MoD’s estate procurement arm DIO sought initial expressions of interest in this framework in 2011, along with another five UK regional frameworks.

But the procurement was halted to await the outcome of Strategic Defence and Security Review and details of the MoD’s rebasing plans.

Now the review has concluded DIO is restarting the roll-out of the new regional estate capital works frameworks.

Steve Rice, Head of the NGEC programme, said: “Defence rebasing is expected to generate significant changes to estate and infrastructure – including on some Scottish military bases – which will generate new construction requirements.

“In these financially challenging times we believe this framework model will maximise value for every pound spent on construction, while ensuring that design and build opportunities remain open for a wider range of national and local businesses.”

DIO will now host an industry day at Redford Barracks, Edinburgh, in April for potential framework contractors and supply chain businesses to provide an overview of UK Defence, the NGEC programme and the scope of the Scotland framework.

The framework, which cover projects up to £12m, in size will be open to firms with a minimum turnover of £18m and experience of project managing construction projects worth over £5m.

DIO has already shortlisted bidders for regional frameworks covering East Midlands and Eastern England and the separate National Framework.

Now four other regional frameworks covering the North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber; the West Midlands and Wales; the South East; and the South West will be released in due course.

Firms have until 12 April to express an interest in the Scottish military estate framework.