The Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control and Automation  framework will be used by main contractors on the job when construction starts in 2015.

The project as a whole will involve 24 construction sites across London.

Work will be split geographically into three main works construction contracts, worth a total of around £1.6bn – west (£300m – £500m), central (£600m – £950m) and east (£500m – £800m).

A pre-qualification questionnaire for the three main construction works contracts was issued at the end of July and Thames Water will be inviting shortlisted contractors to tender between November 2013 and April 2014

Alongside the environmental improvements to the River Thames, the tunnel will create more than 9,000 jobs. Already, around 500 people are working on the project.

The MEICE framework element will run for 10 years and includes an estimated £70m of work.

Interested firms have until 4 October to prequalify by registering at the project procurement portal.