Commercial agreements

Buying through commercial agreements

Commercial agreements are a compliant way to buy products or services from suppliers who have: 

• applied to be on the agreement
• have been vetted to show they can supply the products and services listed 

Commercial agreement refers to both frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems (DPS).

A framework is often divided into lots by product or service type. On some frameworks you can choose to buy products and services from multiple or individual lots. 

A DPS is an electronic tool that you can use to buy commonly used goods and services. They are similar to frameworks, but suppliers can join at any time during the agreement’s life.

All commercial agreements include a description of common public sector requirements, a list of suppliers and standardised contract terms.

Ways to buy

• Direct award

  Place an order directly with a specific supplier.

  Learn more about direct award

• Further competition

  Ask the suppliers listed to bid for your business.

  Learn more about further competition

• Dynamic purchasing system (DPS)

  Use a range of criteria to identify and buy from suppliers pre-approved by CCS.

  Learn more about DPS

• eAuction

  Have potential suppliers compete to win contracts.

  Learn more about eAuctions

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   Procurement Essentials | 10th July 2023

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Glossary

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