Part 3: Award of public contracts and procedures Chapter 4: Award under frameworks Section 47: Frameworks: maximum term
Subsection (1) provides that the maximum term for a framework is 4 years (generally longer periods than this reduce market competition) or 8 years if it is a defence and security framework or a utilities framework.
	Subsection (2) however sets out that it is permissible to have a longer term than set out in subsection (1) where the contracting authority considers that the nature of the goods, services or works to be supplied under contracts to be awarded under a framework means that a longer term is required.
	Subsection (3) states that if a framework has a longer term than set out in subsection (1), the contracting authority must set out the reasons for this in its tender or transparency notice for the framework.
	Subsection (4) provides definitions of a "defence and security framework" and a "utilities framework".
	Subsection (5) provides that this section (and therefore the maximum terms set out in subsection (1)) does not apply to the award of a framework under an open framework, framework awarded by a private utility and a framework which is a light touch contract. Open frameworks are addressed in section 49 (open frameworks).