Call-off contract
A call-off contract, also known as a blanket order, is a purchase order which enables bulk orders over a period of time. This is a form of framework agreement that is often used in construction where projects can last for months or even years.
The benefit of using a call-off contract is that it allows the supply of materials to be secured over multiple delivery dates, meaning that a customer does not have to hold excess stock (e.g. all the bricks required to build a housing development) on site; instead they can ‘call off’ stock as and when it is required.
This also reduces the amount of administration required to process multiple purchase orders. Instead, sales orders and invoice items are raised as they are needed until the point at which the contract is fulfilled, the end of the order period is reached, or the maximum order value (which is pre-determined) has been reached.
Another significant benefit is that call-off contracts are often negotiated with pre-determined pricing, which can offer discounts for bulk ordering. This is beneficial for suppliers who are guaranteed ongoing business over a period of time and can help them manage cash flows and orders.
Careful management of call-off contracts is essential, with appropriate controls in place. The customer should have confidence that the agreed pricing is maintained and the schedules for call-off are met; while the supplier should have firm control over their commitments, and make sure they do not over- or under-supply.
NB Glossary of procurement terminology, A guide for suppliers, Published by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames in April 2012, defines a call-off contract as: ‘A contract made following a formal tendering process with one or more contractors, suppliers or service providers for a defined range of works, goods or services covering terms and conditions (including price) which users ‘call off’ to meet their requirements.’
STAR Procurement (a shared procurement service for Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford Councils), Glossary of Terms, published in May 2019, defines a call-off contract as: ‘A contract awarded to a supplier or number of suppliers appointed to a Framework Agreement, to deliver the particular supplies, services or works required.’
The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Glossary of procurement terms, defines a blanket order as: ‘An order that is placed with the supplier which allows the buyer to call off quantities as they need them over an agreed time period. This works in accordance with a manufacturing organisation’s production schedule.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The continued ISG fall out, where to go?
Support for ISG contractors, companies and employees.
New HES national centre for traditional building retrofit
Announced as HES publishes survey results which reveal strong support for retrofit.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Expected to become one of the largest activities in the global construction industry.
The ECA industry focus video channel
Keeping update with the industry session by session.
Over 25 recorded informations sessions freely available.
AT Awards 2024 ceremony East London October 25th.
Revisiting the AT community at the 2023 awards evening.
The Community Housing Fund and built affordable homes
CLTN reviews the impact of the Fund and calls for extension.
The grading system of the Regulator for Social Housing
A background, an explanation and ten recent enforcements.
Construction, repair and maintenance. Book review.
Putting new life into a city with a 1900 year history.
BSRIA Briefing 2024: Sustainable Futures speakers
Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living 22 Nov.
Wall of support for post-Grenfell regulation of electricians
Call for a shake-up of the construction industry highlighted on radio.
Digital sustainability through future AEC tools
Bringing together industry and academia to meet challenges.
Skills gap for net zero highlighted to Minister for Industry
ECA convenes roundtable discussion at Portcullis House.
Evidencing Net Zero with the new UK buildings standard
Pilot version with detailed excel proforma out now!
Scottish Building Safety Levy, in consultation
From direct remediation and the RPDT, to the costs and alternatives.
Waves of warmer homes grants for the rental sector
Boosting energy efficiency standards for all rented homes.
A refocus of the National Planning Policy Framework
Key terms described in brief, as the consultation closes the evening of the 24th.
Fortified farmhouses of the unruly 16th-and 17th-century borders.