Avtaleverket

Avtaleverket is a Norwegian term used to describe the system of public procurement agreements managed by public authorities. It encompasses the processes, rules and tools used to establish, manage and call off contracts with suppliers, typically through rammeavtaler (framework agreements) and associated call-off orders. The concept covers national and local procurement and aims to standardise terms, secure competitive bidding, and simplify purchasing.

Within the avtaleverket, rammeavtaler set the general terms, pricing, and service levels with one or more suppliers for a defined period. Individual procurements (call-offs) are then issued against these frameworks, allowing authorities to select the best match for specific needs without launching full procurement procedures each time. Dynamic purchasing systems and supplier panels are also part of the system in some contexts.

Governance is provided by public procurement authorities and legislation that governs how authorities advertise tenders, evaluate bids, and award contracts. The avtaleverket often interacts with national procurement portals such as Doffin, which publish notices and maintain records of contracts and framework agreements.

Benefits typically cited include cost savings through bulk purchasing, reduced administrative burden, improved compliance with procurement rules, and easier supplier competition. Challenges or criticisms may relate to ensuring open competition within framework agreements, maintaining up-to-date contracts, and balancing speed with due process.

The term avtaleverket is most commonly used in Norwegian public procurement discourse and may refer more broadly to the system of framework agreements and contract management rather than to a single formal entity.