In delineating framework agreements, buyers should be aware of the effect of limited competition linked to repeated purchases of the same products by the same suppliers over a long period of time. It is therefore important that the benefit of establishing long-term partnerships is weighed against the advantage of opening up competition to potential new suppliers, in particular SMEs, in order to keep up with the continuous evolution of the market. Framework agreements should be concluded where the buyer needs to establish a strategic relationship with the supply chain over a long period of time, with suppliers able to adapt to the buyer`s requirements. The specifications and evaluation criteria shall be fixed in advance and may not be changed during the term of the agreement, from a minimum duration of 12 months to a maximum of 3 years. Subsequently, conditions and prices can be renegotiated to ensure that they correspond to changing market conditions. UNECE Recommendation 18 supports the implementation of such agreements. It also recommends that an intermediary providing trade and transport services within an international supply chain be, where appropriate, included in the framework contract between the supplier and the buyer under a separate contract (measures 1.1 and 1.2). Competition may be considered at regular intervals (e.g. B annually) for a framework agreement with a single supplier or to be open at all times where more than one supplier is concerned. In the latter case, price offers will be requested from all parties and an order will be placed if necessary.

There are many types of framework contracts that can be tailored to the specific needs of buyers. These fixed-term contracts (usually 3 to 5 years) are usually concluded following an open international call for tenders. They ensure that UNHCR can quickly place orders for its needs at fixed prices, but do not guarantee that the Agency will purchase a minimum or maximum quantity of goods during the term of the agreement. UNHCR`s framework contracts are not exclusive. Under international law, such an agreement between countries or groups may recognize that they cannot reach full agreement on all issues, but that they are prepared to remember a structure for resolving certain differences of opinion. . .