12 August, 2026
The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation has published advice for contracting authorities on the use of Early Collaboration Contracts. The advice provides an overview of situations where use of early contractor/supply chain engagement may deliver better outcomes.
Although this contractual approach is not currently catered for under the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF), information on how to adopt this approach is available on this website.
Contracting Authorities with projects which may benefit from early contractor/supply chain engagement will require a derogation to use an alternative contract from the Government Contracts Committee for Construction (GCCC). Information and advice on how to proceed is available on link below.
Projects or programmes designated as critical with respect to the Critical Infrastructure Act may follow the alternative procurement provisions set out in Circular 25/2026.