CWAS3 Application Support and Bid Writing (RM6320)
The CWAS3 Submission Window Closed at 15:00 on 21 May 2026. Glaxtons Supports Bidders Through Evaluation and Helps Firms That Missed the Deadline Find the Next Route.
Crown Commercial Service is now evaluating CWAS3 submissions, with assessment summaries due 11 January 2027 and framework commencement on 21 January 2027. If you submitted, the next eight months are about clarification handling and post-award readiness. If you missed the window, read our post-deadline guide for the realistic alternatives.
Written by Jean-Pascal Olivier, Co-Founder and Director, Glaxtons Consulting
Jean-Pascal has led CWAS3 application programmes for construction and professional services firms across the UK. He has reviewed the complete RM6320 ITT document pack including all 45 buyer attachments. Last updated: 28 March 2026
What Is CWAS3 (RM6320)?
CWAS3 is Crown Commercial Service's Construction Works and Associated Services 3 framework, including ProCure24. It replaces its predecessor CWAS2 (RM6116) and will be the primary route for UK public sector bodies to procure construction works, civil engineering, infrastructure, offsite solutions, healthcare construction, defence, international and nuclear projects for the next eight years. The estimated value is over £30 billion. The framework is structured across 7 core lots and 78 sub-lots. It is open to all suppliers and uses a threshold-based award model with no supplier ranking, meaning every bidder who achieves the minimum quality and compliance threshold can secure a place.
CWAS3 is aligned to the Procurement Act 2023, replacing the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. This alignment introduces new requirements around transparency notices, supplier due diligence, key performance indicators, and contract management. The framework uses FAC-1 (Framework Alliance Contract) as the overarching contract model, emphasising collaborative working, shared objectives, and alliance-based risk management across all Supplier Alliance Members.
Critically, CWAS3 is a closed framework. Submissions closed on 21 May 2026, and no new applications are accepted for the entire 96-month framework duration. Firms that did not submit will not be able to join the framework until CWAS4 is tendered, which is unlikely before 2034. In the meantime, call-off bids and subcontracting through appointed Supplier Alliance Members remain routes to framework work. For a plain-language explanation of the framework, read our What is CWAS3 guide. For a comparison with the previous framework, see CWAS3 vs CWAS2: What Has Changed.
£30bn+
Framework Value
96 Months
Duration
78
Sub-Lots
0
Days to Deadline
CWAS3 Framework Lots and Sub-Lots
The framework is divided into 7 core lots. Lots 1 and 2 are structured by both project value band and geographic region. Bidders can apply for multiple lots and multiple sub-lots, subject to the rules set out in the ITT. For Lots 1 and 2, a maximum of four regional sub-lots within the under-£5m band can be awarded to any single supplier.
Lot 1: Construction Works, General Projects
29 sub-lotsDelivers general construction works including new build, refurbishment, extensions, alterations, maintenance, and minor associated civil engineering works. Structured across six project value bands (under £5m through to over £250m) and twelve regional geographies for the under-£5m band. Suitable for general building contractors, regional SMEs, and national tier-one firms depending on value band.
Value Bands
Lot 2: Civil Engineering and Infrastructure
30 sub-lotsCovers civil engineering and infrastructure projects including transportation networks, water and environmental systems, urban infrastructure, energy-related projects, groundworks, and demolition (sub-lot 2.7). Structured across the same six value bands as Lot 1 with twelve regional geographies for the under-£5m band.
Value Bands
Lot 3: Offsite Solutions
7 sub-lotsDelivers offsite construction solutions including prefabricated buildings via turnkey solutions. Sub-lots cover Built Estate under £10m, Built Estate over £10m, Hire, Health, Justice, Defence, and Education Hire.
Lot 4: ProCure24
3 sub-lotsThe NHS and healthcare construction framework embedded within CWAS3. Covers health sector projects under £50m, £50m to £150m, and over £150m. England only. Requires Cyber Essentials Plus certification. Replaces ProCure23 (RM6267).
Value Bands
Lot 5: Defence
7 sub-lotsConstruction and infrastructure for the defence estate. Includes General Defence Projects (under and over £20m, plus South West region), Maritime, Airfields, US Visiting Forces, and Defence Nuclear. Requires specialist security and accreditation standards.
Lot 6: International
1 lotConstruction and infrastructure projects worldwide for MOD, FCDO, and other government bodies.
