What are Contracts?
The government and other public sector organisations such as councils, local authorities, the NHS, Fire Services, businesses and charities may need other organisations to provide services or goods.
They can do this in different ways:
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Deliver the service themselves
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Provide funding to another organisation to deliver services or goods
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Advertise opportunities through procurement to find suppliers and agree a formal contract
Procurement processes and contracts must follow Procurement Law. These arrangements are transparent, competitive and highly structured.
Many public sector organisations use procurement because they believe it delivers quality services and value for money. Contracts often last between 3–5 years.
A supplier may deliver a contract directly, work as a subcontractor, or join a framework agreement.