Standing Offer

A standing offer is a pre-negotiated arrangement letting a public buyer call off goods or services at fixed prices, without a new competition each time.

What it is

The buyer runs one competition and signs an offer that stands for a set period (commonly 1–3 years, often renewable). When a need arises, the buyer issues a call-up against the offer; the terms are already agreed, only quantity and delivery are set.

Why buyers use them

Speed and price certainty: repetitive, well-specified purchases (supplies, maintenance, temporary help) skip months of process per purchase. Suppliers benefit from a pipeline without re-bidding.

What it means for vendors

Being on a standing offer is a license to be called — not a promise of volume. Call-ups may be distributed among multiple qualified suppliers, and usage tracking matters as much as winning.

Common questions

Is a standing offer a contract?

No contract exists until a call-up is issued. The offer itself binds prices and terms; the contract is each call-up.

Can prices change during the term?

Only as the offer allows (indexation or agreed revision clauses); otherwise the offered price holds for the period.