£120bn Public Construction Framework to Open Soon

A new national construction framework for public sector projects, with opportunities for specialist contractors through supply chains, is due to open in March.

The Construction Works and Associated Services 3 (CWAS3) framework will be launched by Crown Commercial Service (CCS). It is one of the largest public sector construction frameworks ever created, with a total value of up to £120 billion.

It will cover projects across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

£120bn Public Construction Framework

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 and other public sector clients.

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, can be found on the NFRC website.

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.

CCS has extended the timetable to give bidders more time to prepare. Invitation to Tender (ITT) is expected to open in late March 2026 for 8 weeks.

The CWAS3 framework starts in January 2027.

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