Hansel
Hansel Ltd (Hansel Oy) is Finland's central purchasing body for the state. It is a state-owned company that establishes framework agreements and provides procurement services for government agencies, universities, and other eligible organisations. Hansel is one of the largest buyers in Finland's public procurement market.
Definition
Hansel Ltd is a non-profit company wholly owned by the Finnish state, operating as the central purchasing body under Section 20 of the Public Procurement Act (1397/2016). Its primary function is to establish framework agreements that government agencies and other eligible organisations can use for their procurement needs. Hansel manages approximately 80 framework agreements covering categories such as IT, travel, vehicles, office supplies, consulting, and facilities management. Government agencies are generally obligated to use Hansel's framework agreements when available. Hansel also provides procurement advisory services and manages the state's procurement development programs.
Legal Reference
Public Procurement Act (1397/2016), Section 20; Government decree on Hansel
View on FinlexPractical Example
A government ministry needs to purchase laptops for its staff. Instead of running its own procurement, it orders through Hansel's IT hardware framework agreement. The ministry selects from the pre-qualified suppliers on the framework and either places a direct order or runs a mini-competition, saving significant time and administrative resources.
Common Mistake
Suppliers sometimes focus only on direct procurement by individual agencies and miss Hansel's framework agreement opportunities. Winning a Hansel framework can give access to the entire state administration as a customer base, representing a significant market opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which organisations can use Hansel's framework agreements?
State central government agencies are the primary users and are generally obligated to use Hansel's agreements when available. Universities, government-owned companies, and some other public entities may also be eligible, depending on the specific framework agreement.
How does a supplier get on a Hansel framework agreement?
Suppliers must participate in and win Hansel's competitive procurement procedures, which are published on Hilma and TED. Framework agreements are typically renewed every 2-4 years, and suppliers should monitor upcoming procurement plans on Hansel's website.
Does Hansel charge suppliers for being on a framework?
Hansel finances its operations through service fees charged to suppliers on its framework agreements. The fee is typically a small percentage (around 1-1.5%) of the sales made through the framework and is deducted from payments.
Related Terms
Framework Agreement
Understand framework agreements in Finnish public procurement. How multi-year agreements with one or more suppliers work under hankintalaki 1397/2016.
Dynamic Purchasing System
Learn about the dynamic purchasing system (DPS) in Finnish public procurement. An open system where new suppliers can join throughout its duration.
Hilma Platform
Learn about Hilma, Finland's official public procurement notice platform. How to find and respond to procurement opportunities on hankintailmoitukset.fi.
Contracting Authority
Understand what a contracting authority is in Finnish public procurement. Types of hankintayksikkö and their obligations under the Procurement Act.
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