CWAS 3 Framework Checklist: Essential Documents and Accreditations You Need Before Applying
Get Organised Before the Application Window Opens
The CWAS 3 (Construction Works and Associated Services 3) framework application window is expected to open later in 2026. Contractors who prepare their documentation in advance will have a significant advantage. This checklist ensures you are ready to submit a compliant, high-scoring application the moment the window opens.
Mandatory Company Documents
These documents are non-negotiable. Missing any of them will result in a non-compliant application.
- Certificate of Incorporation from Companies House
- Latest filed accounts (audited if turnover exceeds £10.2m)
- VAT registration certificate
- Tax compliance certificate or confirmation of good standing from HMRC
- Modern Slavery Act statement (if turnover exceeds £36m)
- Gender pay gap report (if more than 250 employees)
Insurance Requirements
CCS frameworks typically require minimum levels of insurance cover. For CWAS 3, expect the following minimums:
- Employers Liability: £10 million (statutory minimum £5m, but frameworks often require more)
- Public Liability: £5 million to £10 million depending on lot
- Professional Indemnity: £2 million to £5 million
- Contractors All Risks: Appropriate to project values in your target lot
Ensure your certificates are current and will remain valid throughout the application assessment period. Expired insurance is an automatic fail.
Health and Safety Accreditations
- SSIP accreditation (at least one of: CHAS, SafeContractor, Constructionline Gold, Acclaim, SMAS)
- ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management (highly recommended)
- CSCS card compliance for all site operatives
- CDM 2015 compliance evidence (Principal Contractor or Principal Designer competence)
- Health and safety policy signed by a director and dated within the last 12 months
- Accident and incident records for the last three years (AFR/AIR statistics)
Quality Management
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification (essential for Lots 2-4)
- Quality policy and procedures documentation
- Inspection and test plans relevant to your work types
- Defect management procedures
Environmental Management
- ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System certification
- Environmental policy statement
- Carbon reduction plan (mandatory for contracts over £5m since PPN 06/21)
- Waste management procedures and SWMP templates
- Net zero commitment with measurable targets
Technical Capability Evidence
- 3-5 detailed case studies of projects completed in the last five years at the relevant scale for your target lot
- Client references with contact details for verification
- Organisational chart showing key personnel and their qualifications
- CVs of key staff including project directors, site managers, and design leads
- Plant and equipment register (owned or access arrangements)
- Supply chain management procedures
Social Value Commitments
Social value now accounts for a minimum 10% of evaluation scoring on government contracts (PPN 06/20). Prepare:
- Social value policy aligned with the Social Value Model themes
- Apprenticeship and training commitments with specific targets
- Local employment and supply chain plans
- Community engagement strategy
- SME subcontracting commitments (government targets 33% of spend with SMEs)
- Environmental sustainability measures beyond compliance
Financial Thresholds by Lot
- Lot 1 (up to £1.5m): Minimum annual turnover approximately £3m
- Lot 2 (£1.5m to £10m): Minimum annual turnover approximately £10m to £20m
- Lot 3 (£10m to £50m): Minimum annual turnover approximately £50m to £100m
- Lot 4 (£50m+): Minimum annual turnover approximately £150m+
These are indicative based on previous CWAS frameworks. Exact thresholds will be confirmed when the formal tender is published.
Timeline for Preparation
- Weeks 1-2: Gap analysis against all checklist items
- Weeks 3-6: Obtain missing accreditations and update policies
- Weeks 7-10: Develop case studies and draft technical responses
- Weeks 11-12: Internal review, quality assurance, and final preparation
How Glaxtons Can Help
Our framework specialists have a 91% success rate on CWAS applications. We provide a comprehensive gap analysis against the full checklist above, then work with you to address every requirement before the application window opens. Contact us for a free CWAS 3 readiness assessment.