Puitesopimuste

Puitesopimuste, often translated as framework agreements, are a type of contract used in public procurement in many European countries. They are designed to streamline the procurement process for goods, services, or works that are needed repeatedly over a period of time. A puitesopimuste establishes the terms and conditions under which specific supplies or services can be ordered.

The primary purpose of a puitesopimuste is to pre-qualify one or more suppliers and set the framework for future orders. This means that when a public body needs to procure something covered by the agreement, they do not need to conduct a full tendering process each time. Instead, they can simply place orders directly with the chosen suppliers based on the pre-agreed terms, often including prices, quality standards, and delivery schedules.

There are typically two types of puitesopimuste. One involves a single supplier, where the framework agreement locks in the terms for all future orders of that specific item or service. The other type involves multiple suppliers, allowing for a degree of competition for each individual order placed within the framework. This can be achieved through a "call-off" procedure, where the contracting authority selects the best offer from the pre-qualified suppliers based on criteria specified in the framework agreement.

Puitesopimuste are intended to increase efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and potentially achieve better prices through bulk purchasing. They are governed by public procurement regulations, ensuring transparency and fair competition throughout the framework's duration.