Call-Off Contract
A contract placed under an existing framework or DPS to procure specific goods or services without running a new full procurement.
Definition
A call-off contract is a contract placed under an existing Framework Agreement or Dynamic Purchasing System. The buyer selects a supplier from the framework and issues a call-off without running a new full procurement exercise. Call-offs are governed by the framework rules: depending on the framework, call-offs can be placed by Direct Award (no further competition) or Mini-Competition (a short competition among the framework suppliers in the relevant lot).
How it works in practice
Call-off mechanics depend on the parent framework. On a single-supplier framework, every call-off is a direct award. On multi-supplier frameworks the rules typically allow direct award where the framework evaluation already identified the most suitable supplier (for example G-Cloud, where the catalogue describes services and price). Where the requirement needs further refinement, the framework specifies a mini-competition: the buyer publishes the specific requirement to all suppliers in the relevant lot and runs a short evaluation. The advantage of call-offs is speed: a mini-competition can complete in weeks rather than the months a full open procedure would need. The disadvantage is that suppliers outside the framework cannot bid until the next framework refresh, which can be years away. Call-off terms (price, service levels, KPIs) are typically based on the framework rate card but the buyer can negotiate within parameters allowed by the framework. Each call-off is itself a binding contract subject to its own term, KPIs, and payment terms. Awards above the relevant threshold normally need to be advertised through an Award Notice under the Procurement Act 2023 transparency requirements.
Common questions
What is the difference between a framework agreement and a call-off contract?
The framework is the umbrella agreement that establishes which suppliers are eligible and on what general terms. The call-off is the specific contract placed under the framework for a defined piece of work. The framework itself usually involves no committed spend; the call-offs are where the actual orders sit.
Can a buyer mix and match call-off mechanisms?
Sometimes. The framework terms determine which mechanisms are available. Many large frameworks let buyers choose direct award for simple requirements (where rate card pricing is sufficient) and mini-competition for complex or high-value requirements. The framework documentation will set out the rules and any threshold values.
How long can a call-off contract run?
Call-offs can run beyond the underlying framework term, subject to limits set by the framework itself. A typical four-year framework might allow call-offs of up to five years (or more for capital projects) provided the call-off was awarded before the framework expired. Always check the framework call-off cap before signing.