OGP Framework Agreements: How They Work and Who Can Use Them

A framework agreement is a pre-competed arrangement between a contracting authority (or group of authorities) and one or more suppliers, establishing the terms under which individual contracts can be awarded during the framework period — typically four years. The OGP establishes national frameworks on behalf of public bodies across Ireland, covering everything from ICT and office supplies to professional services and travel management.

The key advantage of an OGP framework is that the procurement competition has already been conducted by the OGP, meaning a contracting authority can award a call-off contract without running its own full procurement process. This reduces lead time, cost and administrative burden for individual authorities.

OGP frameworks are available to all public bodies within the scope of the framework. Eligibility is defined in the framework's Invitation to Tender documents and typically includes all Government Departments, local authorities, education bodies, health agencies and other public sector entities. Commercial state bodies may also be eligible, depending on their legal classification.

To use a framework, the contracting authority must confirm that the goods, services or works fall within the scope of the framework and that the authority is listed as an eligible body. The OGP publishes supplier arrangements and the list of eligible buyers on its website. Contracting authorities should obtain documentary confirmation of their eligibility before placing a call-off.

For single-supplier frameworks, call-off contracts can generally be placed directly by issuing a call-off order to the sole supplier. For multi-supplier frameworks — which are more common — contracting authorities must either use a ranked-order cascading approach (awarding to the highest-ranked supplier able to deliver) or run a mini-competition among the framework suppliers in the relevant lot.

The framework documents specify which call-off mechanism applies. Using the wrong mechanism is a procurement breach. For example, placing a direct call-off on a multi-supplier framework that requires mini-competition will be flagged by the C&AG as a compliance failure, and the contract may be voidable if challenged.

Mini-competition is required when: the framework permits it (rather than mandating cascade), when the value exceeds a threshold set in the framework, or when the technical specification needs refinement for the specific requirement. Mini-competitions are shorter than full procurements — typically 10–15 days for tender return — but must include evaluation, a standstill period (for above-threshold frameworks) and an award decision.

GovIQ's routing engine detects OGP framework eligibility at the routing stage and directs the contracting authority to the correct call-off mechanism. The system holds a registry of active OGP arrangements, their scope, eligible bodies and the mini-competition threshold for each lot, ensuring the right procedure is selected automatically.