Call-off procedures under framework agreements

Produced in partnership with Andrew Millross of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Practice notes

Call-off procedures under framework agreements

Produced in partnership with Andrew Millross of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Practice notes

FORTHCOMING CHANGE: On 24 February 2025, the main provisions of the Procurement Act 2023 (PA 2023) come into force. Procurements begun on or after that date must be carried out under PA 2023, whereas those begun under the previous legislation (the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015), the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016, the Concession Regulations 2016, and the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011) must continue to be procured and managed under that legislation. See Practice Note: Introduction to the Procurement Act 2023—PA 2023.

PCR 2015 as assimilated law

PCR 2015 are EU-derived domestic legislation and therefore assimilated law under sections 2 and 6 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.

For practical guidance on the status and interpretation of assimilated law, see Practice Note: Assimilated law.

Legal regime

Framework agreements are used increasingly for the procurement of works, services and supplies. Their uses range from calling-off construction contracts for works, to a particular development site under a single-provider framework, to the use of a multiple-provider framework set up by a central

Andrew Millross

Consultant, Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Andrew is a Partner in Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP, specialising in all aspects of procurement and construction. He has been with the firm since 1997 and before then spent 7 years in-house in local government. Andrew also has a background in governance and public/private partnerships.

Andrew wrote the National Housing Federation 'Guide to the EU procurement rules' (2nd edition published 2007) a practical guide for registered providers of social housing on what contracts are covered by the rules, what the rules require and what practical strategies can be adopted to comply with them. He was the editor and main author of the 'NHF Contract Management guide' (published January 2010) and was the legal author of the NHF book 'Procurement in Practice; avoiding the pitfalls and getting the best result' (published 2013). Andrew also led the team from Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP that was responsible for updating the NHF Schedule of Rates Form of Contract in 2011. He is a member of the Procurement Lawyers Association and a member of the working parties that produced their guidance notes on tender evaluation, frameworks and the new Directive.

Andrew and his team work with registered providers, local authorities, ALMOs and central purchasing bodies to set up major contracts and framework agreements for maintenance, servicing, planned improvements and capital works and development. He also provides EU procurement training; reviews procurement processes and documentation and helps clients ensure that procurements are legally compliant. Andrew is currently working on a number of DLO and joint venture projects.

Jurisdiction(s):

United Kingdom

Key definition:

Call-off definition

What does Call-off mean?

The practice, under a framework agreement, of instructing specific works to be carried out. Depending on the structure and terms of the framework agreement, call-off may require a contract to be entered into or may just require a call off notice to be given by the instructing party.

��˾��ҹ��