A decision was originally due in December on which projects will go forward under the Priority Schools Building Programme which replaced Building Schools for the Future.
Work-starved contractors were told an announcement was now due in late February.
But that date looks like slipping into spring and possibly beyond as the programme is swamped with bids for funding.
Any delay would have a knock-on effect for the start of contract bids which were due to get underway in April.
One contractor told the Enquirer: “This looks like it will be delayed which is just what the industry doesn’t need at a time when everyone is desperately chasing work.”
Education specialists have already been dealt a blow following government plans to scrap BREEAM ratings for new schools.