The Public Contracts Regulations 2015

Ineffectiveness etc. in relation to specific contracts based on a framework agreement U.K.

103.—(1) In this regulation, “ specific contract” means a contract which—

(a) is based on the terms of a framework agreement; and

(b) was entered into before a declaration of ineffectiveness (if any) was made in respect of the framework agreement.

(2) A specific contract is not to be considered to be ineffective merely because a declaration of ineffectiveness has been made in respect of the framework agreement.

(3) Where a declaration of ineffectiveness has been made in respect of the framework agreement, the Court must, subject to paragraph (5), make a separate declaration of ineffectiveness in respect of each relevant specific contract.

(4) For that purpose, a specific contract is relevant only if a claim for a declaration of ineffectiveness in respect of that specific contract has been made—

(a) within the time limits mentioned in regulation 93 as applicable to the circumstances of the specific contract;

(b) regardless of whether the claim was made at the same time as any claim for a declaration of ineffectiveness in respect of the framework agreement.

(5) Regulation 100 (general interest grounds for not making a declaration of ineffectiveness) applies for the purposes of paragraph (3), insofar as the overriding reasons relate specifically to the circumstances of the specific contract.

(6) This regulation does not prejudice the making of a declaration of ineffectiveness in relation to a specific contract in accordance with other provisions of this Part on the basis of—

(a) the third ground of ineffectiveness set out in regulation 99(6) and (7); or

(b) the second ground of ineffectiveness set out in regulation 99(5), where—

(i) the relevant breach of the kind mentioned in regulation 99(5)(a) is entering into the specific contract in breach of regulation 95 or 96(1)(b), and

(ii) the relevant breach of the kind mentioned in regulation 99(5)(b) relates specifically to the award of the specific contract and the procedure relating to that award, rather than to the award of the framework agreement and the procedure relating to it.

(7) A declaration of ineffectiveness must not be made in respect of a specific contract otherwise than in accordance with paragraph (3) or on a basis mentioned in paragraph (6).

(8) Where a declaration of ineffectiveness is made in respect of a specific contract in accordance with paragraph (3)—

(a) regulation 101 (the consequences of ineffectiveness) applies;

(b) regulation 102(1) (requirement to impose a civil financial penalty) does not apply.

(9) Where the Court refrains, by virtue of paragraph (5), from making a declaration of ineffectiveness which would otherwise have been required by paragraph (3), the Court must, subject to paragraph (10), order that the duration of the contract be shortened to the extent specified in the order.

(10) The extent by which the duration of the contract is to be shortened under paragraph (9) is the maximum extent, if any, which the Court considers to be possible having regard to what is required by the overriding reasons mentioned in paragraph (5).

(11) In paragraphs (9) and (10), “duration of the contract” refers only to its prospective duration as from the time when the Court makes the order.