Lot 7: Nuclear
1 lotConstruction works and services within the nuclear estate including decommissioning, storage and transport of nuclear materials, and new build nuclear structures.
Lot 1 and Lot 2 Regional Sub-Lots (Under £5m Band)
The under-£5m band for both Lot 1 and Lot 2 is divided into 12 regional sub-lots. Suppliers can bid for any number of regions but will be awarded a maximum of four per lot. You must rank your regional preferences in the PSQ.
Note: If you have seen information elsewhere suggesting that Planning, Architecture, or Programme Management are standalone lots within CWAS3, that information is incorrect. The framework is a construction delivery framework. Professional services are accessible as associated services delivered as part of a construction project or programme, not as standalone advisory consultancy lots. For sector-specific guidance, see our dedicated pages for Planning, Architecture, Project Management, and Cost Management.
CWAS3 Key Dates
27 March 2026
ITT Published and Live. Express Interest window opens on BravoSolution (CCS eSourcing portal).
30 April 2026 at 15:00
Deadline for supplier clarification questions submitted through the eSourcing portal.
11 May 2026
CCS publishes responses to all clarification questions.
21 May 2026 at 15:00
Tender submission deadline. All responses must be submitted via the BravoSolution portal.
11 January 2027
Assessment summaries issued and contract award notice published.
20 January 2027
End of standstill period.
21 January 2027
Framework Alliance Contracts awarded. Framework commences.
For the complete timeline with countdown and detailed commentary, visit the CWAS3 Submission Deadline page.
Do not submit on deadline day. Portal congestion and technical issues frequently affect last-minute submissions. Glaxtons targets client submissions at least five working days before the deadline as standard practice.
Financial Viability Risk Assessment: Silver and Gold Tools Explained
Every CWAS3 bidder must complete the CCS Financial Viability Risk Assessment (FVRA) tool. The FVRA assesses your organisation's financial health by analysing turnover, profitability, net assets, and liquidity ratios from your published accounts. It produces a RAG (Red, Amber, Green) rating. Contrary to common belief, a Red or Amber financial result does not automatically disqualify your application. However, you must provide written mitigation commentary explaining the financial position and how your organisation manages the associated risks.
The choice between the Silver and Gold FVRA tools depends on which sub-lots you are targeting. Understanding this distinction is critical to submitting the correct documentation.
Silver FVRA Tool
The Silver FVRA applies exclusively to the under-£5m regional sub-lots: sub-lot 1.1 (Lot 1 Construction Works, under £5m) and sub-lot 2.1 (Lot 2 Civil Engineering, under £5m). If you are only targeting these regional sub-lots, the Silver tool is the correct assessment.
The Silver FVRA has lower turnover thresholds and is designed to be accessible to SMEs and regional contractors. Bidders must still submit two years of published accounts and provide mitigation for any non-green RAG outcomes.
Gold FVRA Tool
The Gold FVRA applies to all sub-lots from value band 2 upwards (sub-lots 1.2 and 2.2 onwards), as well as all sub-lots within Lots 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. If you are targeting any sub-lot above the under-£5m band, you must complete the Gold tool.
The Gold FVRA has higher turnover and net asset thresholds proportional to the contract values associated with each sub-lot. Larger firms targeting multiple higher-value sub-lots should prepare their financial narrative in advance of the assessment to address any marginal positions proactively.
If you are bidding for both under-£5m regional sub-lots and higher value sub-lots, you will need to complete both the Silver and Gold FVRA tools. Glaxtons guides your finance team through the correct tool selection and assessment process.
What Does a CWAS3 Submission Involve?
Qualification Envelope (Procurement Specific Questionnaire)
The PSQ covers your organisation details, lot selection and sub-lot preferences, consortium or single entity status, CDP registration, and self-declarations against the Procurement Act 2023. For Lot 1 and Lot 2 regional under-£5m sub-lots, you must rank your regional sub-lot preferences in order. A maximum of four regional sub-lots can be awarded within the under-£5m band per lot. The PSQ also captures your consortium arrangements, parent company guarantees if applicable, and annual turnover declarations per lot.
Financial Viability Risk Assessment
All bidders must complete the CCS Financial Viability Risk Assessment tool. Bidders targeting under-£5m regional sub-lots (sub-lots 1.1 and 2.1) complete the Silver FVRA tool. All other sub-lots require the Gold FVRA tool. Red or amber financial results are not an automatic disqualification, but you must provide written mitigation commentary. Bidders must also submit two years of published accounts. See the detailed FVRA explanation above for the full distinction between the Silver and Gold tools.
