Puitesopimusta

Puitesopimus is a Finnish term that translates to framework agreement in English. It is a type of contract used in public procurement and business-to-business transactions. A framework agreement establishes the terms and conditions that will govern future contracts or orders between parties over a specified period. It does not obligate the parties to purchase or sell a specific quantity of goods or services, but rather sets the groundwork for how such purchases or sales will occur if and when they are needed.

The primary purpose of a framework agreement is to streamline procurement processes, especially for recurring needs. By pre-agreeing on prices, quality standards, delivery terms, and other essential conditions, parties can avoid the need for lengthy and repetitive procurement procedures for each individual transaction. This can lead to significant time and cost savings. Framework agreements are particularly common in public sector procurement, where they allow government agencies to efficiently acquire a wide range of goods and services.

In Finland, framework agreements are a recognized legal instrument. They typically specify the types of goods or services to be procured, the duration of the agreement, and the procedures for awarding individual contracts or placing orders under the framework. These procedures can vary, but often involve competitive bidding among pre-qualified suppliers or direct award based on pre-defined criteria. The use of framework agreements promotes efficiency, transparency, and value for money in procurement.