Framework agreement
A framework agreement sets terms for future public contracts with one or more suppliers, without itself necessarily ordering all supplies or services.
In public procurement, a framework agreement fixes key conditions—such as prices, technical specifications, ordering procedures or maximum volumes—for contracts to be awarded later. Under Swiss procurement practice it is useful for recurring needs, but must respect transparency, competition and equal treatment. The procuring entity should define duration, scope and call-off rules clearly, because later orders may not be used to bypass an award procedure or materially change the advertised procurement.