Framework agreements have become the most prevalent route for public authorities to buy common goods and services, but the Government Commercial Function has not provided sufficient guidance to address the potential risks to competitive benefits. Framework agreements involve an initial competition for suppliers to gain access to a framework, followed by a shortened call-off process for contracts to be awarded to one of those framework suppliers. Government use of frameworks for large contracts increased from 20% of contracts by value in 2018–19 to 68% in 2021–22. Inappropriate use of frameworks may lead to limiting competition either by not having enough suppliers for a mini competition or too many suppliers to effectively award a contract. The Crown Commercial Service is the largest provider of frameworks for common goods and services, across the public sector. But there are gaps in the data provided by authorities which mean that the Crown Commercial Service lacks data on the number of direct awards made without re-opening competition. The Cabinet Office agrees that it needs more structured data and more effective processes to track procurement from frameworks through the commercial lifecycle to monitor savings effectively. Recommendation 3: The Cabinet Office should issue guidance, for example a ‘Framework Playbook’, within six months to provide central guidance for government buyers on key policies about: • The project delivery model assessment to be carried out by government buyers to inform recommendations on whether a department should or should not use a framework. Competition in public procurement 7 • The effective management processes for frameworks. • The collection of appropriate data to assess whether the outcomes of the framework have been achieved.