What is a framework agreement?
Frameworks are used when the buyer knows it will need something but not exactly when or how much: office supplies, consultants, food, tradespeople and IT. A large share of municipal tenders are frameworks; each buyer page shows the share.
A framework does not guarantee business. It gives an estimated volume, but the buyer need not buy anything. Following EU case law, the buyer must state a maximum quantity or value, and the framework ends when it is reached.
How long can a framework last?
Under LOU a framework may last at most four years including extensions, unless there are special reasons. Under LUF the limit is eight years. A lost framework can therefore close a door for four years, so it pays to know when a buyer's agreements expire.
Call-offs: three ways to award
- Ranking: the buyer asks the first-ranked supplier, then the next if the first cannot deliver.
- Allocation key: call-offs are split by objective terms such as price, location or capacity.
- Mini-competition (förnyad konkurrensutsättning): every supplier on the framework submits a new, more specific bid for that call-off.
National and local frameworks
The National Procurement Services at Kammarkollegiet run frameworks for all government agencies (avropa.se). Adda does the same for municipalities and regions. Most municipalities also have their own frameworks. For smaller companies a local framework, or subcontracting to a framework holder, is often the easier way in.
Frequently asked questions
- What does avrop mean?
- An avrop is a call-off: a purchase made under a framework agreement, either directly by ranking or allocation key, or after a mini-competition.
- How long can a Swedish framework agreement last?
- At most four years under LOU and eight under LUF, including extensions, unless there are special reasons.
This guide is a general description, not legal advice. Laws and amounts can change; the Swedish National Agency for Public Procurement (Upphandlingsmyndigheten) has the latest figures.