The document provides an overview of the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF), which consists of four pillars that establish best practices for public sector construction projects in Ireland. It summarizes the key components of Pillars 3 and 4, including the introduction of a Project Coordinator role, the new Project Execution Plan, an emphasis on risk and value management, and a series of project reviews. The framework aims to achieve greater cost certainty, value for money and efficient delivery through standardized contracts, engagement conditions, cost planning templates and extensive guidance covering the project lifecycle.

1. Technical Briefing
NUI Galway, Engineering Building, RMJMT Architects
Government Procedures: Davis Langdon PKS Technical Briefing
Capital Works
The Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF)
was published on www.constructionprocurement.gov.ie
in mid-August 2009. The CWMF comprises of 4 Pillars
which underpin the Government Initiative to reform public
Management
sector construction procurement.
Reasons:
Framework
The objective of the initiative is to achieve greater value for
money, cost certainty and more efficient project delivery.
Davis Langdon PKS were commissioned to prepare, in
conjunction with the Department of Finance, a key suite of
these documents.
Challenges:
All Public Sector ManagementPersonnel involved in the
management and delivery of Building and Engineering
Capital Projects must comply with these new best practice
Guidance Notes.

2. Capital Works
Management Framework
This Technical Briefing is aimed at giving an introduction Previously Published Contracts
to the overall structure of the Capital Works Management
There has been guidance note material and industry
Framework (CWMF).
training rolled out in relation to the documentation
contained in Pillars 1 & 2 (Contracts & Conditions of
The Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF)
Engagement). The principle source for the Department
consists of a suite of documents that constitutes the four
of Finance sponsored information is on:
pillars of the Framework.
www.constructionprocurement.gov.ie
Pillar 1 Public Works Contract
A suite of standard forms of construction contracts Substantive New Guidance Notes and Templates
and associated model forms, dispute resolution rules,
The second half of the CWMF (Pillars 3 & 4) has
model invitations to tender, forms of tender and
just recently been published on the above website.
schedules;
Davis Langdon PKS have been directly involved in
Pillar’s 3 and 4 where we were commissioned by
Pillar 2 Conditions of Engagement
the Department of Finance to develop a number of
The standard conditions of engagement for the key Guidance Note documents and to create the
consultants; Cost Planning and Control document templates.
Pillar 3 Cost Planning and Control
Standard templates to record data in an appropriate These key Guidance Notes relate to the critical
way, to enable analysis, future comparison and ease “Planning; Developed” and “Implementation” stages;
of retrieval.
Pillar 4 Guidance Notes Project Management
Extensive guidance notes covering the various
activities in a project delivery lifecycle.
Design Development Process
WORKS Planning and Control of Capital Costs
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3. Project Structure Capital Appraisal Conditions Main Project
There are a number of key new components which are Stage of Engagement Activities
Stages
utilised throughout the Guidance Notes contained in Building
Pillar 4. These are;
1 Planning Stage (i) Make expert appointments
Project Coordinator Initial Feasibility Study (design studies) and appoint
Project Execution Plan Preliminary PSDP (if required)
Report
Risk & Value Management Develop Definitive Project Brief
Project Reviews
Stage (ii) Project Review 1
Design
Project Coordinator
Determine procurement strategy
The formal introduction of a Project Coordinator to the
Project Team Structure is a key development and will have Appoint Design Team
a pivotal role in leading the project.
Design Team assesses output
requirements, constraints, budget
Project Execution Plan
The creation of a Project Execution Plan at the project Project Review 2
outset establishes clear project objectives, references a
2 Planning Outline Sketch Scheme
defined scope of works and puts in place formal team Developed
structures with defined roles and responsibilities.
Project Review 3
This provides a solid footing for the team to manage Developed Sketch Scheme
the project going forward and for the project and team
performance evaluation on completion.
Project Review 4
Risk & Value Management Submit for statutory approval
Risk & Value Management are constant themes
throughout the new Best Practice Procedures and Project Review 5
the CWMF requires that these processes are implemented Stage (iii) Detailed Design
at the various project stages. Tender (not design-and-build)
Project Reviews Project Review 6
A series of defined Red and Amber project reviews Conduct Tender process
have been established with clear procedures as to
the steps to be taken to move to the next stage.
Project Review 7
Red are those that require submission of a report
and Sanctioning Authority approval in writing 3 Implementation Stage (iv) Award contract
prior to proceeding. Construction Administer Contract
Stage (v) Supervise management of
Amber require reporting to and review by the Sponsoring construction process
Handover
Agency who in turn should inform the Sanctioning
Authority. The project can proceed once the 4 Review Manage the Post Project Review
Sanctioning Authority has been informed.
University of Limerick Indoor Pitch Arena

4. Capital Works
Management Framework
Are you involved in Public Sector Capital Projects?
Davis Langdon PKS
Construction Consultants
Contact Information
Are you aware of all the documentation governing the
Capital Works Management Framework?
DLPKS Dublin Office
24 Lower Hatch Street Do you understand your roles and responsibilities and those of other parties
Dublin 2 involved in projects, under the new Capital Works Management Framework?
Phone + 353 1 676 3671 Have you reviewed your processes and procedures to maximise efficiency,
FAX + 353 1 676 3672 project success and compliance with the CWMF?
Email dlpks@dlpks.ie
If you have a requirement for assistance in the adoption of the CWMF please
DLPKS Galway Office
contact Davis Langdon PKS who have a dedicated Public Sector Management
Heritage Hall
Kirwan’s Lane Team. Davis Langdon PKS can work with Sanctioning Authorities and Sponsoring
Galway Agencies to establish sector and project specific CWMF Implementation Plans. In
addition we can offer bespoke training for staff and those charged with the
Phone + 353 91 530 199 implementation of the CWMF.
FAX + 353 91 530 198
Email dlpks@dlpks.ie
Contact:
DLPKS Limerick Office
Tomás Kelly
Mezzanine Suite
Riverpoint
Lower Mallow Street Davis Langdon PKS
Limerick Construction Consultants
Heritage Hall, Kirwan’s Lane
Phone + 353 61 318 870 Galway
FAX + 353 61 317 871
Email dlpks@dlpks.ie Tel + 353 91 530199
Fax + 353 91 530198
Email: tkelly@dlpks.ie
DLPKS Cork Office
Hibernian House
80A South Mall
Cork
Phone + 353 21 422 2800
FAX + 353 21 422 2802
Email dlpks@dlpks.ie
Cork Civic Offices Galway Coach Station