PW-CF (Public Works Contract Form)
As Gaeilge: Foirm Conartha Oibreacha Poiblí
Also known as: PW-CF1, PW-CF2, PW-CF3, PW-CF4, PW-CF5, Public Works Contract
Last reviewed April 2026
The standard Irish government construction contracts (PW-CF1–CF5) under the Capital Works Management Framework: fixed-price, non-negotiable.
The suite of standard contracts issued by the Government Construction Contracts Committee (GCCC) under the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF). PW-CF1: building works designed by the employer. PW-CF2: civil engineering works designed by the employer. PW-CF3: building works designed by the contractor (design-and-build). PW-CF4: civil engineering works designed by the contractor. PW-CF5: short form for minor or low-value works. All forms are fixed-price lump sum, allocate significant risk to the contractor (ground conditions, weather, programme, pricing errors), and cannot be negotiated: they apply as issued. Published at constructionprocurement.gov.ie.
In the Tenderwatch data
- Appears in 7 notices captured in the last 12 months on Tenderwatch (as at August 2026).
Sources and legal basis
Primary legislation and official guidance. Always confirm the current text on the source before relying on it.
Open Irish tenders featuring PW-CF (Public Works Contract Form)
Related terms
Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF)
The suite of standard documents (contracts, conditions of engagement, guidance) that all Irish public bodies must use for construction procurement.
Performance Bond
A guarantee from a surety (bank or insurer) that the contractor will complete the works, typically 12.5% of the contract sum on Irish public works.
Liquidated Damages
A pre-agreed daily or weekly sum the contractor pays for late completion: enforceable without proof of actual loss.
Subcontracting
The practice of a main contractor engaging third parties to deliver part of a public contract, regulated under Regulation 71 of S.I. 284/2016.
Retention Money
A percentage of each interim payment held back by the authority to secure rectification of defects, released after substantial completion and again at the end of the defects period.
Defects Liability Period
The period after substantial completion during which the contractor must return to remedy defects at its own cost, typically 12 months on Irish public works.
Framework Agreement
A pre-qualification arrangement where a panel of approved suppliers compete for call-off contracts.