raamcontract

A raamcontract, or framework agreement, is a type of contract used in public and corporate procurement. It is a long-term agreement between a contracting authority and one or more suppliers that establishes the terms governing purchases of goods, services, or works during a defined period. The framework itself does not obligate the buyer to acquire a minimum quantity; instead, it sets the terms, including price structures, service levels, delivery terms, and performance criteria, under which specific orders will be placed.

During the term of a raamcontract, individual purchases are made as call-offs or order agreements under the framework. In a multi-supplier framework, each call-off may be awarded through a mini-competition among the suppliers within the framework, taking into account criteria such as price, quality, delivery, and sustainability. The framework can cover multiple categories or a specific range of goods or services and may specify maximum quantities or usage patterns, while not committing to a guaranteed level of purchases.

Key features include defined prices or price mechanisms, agreed terms of delivery and performance, duration of the agreement, and the possibility of ordering through predefined catalogues or schedules. Raamcontracten can be single-supplier or multi-supplier arrangements and are often complemented by more detailed call-offs or ordering procedures.

In practice, raamcontracten aim to streamline recurring procurement, reduce administrative burden, and foster competitive pricing, while complying with applicable procurement laws and ensuring transparency and value for money. Limitations include dependence on the framework terms and potential underutilization if needs are uncertain.