The Law and Economics of Framework Agreements: Designing Flexible Solutions for Public Procurement

Framework agreements have arisen in response to the well documented and high costs of public procurement procedures. The agreements have significant potential to improve procedural efficiency in public procurement, but are complex to operate. Inadequate preparation and implementation can also frustrate their potential both to tackle waste, abuse and corruption and to enhance value for money. In this enlightening book, Gian Luigi Albano and Caroline Nicholas look at the key decisions required for designing and using framework agreements, and address both legal and economic issues to give the reader a clear understanding of the planning, variables and flexibility needed for efficient implementation. This book will be of interest to policy makers, lawyers and public procurement practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of the legal and economic issues surrounding framework agreements.

• Gives a thorough theoretical grounding for framework agreements, making this book accessible for both students and policy makers
• Real-world case studies and examples are used throughout, so that readers can ground their learning in current events and developments
• Suggests clear and practical solutions to the challenges faced by those designing framework agreements