Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is preparing to launch Construction Works and Associated Services 3 (CWAS3), a national public sector construction framework with a potential value of up to £120 billion.

Among the largest frameworks of its kind, it will be directly relevant to Tier 1 contractors delivering public projects across the UK, with significant opportunities for specialist supply chain partners, including those operating in Scotland.

CWAS3 is intended to provide a single, compliant route for public sector clients to procure construction works and related services across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It brings together and replaces several existing CCS arrangements, streamlining routes to market and simplifying access for public bodies and contractors alike.

The framework will be open for use by:

- Central government departments

- Local authorities

- NHS bodies

- Arm's-length organisations

- Other public sector clients

CWAS3 replaces:

- RM6088 Construction Works and Associated Services

- RM6267 Construction Works and Associated Services 2 (CWAS2) / ProCure 23 (P23)

- RM6184 Offsite Construction Solutions

• Scope and types of work

The agreement will cover a broad range of activities, including:

- General building projects

- Civil engineering and infrastructure

- Repairs and maintenance

- Demolition and site preparation

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- Offsite and modular construction

- Manufacture, supply and installation of construction systems

- Professional and technical services

There will be seven lots reflecting different project types and delivery models. The framework is principally aimed at main/principal contractors working directly with public sector clients, with downstream opportunities for SMEs and specialists through supply chains.

• Common Assessment Standard requirement

CCS has confirmed that suppliers bidding for CWAS3 must hold certification to the Common Assessment Standard (CAS), in line with PPN 03/24. According to CCS's published Q&A for the agreement, certification can be obtained from any of Build UK's Recognised Assessment Bodies. CCS will manage supplier data through the Achilles platform; contractors certified by another recognised body will still be able to bid, but must share their data with Achilles at no cost.

The mandating of CAS signals a continued move towards more standardised and robust pre-qualification in public sector construction procurement. Contractors working in Scotland who plan to pursue public sector work—either directly or via Tier 1 supply chains—should ensure their CAS certification is current.

• How buyers will use the framework

CWAS3 is designed to:

- Offer flexible buying routes (direct award or further competition)

- Align with government procurement policy and the Construction Playbook

- Support projects of varied size and delivery approach

- Provide access to standard forms of construction contract

- Pre-qualify suppliers with proven capability

• Key dates and timelines

CCS has extended the timetable to provide bidders with additional preparation time. The current expected milestones 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

• Further information

Contractors interested in CWAS3 and the forthcoming ITT can find details on CCS's agreement page (RM6320): www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/agreements/RM6320. Build UK has also updated the Common Assessment Standard logo to include the registered trademark symbol; certified companies should obtain the appropriate version from their Recognised Assessment Body.

With a UK-wide scope and clear applicability to Scottish public sector projects, CWAS3 represents a major consolidated route to market for principal contractors and their specialist partners, positioning the construction industry for a more consistent, data-driven approach to pre-qualification and procurement.