Together the new Public Sector Construction Works framework and ProCure 2020 framework offers a potential work pipeline of more than £30bn.

But contractors will be faced with a scrummage for places on the first of these contests with up to 10 places available on each major regional lot.

NHS Shared Business Services has called up firms to bid for a £10.5bn Public Sector Construction Works framework which is promised to be healthcare-focused but will also apply to other public sector works.

This has been split into five lots covering several regions and value bands.

• Lot 1 – Public Sector and Healthcare: £0m – £2.5m (12 regions) –  10 contractors per region
• Lot 2 – Public Sector and Healthcare: £2.5m – £5m (12 regions) – 10 contractors per region
• Lot 3 – Public Sector: £5m – £15m (12 regions) – 10 contractors per region
• Lot 4 – Public Sector: £15m – £35m (national) – 8 contractors
• Lot 5 – Public Sector: £35m+ (national) – 8 contractors

Firms have until 25 February to submit expressions of interest, with the framework award expected to take place in early May.

Meanwhile, bidding for the prized replacement to ProCure22 will get underway on 13 March.

The existing arrangement with BAM, Galliford Try, Graham, Kier, Interserve, and a Vinci and Sir Robert McAlpine joint venture will come to an end in September.

Dubbed ProCure 2020, the National Framework for Design and Construction in England promises a more targeted programme of works, which have been valued at up to £20bn.

Full details of how many partners will be selected have yet to be announced ahead of bidding.