award a contract in two ways: by awarding with or without further competition. Some frameworks provide both options, whereas others are exclusive to one.
The length of call-offs under framework agreements are not specifically limited by the Procurement Act 2023 or the Public Contract Regulations 2015, however it should be appropriate to the purchases in question and should reflect value for money considerations.
There are no set time periods in the Procurement Act 2023 or Public Contract Regulations 2015 that you need to comply with, but you should allow suppliers a reasonable amount of time to prepare and submit their bids.
Yes, you may run the competition electronically by email or within your eProcurement system.
When running a competition under a framework, only suppliers awarded within the specific framework lot(s) can be invited to submit a tender. It is worth checking whether your current supplier is listed before you start the process, as they can’t be added...
Customers should assess suppliers using some or all of the same award criteria that ESPO used when setting up the framework (please view the relevant framework User Guide for further information). However, these may be refined to suit your requirements...
You should allow suppliers a reasonable amount of time to prepare and submit their bids. On average we suggest 30 days, however this may be longer where requirements are more complex, further clarification might be needed, or during particularly busy...
Suppliers can submit price variations but when, and how often, varies between frameworks. It will also be dependent on what you have included within your call off agreement.   
When ESPO establishes or renews frameworks, the terms and conditions are checked for suitability to make sure they are fit for purpose. To use a framework, you will need to use the ESPO call-off terms. If you are considering an addition or amendment ...
A standstill period is a period generally lasting at least 8 working/10 calendar days, during which the contract award process is suspended. Standstill is voluntary when awarding a contract under a framework, but ESPO do advise having a standstill in...
Following an award, customers should complete the Confirmation of Award form on the framework web page to inform ESPO of their call-off.  Details of all contracts awarded above the relevant UK thresholds should also be published on Contracts Finder/the...
Documents available on the framework web page may have several versions, and we always make the most recent available on the page. However, if you need a copy of a previous version, please get in touch using the listed contact on the relevant framework...