The council is looking at two schemes to put forward to the Environment Agency for funding.
The cheapest is a pressing plan to rebuild and reinforce the sea wall at Scarborough Spa, which is expected to cost around £15m.
But the council also wants an early involvement contractor to look at a more costly “advance the line” project to protect the entire South Bay area, which it is estimated would need £50m.
Firms have until 7 July to request documents and submit PQQs for the design and build jobs.
Scarborough’s battle with the waves does not end there. Experts have suggested a further £162m may need to be spent on various other schemes in the area.
Consultant Royal Haskoning has begun site investigations as part of a three-year feasibility study around the Spa Complex, funded by a £600,000 grant from the Environment Agency.