What is CWAS3? The Complete Guide for UK Professional Services Firms
Everything you need to know about the CCS CWAS3 framework (RM6320). What it is, what it replaces, who can apply, how the lots work, and why specialist support matters.
CWAS3 (RM6320): Definition and Purpose
CWAS3 stands for Construction Works and Associated Services 3. It is a procurement framework operated by Crown Commercial Service (CCS), the UK government's purchasing organisation. The official reference number is RM6320. CCS published the Invitation to Tender on 27 March 2026, with a submission deadline of 21 May 2026 at 15:00.
The framework is the primary route for UK public sector bodies to procure construction works, civil engineering, infrastructure, offsite solutions, healthcare construction, defence estates, international projects, and nuclear construction. It replaces the previous CWAS2 framework (RM6116) and incorporates ProCure24, the NHS healthcare construction framework that replaces ProCure23 (RM6267).
The estimated value of CWAS3 exceeds £30 billion. The framework runs for 96 months from its commencement date of 21 January 2027, making it one of the most significant public sector construction frameworks ever tendered in the United Kingdom. Contracting authorities that can use the framework include central government departments, NHS trusts, local authorities, universities, arm's length bodies, and devolved administrations.
CWAS3 Lot Structure: 7 Lots and 78 Sub-Lots
The framework is divided into seven core lots. Lots 1 and 2 are further structured by project value band and geographic region. Bidders can apply for multiple lots and multiple sub-lots, subject to the rules in the ITT. For the regional under-£5m sub-lots, a maximum of four can be awarded per lot to any single supplier.
Lot 1: Construction Works, General Projects
29 sub-lotsGeneral construction works including new build, refurbishment, extensions, alterations, and maintenance. Six value bands, twelve regional geographies for the under-£5m band.
Lot 2: Civil Engineering and Infrastructure
30 sub-lotsCivil engineering including transportation, water systems, urban infrastructure, energy projects, groundworks, and demolition. Same value band and regional structure as Lot 1.
Lot 3: Offsite Solutions
7 sub-lotsPrefabricated buildings and turnkey offsite construction solutions covering Built Estate, Hire, Health, Justice, Defence, and Education.
Lot 4: ProCure24
3 sub-lotsNHS and healthcare construction. Projects under £50m, £50m to £150m, and over £150m. England only. Requires Cyber Essentials Plus.
Lot 5: Defence
7 sub-lotsConstruction and infrastructure for the defence estate including Maritime, Airfields, US Visiting Forces, and Defence Nuclear.
Lot 6: International
1 lotConstruction and infrastructure projects worldwide for MOD, FCDO, and other government bodies.
Lot 7: Nuclear
1 lotConstruction works within the nuclear estate including decommissioning, storage, transport of nuclear materials, and new build nuclear structures.
What Does CWAS3 Replace?
CWAS3 replaces the CWAS2 framework (RM6116) which was the previous CCS construction framework. It also incorporates ProCure24, which replaces ProCure23 (RM6267), the dedicated NHS healthcare construction framework. This is significant because firms that held places on CWAS2 or ProCure23 must reapply through CWAS3. Existing placements do not carry over.
The integration of ProCure24 into the CWAS3 framework structure means that NHS healthcare construction is now procured through the same framework as general construction, civil engineering, defence, and nuclear projects. This is a structural change from the previous arrangement where ProCure operated as a standalone framework.
CWAS3 is also aligned to the Procurement Act 2023, which replaces the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. This alignment introduces new requirements around transparency, supplier due diligence, and contract management that were not present in CWAS2. The framework uses FAC-1 (Framework Alliance Contract) as the overarching contract model.
Who Should Apply for CWAS3?
CWAS3 is open to all suppliers. There is no pre-qualification stage that restricts access. Any organisation that can demonstrate the required quality standards, financial standing, and technical capability can submit a tender response. The threshold-based award model means there is no cap on the number of successful appointees and no supplier ranking.
The framework is particularly relevant to general building contractors, civil engineering firms, infrastructure contractors, groundworks and demolition specialists, offsite and modular construction providers, healthcare estate contractors, defence estate contractors, and professional services firms that deliver associated services within construction programmes. Associated services include planning, architecture, project management, cost management, sustainability consultancy, and digital and BIM services.
