CWMF Review
Significant update to Guidance Note 1.6.3
10 March, 2026
As part of the ongoing review of the Capital Works Management Framework, the Department of Public Expenditure has prepared a revised and updated version of Guidance Note (GN) 1.6.3. This Note relates to the prequalification of consultants using minimum standards for selection criteria, and is relevant for the procurement of:
- Technical consultants (COE1 Contract)
- Archaeologists (COE2 Contract)
- Design Build (Contractors Designer) - using the PW-CF2 and PW-CF4 pre-qualification procedures
The newly published guidance note retains the core material of the previous GN 1.6.3.
Key changes
- Retirement of GN 1.6.1 and GN 1.6.2 – Much of the guidance related to pre-qualification of consultants for the open and restricted procedure was previously migrated to the suitability assessment forms (QC1 and QC2). The updated guidance 1.6.3 incorporates any residual relevant guidance from GN 1.6.1 and GN 1.6.2. This will consolidate the guidance for ease of use.
- Minimum Standards Supply Chain Management and Environmental Management Systems - Guidance has now been added on minimum standards for these selection criteria.
- Health and Safety – The document has been updated to reflect the health and safety review changes previously published.
Guidance Note 1.6.3 can be found here.
