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Call Off contract:

An enabling agreement (framework) with one or more

suppliers for a defined range of works, goods or services

covering terms and conditions from which users ‘call off’

to meet their requirements using a simplified contract form.

Framework Agreement:

An arrangement where a purchaser selects suppliers and fixes

terms and prices for a period in advance (often 4 years as the

max), and then calls on the suppliers to deliver as and when

required. There is never a guarantee of work even if you are

part of a framework agreement.

Invitation to Tender (ITT):

A formal communication from a public-sector organisation to

a supplier inviting it to submit a tender. The ITT will usually

also include a specification for the contract, instructions for

submitting the tender, and the terms and conditions, which

will govern the contract once it is active.

Prior Information Notice (PIN):

This gives advance notice that a contract may be advertised

at some point – perhaps later in the year.

Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ):

A questionnaire used by public sector organisations to check

the suitability of suppliers and shortlist the ones to be invited

to tender.

Lots:

Some contracts are divided into a number of parcels of work

(called lots) and suppliers are invited to state whether they

are bidding for the whole contract or just parts of it.

Common Procurement Vocabulary Codes (CPV Codes):

Developed by the European Union as a classification system, CPV codes have been developed to help suppliers find relevant contracts and to help procurement professionals classify their contract notices.