The framework will run for six years and cover construction and maintenance work packages across mainly the prison estate, but also national offender institutions and the courts.

Procurement chiefs are looking for just six firms to sign up for the major works deal, significantly fewer firms than the minor work agreement recently let to 47 contractors across the country.

The Ministry of Justice decided to put all its work through a framework to save time and cash around the red tape of having to carry out clearance checks on contractors’ staff and escort arrangements.

Under the agreement firms and staff will be vetted once to avoid duplicate checking on every job.

Framework contractors will also be available for use by other central government departments that have secure accommodation requirements or where high levels of security exist on site.

Expressions of interest should be submitted electronically via Bravo solutions, email: https://justice.bravosolution.co.uk/

Earlier this month the Ministry of Justice selected 47 firms to share in a £200m framework for minor works across the country.

The framework contractors will undertake building and civil engineering projects up to a value of £500,000.