Understanding Framework Agreements and Dynamic Purchasing Systems

Frameworks now underpin a significant proportion of public sector procurement in Ireland – yet many organisations lack a practical understanding of how to use them strategically.

This one-day training provides a clear, structured walkthrough of how to design, operate and manage Framework Agreements and Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS), with insights grounded in Irish and EU procurement rules, and supported by real case examples.

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Course Content

What is a Framework Agreement?

This module will introduce frameworks with material based on the regulations and the OGP guidelines. There will be a specific focus on the Irish market use of frameworks

• An overview of Framework Agreements in Ireland
• Purpose, History, Scale and reach today in Ireland
• Who uses Frameworks and why? Who does not?
• The  role of the Office of Government Procurement
• Sources of Information on Framework Agreements
• Using historic data to inform approach to frameworks

Establishing a Framework Agreement

This module will explain how a framework agreement can be established from scratch

• Framework or Contract?
• Who? What? How?  
• Pros  & Cons of Frameworks from – Buyer, Supplier and Tax-Payer perspectives
• The pre-requisites for a working Framework Agreement
• International perspectives on FWAs

Due Diligence and Evaluation

• Product testing and validation
• Financial due diligence
• ESPD & declarations

Dynamic Purchasing Systems

• Key differences relative to framework agreements
• Benefits & drawbacks of the DPS as an option

Frameworks & DPS in Operation

• Contract v Framework Tendering Process – How is it different?
• Single v Multiple Party Frameworks
• Draw Down mechanisms compared: Mini competitions, Direct Drawdown, Cascade, Rotation
• Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) impact upon Frameworks

Framework Management

This section will examine challenges in the management of framework agreements over the course of the agreements

• Avoiding the pitfalls and drawbacks of frameworks
• Negotiation techniques and approaches to performance management for suppliers
• Developing category insights and intelligence
• Keeping members motivated and sharing information
• Building in flexibility and innovation
• Risks and Sharp Practice watch outs

Managing DPS Successfully

• Stimulating demand and competition
• Examples of good practice & successful DPS operation

Frameworks – The Future

This section will examine what the future holds for framework agreements & DPS

• Consideration of improvements and innovations to benefit buyers, suppliers and the taxpayer
• Using secondary objectives (green procurement, social, SMEs etc)

Who Should Attend

This course will be of interest to anyone in the procurement sector who has responsibility or involvement in creating, managing, or operating framework agreements.

What you will Gain

• A clear understanding of how frameworks and DPS operate — and when to use each
• Guidance on drawdown methods: mini-competition, rotation, cascade, direct award
• Strategies for designing frameworks that deliver on cost, quality, and policy goals
• Tools for due diligence, performance tracking and keeping suppliers engaged
• Insights into how ESG and SME targets can be built into your framework approach
• Real examples of what works (and what doesn’t) across Irish public procurement

Certification

On completion of this one-day training course, you will receive your Certificate of Attendance. Please note certificates are issued at the close of the training course to participants on completion of the course.

This course may qualify for CPD points. Please check directly with your association or awarding body to see how many points they will award.

Cost

An ‘Early Bird’ discounted rate of €499 is currently available. This training course normal rate is €599. Places are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis. The course cost includes all course documentation and Certificate of Attendance.