Quality Questions
The quality assessment includes the following mandatory questions applicable to Lots 1 and 2:
SC&QM1: Supply Chain Management and Quality Management
Scored on a 100/66/33/0 scale across three sub-criteria. All three must be fully addressed to achieve the maximum score. This question assesses how you manage your supply chain, assure quality across subcontractors, and maintain management system compliance.
CI&CA1: Continuous Improvement, Innovation, Collaboration and Alliancing Approach
Scored on a 100/75/50/25/0 scale. Evaluates your approach to collaborative working within the FAC-1 alliance model, innovation in project delivery, and measurable continuous improvement across your project portfolio.
CL1: Construction Life Cycle
Applicable to Lots 1, 2, and 4. Scored on a 100/75/50/25/0 scale. Assesses your understanding and management of the full construction life cycle from design through to handover, commissioning, and post-occupancy evaluation.
RD1: Delivery, Changing Demands and Contingency
Scored on a 100/66/33/0 scale across three sub-criteria. Tests your resilience, programme recovery capability, and approach to managing changing client requirements during live construction projects.
SV: Social Value Declaration
Pass/Fail, 10% weighting. Answered Yes or No. Answering No disqualifies the tender. Your social value commitments must be embedded in your delivery methodology with measurable outcomes.
All responses are entered directly into the BravoSolution portal text boxes. No attachments are permitted for quality responses. Character limits apply per question. To understand the most common quality response mistakes, read our analysis: The 7 Reasons CWAS3 Applications Fail.
Pricing Matrices
Each sub-lot has its own pricing matrix workbook. Bidders must complete all three sections for every sub-lot they select: overhead and fee percentages across NEC3, NEC4, JCT, SBCC, and PPC2000 contract types; design rate cards by role and grade; and staff and management rate cards by role and grade. Labour rate cards are also required. Rates must reflect regional market rates, not national averages. Any incomplete pricing tab for a selected sub-lot results in automatic disqualification for that sub-lot.
Mandatory Standards All Bidders Must Hold
Schedule 14 of the Framework Alliance Contract sets out the standards that all Supplier Alliance Members must comply with throughout the framework life. These are contractual requirements, not aspirational targets. The key mandatory standards for Lots 1 and 2 are:
CHAS and Constructionline Gold are strong evidence of management system alignment and are used in quality responses. However, they are not substitutes for ISO certification in terms of the framework contract obligations. Glaxtons advises clients to initiate ISO certification processes now if they do not already hold the full suite.
How Glaxtons Supports Your CWAS3 Application
Glaxtons has reviewed the complete CWAS3 ITT document pack including all 45 buyer attachments, Schedule 14 Framework Brief, Financial Viability Risk Assessment instructions, all pricing matrix workbooks, and the quality questionnaire in full. We are helping clients navigate the submission from lot selection through to portal upload.
Lot Strategy and Sub-Lot Selection
We analyse your capability profile, geographic footprint, financial standing, and contract history to identify the right lots and sub-lot preferences. We handle the four-sub-lot preference ranking for Lot 1 and Lot 2 regional sub-lots and advise on whether to pursue both lots in parallel.
FVRA Completion and Financial Narrative
We guide your finance team through the Gold or Silver FVRA tool completion, identify any red or amber financial positions in advance, and draft the mitigation commentary required to protect your submission.
Quality Response Drafting
We write SC&QM1, CI&CA1, CL1, and RD1 responses against the actual CCS marking scheme. Every response is written to achieve the maximum character count and to address all sub-criteria in the order specified by the quality questionnaire.
Pricing Strategy and Matrix Completion
We advise on competitive fee percentage positioning across NEC, JCT, and PPC2000 contract types. We research regional market rates for design, staff, and labour roles and complete the pricing matrix for each of your selected sub-lots.
Single Lot
£10,000
Complete application management for one lot. Methodology, pricing, and portal submission.
Multi-Lot
£25,000
Two or more lots with coordinated sub-lot strategy, cross-lot pricing alignment, and full FVRA management.
Full-Spectrum
£40,000
Comprehensive multi-lot application with dedicated project manager, weekly progress calls, and clarification question management.
CWAS3 Resources and Guides
What Is CWAS3?
