Framework Agreements: Transparency in the Call-Off Award Process

Abstract

Framework agreements have become a very popular procurement tool in the European Union, since their recognition in the 2004 Public Sector Directive. Meanwhile, there has been a lot of discussion regarding the need to balance the benefits that these agreements bring. Such benefits include, efficiency through economies of scale (as one procedure can subsequently be used to award several contacts), and administrative efficiency. It is also vital to consider the risk that is associated with framework agreements, such as the significant risk for competition and lack of transparency in the award process. The latter will be the focus of this paper. Throughout the paper the author argues that the rules on framework agreements do not ensure enough transparency in the award process for call-off contracts.