£120bn Public Construction Framework Opens Soon
Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is launching a new national construction framework called Construction Works and Associated Services 3 (CWAS3). It is one of the largest public sector construction frameworks ever created, with a total value of up to £120 billion.
The mandating of the Common Assessment Standard for bidders, in line with PPN 03/24, signals the government’s direction of travel toward more standardised and robust pre-qualification requirements in public sector construction procurement. Over the coming decades, this may also make its way into the private sector.
This article explains the size of the framework, the types of work covered, the supplier requirements, and the key timelines.
The Framework’s Scope
The new CWAS3 framework will bring together and replace several existing frameworks, including those used for general construction works, ProCure healthcare projects, and offsite construction.
It is designed to give public sector clients a single route to procure construction work and related services across the UK.
It will be used by:
- Central government departments
- Local authorities
- NHS bodies
- Arm’s-length organisations
- Other public sector clients
It will cover projects across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
This agreement replaces current frameworks:
What Types of Work Are Included
The framework covers a wide range of construction and related services, including:
- General building projects
- Civil engineering and infrastructure
- Repairs and maintenance
- Demolition and site preparation
- Offsite and modular construction
- Manufacture, supply and installation of construction systems
-
Professional and technical services
There will be seven lots, covering different project types and delivery models. This framework will mainly be used by main/principal contractors who work directly with public sector bodies.
Common Assessment Standard Is Required
CCS has confirmed that any supplier bidding for this framework must hold Common Assessment Standard certification, in line with government procurement rules. The Q&A log published in advance of the invitation to tender states that suppliers can obtain certification to the Common Assessment Standard from any one of the Recognised Assessment Bodies.
- Any recognised provider can be used
- CCS will manage supplier data through the Achilles platform
- If you are certified through another body, you will still be able to bid, but must share your data with Achilles at no cost
Members who want to work on public sector projects, especially through Tier 1 contractors who are increasingly making it a prerequisite, should make sure their Common Assessment Standard certification is in place and up to date.
More information about the Common Assessment Standard, and what clients are now requiring it, on our website here.
As the Common Assessment Standard continues to grow, Build UK has also updated the logo to include the registered trademark symbol. Companies certified to the Common Assessment Standard should use the appropriate desktop or site‐based logo and can contact their Recognised Assessment Body for the updated version.
How the Framework Will Be Used
- Flexible buying routes (direct award or further competition)
- Compliance with government procurement policy and the Construction Playbook
- A structure that supports different project sizes and delivery methods
- Access to standard construction contracts
- Pre-qualified suppliers with proven capability
Key Dates and Timelines
CCS has extended the timetable to give bidders more time to prepare.
Current expected dates are:
- Invitation to Tender (ITT) opens: Late March 2026
- Bid window: 8 weeks
- Evaluation period: Extended
- Awards and mobilisation: December 2026 to March 2027
- Framework starts: January 2027
If you’re interested in participating in the ITT, read more about the government’s engagement so far here.