Glossary

We understand that procurement can be confusing and organisations often use different terms to describe the same thing. We designed this glossary to make buying with us and navigating our website easier. It is not designed to be an extensive list of all procurement terms.

Containing

• closed framework

C

Closed framework

A type of framework introduced under the Procurement Act 2023 where suppliers can only join at the start. After the initial competition:

• no new suppliers can join
• the agreement lasts for a maximum of 4 years
• for defence and utilities, they can last up to 8 years
  (longer periods may be allowed in certain markets if properly justified)

Learn how to buy through a closed framework.

Learn how to supply through a closed framework.