Plain-language guide to the framework
CWAS3 Submission Deadline
Key dates and countdown
CWAS3 vs CWAS2
What has changed
Why Applications Fail
7 common mistakes
CCS ePortal Registration
Step-by-step guide
RM6320 Support
Reference number lookup
Lot 1: Planning
Planning consultancy support
Lot 2: Architecture
Architecture application support
Lot 3: Programme Management
PM consultancy support
Lot 4: Cost Management
QS firm support
ProCure 24 Support
NHS healthcare construction
CWAS3 Framework Guide
Detailed blog guide
CCS Clarification Questions: Deadline 30 April 2026
The window for submitting clarification questions to CCS through the BravoSolution portal closes at 15:00 on 30 April 2026. CCS responses are published on 11 May 2026. Clarification questions are an important tool for getting CCS to confirm positions in writing before you commit your response.
Common areas where clarification is valuable include: whether CHAS and Constructionline Gold satisfy ISO certification obligations at submission stage, confirmation of exact turnover thresholds per lot and value band, how ProCure24 extends buyer eligibility across the lot structure, and the precise character limits per quality question.
Glaxtons recommends submitting clarification questions by 15 April at the latest to allow time to act on CCS responses before the 21 May deadline. We draft clarification questions for our clients as part of our application support service.
CWAS3 Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CWAS3 ITT still open?
No. Crown Commercial Service published the ITT on 27 March 2026 and submissions closed at 15:00 on 21 May 2026. Evaluation is now underway and the framework commences 21 January 2027.
Can I still apply if I do not hold ISO certifications?
You can submit a tender without holding the full ISO suite. However, the Schedule 14 Framework Brief requires Supplier Alliance Members to hold ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 throughout the framework life. Glaxtons advises clients to initiate certification processes now to ensure compliance before the 21 January 2027 framework commencement date.
What is the difference between the Gold and Silver FVRA tools?
The Silver FVRA tool applies to under-£5m regional sub-lots (sub-lots 1.1 and 2.1). The Gold FVRA tool applies to all other sub-lots. Both tools assess financial standing and produce RAG ratings. Red or amber results require written mitigation commentary but are not automatic disqualifications.
How many sub-lots can I be awarded?
For the regional under-£5m sub-lots (1.1.1 to 1.1.12 and 2.1.1 to 2.1.12), a maximum of four can be awarded per lot even if you bid for more. You must rank your preferences in the PSQ. For higher value bands (sub-lots 1.2 onwards and 2.2 onwards), the preference rules differ.
Is there a supplier ranking for CWAS3?
No. The awarding strategy is threshold-based with no ranking. Every bidder who meets the minimum quality and financial threshold can secure framework appointment. You are not competing to rank higher than other bidders. You are competing against a scoring floor.
What happened to the Planning, Architecture, and Programme Management lots?
There are no standalone lots for these disciplines in CWAS3. The framework is a construction delivery framework. Professional and advisory services are accessible as associated services embedded within construction project or programme delivery, not as independent advisory consultancy lots.
What is the CWAS3 framework value?
The estimated value of CWAS3 exceeds £30 billion. The framework runs for 96 months from January 2027, covering construction works, civil engineering, infrastructure, healthcare (ProCure24), defence, international, and nuclear projects across the UK public sector.
How does ProCure24 fit into CWAS3?
ProCure24 replaces ProCure23 (RM6267) and is embedded within CWAS3 as Lot 4. It covers NHS and healthcare construction projects in England across three sub-lots based on project value. Lot 4 requires Cyber Essentials Plus certification, which is a higher standard than the Cyber Essentials basic required for other lots.
CWAS3 Updates
This page is updated as new information becomes available from CCS. Last reviewed and updated: 28 March 2026.
28 March 2026
Published lot-specific application support pages for Lot 1 (Planning), Lot 2 (Architecture), Lot 3 (Programme Management), and Lot 4 (Cost Management). Published CWAS3 vs CWAS2 comparison guide and common application failure analysis.
27 March 2026
CCS published the CWAS3 RM6320 Invitation to Tender on the BravoSolution eSourcing portal. Full page rewrite completed with verified lot structure (7 lots, 78 sub-lots), confirmed timeline, and updated submission requirements sourced directly from the live ITT documents.
CWAS3 Closed. Now What?
Submissions closed 21 May 2026 at 15:00. We support submitted bidders through clarifications and award, and help firms that missed the window plan the next viable framework route.
Read our latest article: CWAS3 Has Closed: What Happens Next
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