Contract vehicles

Call-Up

An order placed against an existing standing offer, forming a contract on the terms already agreed.

A call-up is the mechanism that turns a standing offer into actual work. The buyer identifies what it needs from the offer, issues the call-up, and a contract exists on the pre-agreed terms and prices.

Call-ups are usually not advertised as public tender notices, which is why standing offers matter so much: a large volume of government spending flows through call-ups that never appear as competitive opportunities. Suppliers watching only open tenders can miss it entirely.

Related terms

Standing OfferA pre-arranged offer to supply goods or services at set prices over a period, drawn against by call-ups as needs arise.
Supply ArrangementA pre-qualified pool of suppliers who may be invited to bid on individual requirements as they arise.

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This definition describes general Canadian federal practice and is not legal advice. Always confirm requirements against the official solicitation.