Glossary
What is a framework agreement (rammeavtale)?
A framework agreement (rammeavtale) is a contract between a public buyer and one or more suppliers that fixes the terms — such as prices and quality — for orders, called call-offs, that the buyer makes during the agreement period. In Norway it normally lasts at most four years.
How call-offs work
- With one supplier, the buyer orders directly on the agreed terms.
- With several suppliers, the buyer orders by ranking — the best-placed supplier first — or holds a mini-competition between the suppliers on the framework.
- The agreement usually has no guaranteed volume. The estimated value tells you the expected size, not a promise.
Why it matters
If you are not on the framework, you cannot get the call-offs for the whole period. Missing one competition can lock you out of a buyer for years, which is why tracking when agreements expire is valuable.
How Tenderen helps
Market Radar (Pro) lists contracts nearing their end date and can be filtered to framework agreements only, so you can prepare before the new competition is announced.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a framework agreement last longer than four years?
- Only in exceptional, justified cases. Utilities can use frameworks of up to eight years.
Related
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Start freeLast reviewed 4 October 2026