All Wales Framework Agreement

The All Wales Framework Agreement: What It Is and What It Means

The All Wales Framework Agreement (AWFA) is a public sector procurement initiative designed to streamline the purchasing process for goods and services across all areas of the Welsh public sector. The agreement was developed by the National Procurement Service (NPS) in collaboration with the Welsh Government and is designed to help public sector organizations in Wales to achieve value for money, generate savings, and reduce waste.

The AWFA covers a wide range of goods and services, including office supplies, IT equipment, vehicles, consultancy services, and construction services. The agreement is open to all public sector organizations in Wales, including government departments, local authorities, and NHS organizations.

The key benefit of the AWFA is that it provides a standardized approach to procurement, which reduces the time and effort required to purchase goods and services. This means that public sector organizations can focus on delivering essential services rather than procurement activities.

One of the key features of the AWFA is that it incorporates sustainability into the procurement process. This means that suppliers are required to meet certain environmental and social sustainability criteria in order to be eligible to supply to the Welsh public sector. The AWFA also includes a framework for the procurement of low-carbon goods and services, which helps public sector organizations to reduce their carbon footprint.

Another important aspect of the AWFA is that it aims to promote local businesses and social enterprises. The agreement includes a framework for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprises, which helps these businesses to compete for public sector contracts. This not only helps to support the local economy but also ensures that public sector organizations are working with suppliers who are invested in the local community.

Overall, the All Wales Framework Agreement is an important initiative that helps to support public sector organizations in Wales to achieve their procurement goals. By providing a standardized approach to procurement, incorporating sustainability criteria, and promoting local businesses and social enterprises, the AWFA is helping to create a more efficient, sustainable and inclusive public sector in Wales.