What Is A Call-Off Contract, And How Does It Help Public Sector Procurement?

Public sector procurement is under increasing pressure to work quickly, albeit still fairly and transparently, in a digitised environment. Buyers of professional services in particular need to balance the speed and flexibility new tools give them with the same measures of success they have always had, namely, compliance with the rules, accountability for delivery and value for money. 

One of the most effective ways to achieve this balance is through the use of call-off contracts: structured yet agile agreements that make it easier to set vendors to work quickly, without jeopardising fairness or ignoring the need to account for spending. Under the new Procurement Act 2023, frameworks and call-off contracts align directly with the Act’s principles of openness and competition, helping public bodies deliver better outcomes within the rules.

A call-off contract, sometimes referred to as a call-off agreement, sits under an existing framework. It allows public sector bodies to purchase specific goods or services as required, without running a full procurement exercise each time. Establishing a framework within which to operate call-off agreements does the groundwork by pre-approving suppliers, setting standard terms, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Buyers can then “call-off” what they need as projects arise, saving time, reducing risk, and maintaining assurance throughout.

Within this process, mini-competitions between pre-approved suppliers offer a healthy mechanism for creating best value. They allow buyers to invite a select group of pre-qualified suppliers to bid for a particular piece of work. By combining a trusted supplier base with a short, focused competition, buyers can use call-off contracts to support commercial and operational outcomes.

For public sector organisations, the benefits are clear. Call-off contracts minimise administrative burden, speed up decision-making, and give buyers access to a ready pool of proven suppliers. They are particularly helpful when engaging with SMEs, bringing innovation and specialist expertise. Such companies find bidding for individual public sector contracts onerous. A call-off agreement means they only have to be approved once. 

Most importantly, call-off contracts mean public sector buying teams can give more time to outcomes rather than process.

How To Run A Mini-Competition Under A Call-Off Framework

Running a mini-competition under a call-off framework typically requires fewer resources than launching a full tender exercise. This is because suppliers bidding for public sector contracts through call-off agreement have been pre-assessed for the work. Assessment is typically across a range of criteria, including, but not limited to, compliance with industry standards, technical capability, capacity, and financial stability. Pre-assessment means the focus of a mini-competition can shift from qualifying paperwork to the details of project delivery.

It is, of course, vital that all competitors get the same specification and evaluation criteria. Responses can then be reviewed against pre-agreed metrics such as quality, experience, price, and value for money. Once the preferred supplier is identified, contracting and mobilisation can happen immediately, allowing work to start promptly.

At Bloom, our managed service model can help buyers with this process from beginning to end. Our platform simplifies communication, comparison, and scoring, helping teams reach confident procurement decisions in days rather than months.

Call-Off Contracts: Mini-Competition Vs Direct Award 

When procuring through a framework, buyers often have two main routes: a mini-competition or a direct award. Each has its place within public sector procurement, and understanding the difference helps organisations choose the correct method for their needs.

A call-off contract competition means comparing offers, keeping one eye on value for money. Putting budgets aside, a competition is also ideal for projects that require innovation or fresh thinking. It may be that, to win the work, suppliers propose a novel solution you hadn’t considered. 

In contrast, with a direct award, buyers appoint a qualified supplier directly through the call-off framework. It’s the quickest route to market and is particularly useful when a requirement is urgent or low-value. While it offers speed, it doesn’t provide the same level of comparative assurance as a mini-competition.

For many projects, a competition run through a call-off agreement strikes the right balance between efficiency and accountability. A direct award remains a valid option when time or circumstances demand an immediate response, but the mini-competition route typically offers value over time. Importantly, it’s also visibly fair to vendors.

Inviting Companies To Bid Through A Call-Off Framework 

Because suppliers on a call-off framework should have already undergone a rigorous vetting process, buyers can focus on identifying the best-fit partner for the specific challenge rather than checking eligibility from scratch. This pre-approved supplier base is the great strength of a call-off arrangement. It helps reduce risk, saves time, and ensures the process remains consistent with procurement policy.

For buyers, the benefits extend beyond efficiency. Frameworks like Bloom’s, for example, attract vendors who consider the process of bidding for public sector work too time-consuming and resource-heavy to be worth their while. A call-off agreement means a more efficient process for them that gives buyers access to a broader range of ideas, approaches, and innovations. By streamlining access for SMEs, Bloom enables innovation, diversity, and social value, ensuring public spending delivers tangible impact for communities as well as commercial results.

To make the process work effectively, clarity and communication are key. Buyers should ensure that requirements and evaluation criteria are well defined and transparent.  Timelines should be realistic, allowing suppliers to prepare robust, high-quality submissions. 

The goal of a competitive process ought to be better procurement decisions.

Evaluating Mini-Competition Responses

Evaluation is, of course, at the heart of every mini-competition. Fair and equitable analysis of all of the vendor responses ensures that the procurement process remains defensible, auditable, and results-focused. An agreed and suitably robust evaluation or scoring methodology is a useful tool to ensure consistency, while detailed feedback strengthens relationships and supports continuous improvement among suppliers, even if they are not successful. 

The evaluation process should always be well documented, capturing the reasoning behind each decision. This not only supports compliance with procurement regulations but also helps build confidence within the organisation and among stakeholders.

Bloom’s managed service model ensures that evaluation is both rigorous and efficient. Our team helps buyers define appropriate criteria, manage scoring, and document decisions clearly, reducing administrative burden while maintaining full transparency. The outcome is a process that stands up to scrutiny and delivers the right supplier for the task — quickly and confidently.

Next Steps if You’re Considering a Call-Off Contract Framework

A call-off framework can be a powerful tool for buyers who are looking to accelerate procurement. It offers flexibility while maintaining fairness, compliance and control. However, setting up or joining a framework requires careful planning and an understanding of both organisational needs and market dynamics.

Before proceeding, it’s important to assess the nature of your procurement activity. Frameworks work best when there is a recurring or multi-project requirement, such as ongoing transformation programmes, social care initiatives, or infrastructure maintenance. You should also consider the internal resources available to manage mini-competitions and contract delivery. Partnering with an experienced framework provider can help bridge any capacity gaps and avoid internal resources being stretched. 

Established solutions such as Bloom’s NEPRO³ framework give buyers immediate access to a trusted route to market, underpinned by expert support and a proven track record. Our frameworks are designed to make procurement simpler, faster, and more flexible. We connect buyers with pre-approved suppliers who can deliver results from day one.

At Bloom, we provide an end-to-end service that combines speed, transparency, and assurance. From requirement scoping through to supplier onboarding and performance management, our team ensures every stage runs smoothly. The result is a streamlined procurement experience that empowers public sector organisations to act decisively, deliver efficiently, and achieve measurable outcomes, all within the rules. To explore more about how Bloom supports compliant and outcome-led procurement, visit our related blogs on Procurement With a Start-Up Mindset and Fair and Transparent Fees.

Call-off contracts and mini-competitions are key enablers of modern, efficient public sector procurement. They allow buyers to move at pace without compromising on fairness or compliance, creating a balance between agility and accountability that supports better outcomes for communities. Whether you’re commissioning a local service, launching a digital transformation programme, or delivering a national policy initiative, the right call-off contract framework can make all the difference. 

With Bloom, you gain access to a managed, end-to-end service designed to help you connect with the right suppliers quickly, transparently, and with confidence.

If you want to know more please contact us below to speak with one of our team.