CWAS3 Expert Insight
CWAS3 vs CWAS2: What Has Changed and What It Means for Your Business
Every firm on CWAS2 (RM6116) needs to understand what has changed in CWAS3 (RM6320). With submissions now closed, here are the six critical differences that shape call-off, subcontracting, and the next intake.
Published 28 March 2026
CWAS3 (RM6320) is not a simple extension or renewal of CWAS2. It is an entirely new procurement exercise with a different lot structure, different contract model, different legislative basis, and an expanded scope that incorporates healthcare, defence, international, and nuclear construction. Existing CWAS2 or ProCure 23 placements do not carry over. Every supplier had to reapply through the new ITT; submissions closed on 21 May 2026 and the framework commences 21 January 2027.
ProCure 24 Integration
CWAS2 (RM6116)
ProCure 23 (RM6267) operated as a standalone NHS healthcare construction framework, procured and managed separately from CWAS2.
CWAS3 (RM6320)
ProCure 24 is now embedded within CWAS3 as Lot 4. Healthcare construction is procured through the same framework as general construction, civil engineering, and defence. NHS trusts access ProCure 24 through the CWAS3 call-off mechanism.
Procurement Act 2023 Alignment
CWAS2 (RM6116)
CWAS2 was procured under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015).
CWAS3 (RM6320)
CWAS3 is aligned to the Procurement Act 2023, which replaces PCR 2015. This introduces new requirements around transparency notices, supplier due diligence, key performance indicators, and contract management. Bidders must understand these changes and reflect them in methodology responses.
FAC-1 Framework Alliance Contract
CWAS2 (RM6116)
CWAS2 used a traditional framework agreement structure.
CWAS3 (RM6320)
CWAS3 uses the FAC-1 (Framework Alliance Contract) as the overarching contract model. FAC-1 is a collaborative framework model developed by the Association of Consultant Architects. It emphasises alliance working, shared objectives, and collaborative risk management across all Supplier Alliance Members.
Expanded Lot Structure
CWAS2 (RM6116)
CWAS2 had a different lot configuration with fewer specialist categories.
CWAS3 (RM6320)
CWAS3 has 7 core lots and 78 sub-lots. The addition of dedicated Defence (Lot 5), International (Lot 6), and Nuclear (Lot 7) lots significantly expands the framework scope. Lots 1 and 2 are structured by value band and regional geography with 29 and 30 sub-lots respectively.
Closed Framework Decision
CWAS2 (RM6116)
Some previous CCS frameworks allowed periodic re-opening for new supplier applications.
CWAS3 (RM6320)
CWAS3 is a closed framework. Submissions closed on 21 May 2026, with no further open applications expected for the 96-month framework duration. The route in now is via call-off bids and subcontracting onto appointed suppliers, or the next CWAS3 intake. The next framework at this scale, CWAS4, is unlikely before 2034.
Extended Framework Duration
CWAS2 (RM6116)
CWAS2 had a shorter operational duration.
CWAS3 (RM6320)
CWAS3 runs for 96 months (8 years) from its commencement date of 21 January 2027. This is one of the longest framework durations in UK public sector procurement, making the cost of missing placement significantly higher.
What This Means for Your Business
The combination of a closed framework, an 8-year duration, and expanded scope makes CWAS3 one of the most consequential procurement frameworks any construction or professional services firm will engage with this decade. With submissions closed on 21 May 2026, the routes to this market now are call-off bids, subcontracting onto appointed suppliers, and the next CWAS3 intake. The next framework at this scale, CWAS4, is unlikely before approximately 2034.
If your firm held a place on CWAS2, you cannot assume that your previous application will be sufficient. The lot structure, contract model, and evaluation criteria have all changed. Your quality responses must address the new CWAS3 requirements, not recycled CWAS2 content. If your firm is applying for the first time, the threshold-based model with no supplier ranking means this is an achievable target with the right support.
For complete details on the application process, lot structure, and submission requirements, visit the Glaxtons CWAS3 Framework Support hub. For the key dates and timeline, see the CWAS3 Submission Deadline page.
Need CWAS3 Application Support?
Glaxtons provides fixed-price CWAS3 application packages from £10,000. Same-day consultations available.