The Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF), explained
The CWMF is the framework Irish public sector bodies use when they spend public funds on construction projects and related consultancy. It sets the standard contracts, the conditions of engagement, the cost control tools and the guidance. Which contract and which advertising rules apply depends on your contract value and works type, so the calculator below works that out from the current thresholds.
Which threshold applies to your contract?
Enter the estimated value (excluding VAT) and the type of contract. The result is computed from the current EU and Irish national thresholds.
Figures verified 2026-05-29. EU thresholds from the European Commission (2026-2027 biennium), Irish national thresholds from the OGP (Circular 05/2023). Always confirm the current figure and the exact procedure on the official notice before you rely on it.
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The four pillars of the CWMF
The framework is organised into four pillars. This is the structure published on the official framework site, checked on 15 July 2026.
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Pillar 1
Public Works Contracts
The standard forms of contract for building and civil engineering works funded with public money.
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Pillar 2
Standard Conditions of Engagement
The standard terms for engaging construction consultants (for example architects, engineers, quantity surveyors).
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Pillar 3
Cost Planning Control and Suitability Assessment
The tools and templates for planning and controlling project cost and for assessing the suitability of tenderers.
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Pillar 4
Guidance
The guidance notes that explain how to apply the framework across the life of a project.
When the CWMF applies
The CWMF is for public sector bodies spending public funds on construction projects and related consultancy services in Ireland. A private construction contract is not governed by it. Once a project is public works, the framework sets the contract and the process, and the value decides whether the opportunity is advertised nationally on eTenders or EU-wide. Public works reach the national advertising threshold at €200,000 and the EU works threshold at €5,404,000.
Questions bidders ask
What is the CWMF?
The Capital Works Management Framework is the Irish set of standard contracts, conditions of engagement, cost control tools and guidance for public sector bodies spending public funds on construction projects and related consultancy services. It is built on four pillars: Public Works Contracts, Standard Conditions of Engagement, Cost Planning Control and Suitability Assessment, and Guidance.
Which contract form do I use?
The contracting authority selects the form based on the works type and how the design responsibility is split. The standard public works contracts sit in Pillar 1 of the framework. Confirm the exact form on the official framework site and in the notice documents rather than assuming it.
What threshold applies to my contract?
It depends on the value and type. Public works must be advertised nationally on eTenders at or above €200,000, and advertised EU-wide at or above the EU works threshold of €5,404,000. Use the calculator on this page to see the band, the advertising duty and the directive that applies to your value.
Keep going
- Live Irish construction tenders
- Active framework agreements and renewal dates
- Free bid templates and checklists
Sources
- Framework structure and scope: constructionprocurement.gov.ie (checked 15 July 2026).
- EU thresholds: European Commission published thresholds .
- Irish national thresholds: gov.ie Office of Government Procurement .
Threshold figures verified 2026-05-29. The CWMF has been under interim amendment since 2023, so confirm the current contract form and procedure on the official notice before you rely on it.