For professional services firms, it is important to understand that CWAS3 is a construction delivery framework. There are no standalone lots for advisory consultancy. Professional services are delivered as associated services embedded within construction projects. This does not diminish the commercial opportunity. It means professional services firms access work through the construction supply chain and through direct engagement on framework call-offs that require their expertise.
Key Dates
27 March 2026
ITT published and live
30 April 2026
Clarification question deadline
11 May 2026
CCS publishes clarification responses
21 May 2026
Tender submission deadline (15:00)
11 January 2027
Assessment summaries issued
21 January 2027
Framework commences
For the complete timeline with detailed commentary, visit the CWAS3 Submission Deadline page.
How Glaxtons Supports CWAS3 Applications
Glaxtons has reviewed the complete CWAS3 ITT document pack including all 45 buyer attachments, the Schedule 14 Framework Brief, Financial Viability Risk Assessment instructions, all pricing matrix workbooks, and the quality questionnaire in full. We are actively supporting clients across Lots 1 to 7.
Our support covers lot strategy and sub-lot selection, FVRA completion with financial narrative drafting, quality response writing calibrated to the CCS marking scheme, pricing matrix completion with competitive regional rates, and full portal submission management. Fixed-price packages start from £10,000 for single-lot applications.
Visit the CWAS3 Framework Support hub for comprehensive details on every aspect of the application process. For lot-specific guidance, see our dedicated pages for Lot 1 Planning, Lot 2 Architecture, Lot 3 Programme Management, and Lot 4 Cost Management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CWAS3?
CWAS3 (RM6320) is Crown Commercial Service's Construction Works and Associated Services 3 framework. It is the primary route for UK public sector bodies to procure construction, civil engineering, infrastructure, healthcare construction, defence, and nuclear projects. The framework value exceeds £30 billion over 96 months.
What does CWAS3 replace?
CWAS3 replaces CWAS2 (RM6116) and incorporates ProCure24, replacing ProCure23 (RM6267). Existing placements do not carry over. All suppliers must apply through the new ITT process.
How many lots does CWAS3 have?
Seven core lots with 78 sub-lots. Lot 1: Construction Works (29 sub-lots). Lot 2: Civil Engineering and Infrastructure (30 sub-lots). Lot 3: Offsite Solutions (7). Lot 4: ProCure24 (3). Lot 5: Defence (7). Lot 6: International (1). Lot 7: Nuclear (1).
Can SMEs apply for CWAS3?
Yes. The framework is open to all suppliers. The regional under-£5m sub-lots are specifically designed to be accessible to SMEs and regional contractors.
When is the CWAS3 submission deadline?
21 May 2026 at 15:00. All responses must be submitted via the CCS BravoSolution eSourcing portal.
CWAS3 Resource Hub
Everything you need for CWAS3 in one place. Submissions closed 21 May 2026; framework commences 21 January 2027.
CWAS3 Application Support Hub
Complete guide to all 7 lots, pricing, and submission process
Lot 1: Planning Consultancy
Application support for planning firms targeting Construction Works
Lot 2: Architecture & Interior Design
RIBA-aligned methodology writing for architecture practices
Lot 3: Programme & Project Management
P3M3 and PRINCE2 aligned PM application support
Lot 4: Cost Management & QS
RICS-aligned QS and cost management bid writing
ProCure24 (NHS Healthcare)
Lot 4 healthcare construction framework support
CWAS3 Submission Deadline & Timeline
Key dates: submissions closed 21 May 2026, framework commences 21 January 2027
RM6320 Application Support
CCS reference number search landing page
Blog: CWAS3 ITT Window (Now Closed)
The 8-week action plan from the ITT window, plus what's next
Blog: Why CWAS3 Applications Fail
7 common mistakes and how to avoid them
Blog: CWAS3 vs CWAS2
What has changed from the previous framework
Blog: How to Register on CCS ePortal
Step-by-step portal registration guide
Blog: CWAS3 Framework Guide 2026
Complete application guide for UK firms
Need Help With Your CWAS3 Application?
Contact Glaxtons for a same-day consultation. Fixed-price packages from £10,000.