4 June 2025
As part of the ongoing review of the Capital Works Management Framework, Guidance Note 1.6 relating to procurement of Consultants and Guidance Note 1.7 relating to the Standard Conditions of Engagement and Sample Schedules have been reviewed and consolidated into a single guidance note and associated appendices.
The update is driven by the increased complexity of procurement of services required to deliver Value for Money on Exchequer funded projects.
The guidance
- brings additional clarity to the sub-options available within the contract relating to the use of lump sum versus percentage fee contracts.
- incorporates the new inflation adjustment mechanism and provides updated worked examples of payment mechanisms in the Consultancy Services Contract (COE1).
- provides a road map relating to procurement of Consultancy services through the lifecycle of a Project. This highlights that choices made by Contracting Authorities at suitability assessment and tender stage have significant impact during Contract management and need to be carefully considered.
A sample Form of Tender and Schedule (FTS9) is provided as an appendix to the Guidance Note for ease of access.
While the guidance is predominantly focused on the COE1 contract for Technical Services, much of it is useful and applicable to the COE2 contract for Archaeology. The CWMF will publish in due course a note relating specifically to the unique aspects of procurement of archaeology services using the COE2 contract.